Recovery

Last spring Eric and I scheduled vacation never knowing just how much we would need it. This weekend we headed to Phoenix for four days. We were invited to come to the Marriott's Canyon Villas to spend a few days and hear a timeshare presentation. This is our third time hearing one of these presentations so we aren't really susceptible to buying a timeshare (not that we are opposed). Last April, we figured that we would just go and have a cheap vacation. We had no idea, after packing up our entire lives, how much we would need the break and how perfectly God would have orchestrated the timing. Here are a few pics from our very restful vacation.

Eric enjoying the scenic five hour drive featuring dirt and cacti.

Audrey also enjoying the drive.

We enjoyed the "Lizard Lagoon" kids pool.

Audrey decided she wanted to wear her sunglasses like Mommy and Daddy,
so cool.

Chasing bunnies with her bunny.

The foliage.

Although all we did was drive, eat, sleep, swim, swim, sleep, eat and drive- we had a great time. And most of all felt really relaxed.

Moving Day

Last Monday we moved out of the Farm. We had a physically and emotionally exhausting day. Here are some pictures of the process.

Packing all our favorite things!

Relaxing the night before in camping chairs in our couch-less living room.

Lidia beating our rugs with a stick like the good Romanian woman that she is.

"Sharps container" boxes everywhere- thanks City of Hope for an endless supply of boxes.

Audrey inspecting the empty truck.

We have so much stuff!

Moving is a lot of work! We thought we would be more relieved when the truck was packed, but we are just now beginning to feel relaxed. I was so wired that I did not even sleep the night after the big day and I've been fighting a cold ever since. Eric and I agree that we don't think we have ever been this exhausted and we're thinking that this journey might only be beginning.

One thing I won't miss...

a DIRTY child.

Goodbye to Peyton

One of my saddest goodbyes was to Peyton, my first and maybe only cat. We found Peyton as a kitten out by our gate when someone threw her over the fence. We did not have the heart to leave her out in the cold. She loved to lay on my belly when I was pregnant, feeling Audrey through the vibrations of the amniotic fluid when she purred. After Audrey was born, Peyton was very jealous. She would wait to make an appearance and seek cuddling after Audrey went to bed. Peyton occupied all of Audrey's spaces- crib, stroller, highchair seat, etc and although Audrey has always been fascinated with her and chased her around the house (she calls her Petoom) Peyton didn't return the love and Audrey got swiped at a dozen or so times. In light of the move, we found a new loving home for Peyton. It is sad, but a good decision for the family. We will miss our beautiful black cat.

A common sight at our front door

Sorry I stole your tail

Apples

My favorite apple pictures of the season... as you can see I am going to miss the farm.