Pioneer Day (and swimming)

We had a really fun Pioneer day this year!  It's very different being in Utah for the holiday, but even more different having it actually seem like a holiday because Preston took work off. In fact, the seminary didn't want anyone working that day.  So, it felt more exciting and special.  We had a big pancake, cinnamon roll, and bacon breakfast while we watched the parade and Preston shared part of a journal entry of one of our ancestors who was part of the founding of SLC.  He was with Brigham Young when he declared "This is the place."  Pretty cool.

Then we went to the fire station because it just so happens that a fire chief is in our ward.  He and his  team gave us a tour of the fire station.  The boys loved it.  Even the grown ones!

During Zander's nap we played some games and then we went to a neighborhood block party and BBQ.  The boys had a blast with the bounce house.  It was a first for Zander.  He has always been too scared to go in the bounce house, so I was proud that he gave it a try anyway.  We also saw Brayden's first and only friend there so he like that.

After driving through the mountains and accross the country, I think how much of a sacrifice the pioneers made. They had to leave everything behind and walk for months only to come to find a desert to try and live in.  I can only imagine the feeling they had as they looked at the mountains they had to climb.  And yet, somehow, I can also imagine the sweet comfort and the extreme anticipation of knowing they were going to have a fresh start on life. I can relate more to the pioneers this year.  I am grateful for their faith and sacrifice.

Brayden said "Mom I smiled SO hard." Haha. Yes you did buddy!

 Like father, like son, like grandson. . .

I thought they were so nice to let the kids get in all the trucks!

Zander couldn't get enough of the bell.  It used to be used before sirens were invented. This was him sneaking over while we took pictures.

The Whole Brown bunch! Well, except Dan.

The ambulance!  The boys were incredible.  After they saw the inside and heard Auntie's ambulance story, they said started talking about Grandy's fall from the ladder because they understood that she should have been in an ambulance.  Which is probably true :)

Again, how awesome that they allowed them to try it all out!

The oldest fire truck there.

Taking HUGE drinks of snow cone :)

 And then today we went swimming! So, here's some of our fun.  I let Zander swim without me in the pool for the first time and he was a champ!  He jumped in the little hot tub that wasn't actually heated a few times and then got in the big pool.  He even wanted to try out the diving board! Until he got up there at least. . . then he had second thoughts and I had to hold his hand to help him.  Man, it's gonna be hard to keep up with this boy! Brayden was a great swimmer as usual too of course! We were at Preston's cousin's house with a bunch of kids, but all bigger than my boys.  They had a blast with other kids!

figuring out tether ball.

In Utah!

We've been in Utah for 2 weeks now!  I feel like there is so much to say right now that it's overwhelming and yet there are so many things that I really probably should be doing instead.  So, I've decided that it's only fair to take a few minutes to give a little info on the past month to give myself a little personal fulfillment.

In my last short post I mentioned the dissertation and house.  Dissertation went well!  The house didn't actually get an offer for another week and we accepted.  Unfortunately, the contract fell through a week ago, so now we're working on that again.  But, all will be well.

There are a lot of great things to say about my life- the move was full of miracles because we made it safely and the boys did AWESOME in the car for the 4 day journey; We are back in Utah where all of my family is for the first time in 4 years; and my mom survived a fall from a poorly placed ladder trying to get to our roof (she had 7 broken bones, 8 stitches in her ankle, 9 staples in her head, and wrist surgery, but she did survive!); and we get to come back "home."  And yet, I'm still missing that home feeling.  I guess it's hard to let myself settle without knowing how long we'll be here.  But, I know I'll enjoy it and already have enjoyed it.  It's just hard leaving Tallahassee because that was our first home for our family and the only place we've ever felt was "ours."  If that makes sense.  But, it still feels right to be here and I an so excited to see what the future brings.

We're in that development phase of finding a routine and getting on schedule right now, but hopefully soon I will find a good time to put up pictures.  There's lots!!

Today is a BIG DAY!!

I know it's been a long time and there are so many pictures to share and experiences as well.  But, let me tell you about all the reasons I believe today will be a great day. First, Preston defends his dissertation in just an hour and a half!!!  Woohoo!  Second, we are going to get an offer on our house!! (as long as they didn't change their minds over night).  Two big reasons that we are excited for the day.  Besides that, we have our play group at someone's pool today, it's beautiful outside and we get to go to some friends to watch the NBA finals. (Mostly that's exciting for the friends from my perspective. :D ).

Anyway, wish us luck!!

More to come soon!

Happiest Places on Earth

We made our final trip to Orlando this week!  It was strange thinking we won't be making that 4 hour journey every month.  Not that the temple isn't enough to keep us going down there, but we've been adding Disney after the temple to make it an extra fun/ extra long trip!  I guess I won't miss having to drive 4 hours to get there, but it's always sad to realize your opportunity is coming to an end.  We love the Orlando temple!  The boys even know their way around and have favorite spots to go.  The fountains are their favorite :)  Plus, our Disney passes have several months left on them.  But it was fun while it lasted!!! 

I couldn't help but take lots of pictures knowing it was my last chance.  So, here they are (probably more for my memories than your enjoyment, but please enjoy!).

Brayden gave Bun Bun a tour of the temple.

Zander got hold of Bun Bun and ran away.  Good thing Brayden's a good sport!

Trying to see in the temple's back "door"

Ahhhh. . . got Bun Bun back.

The nice white rocks around the back fountains

And the palm trees we won't be seeing in Utah

A little lunch

Playing and talking together. Too cute!

SO BIG!!!

Zander snapped this shot.  Haha.

 DISNEY WORLD - Magic Kingdom

 Hidden Mickeys in Small World