UT->LA

I'm just going to jump right it. Life is full of changes, I think that will be my motto, at least for now. Change is here and coming and gone all at the same time. We finished our didactic year in Peoria, AZ and spent the summer in Nephi, while Rob was in south TX for his 1st rotation. Another post on that to come, if I get the time. ;) And now we are in Louisiana, Monroe LA to be exact. It's been quite the adventure, one that I want to remember. We said bye to our Nielson family in Nephi, yes I did cry (even though I know I'm going to see them again in a few months) and headed to Farmington to spend the night with my parents and to pick up my dad. He willing drove me and the kids to Monroe, yep 2 full days in the car with all of us! He did awesome, the kids did awesome, the trailer behind the van did awesome, you get the idea...awesome trip. We (the kids and I) did 1,203 miles in 33 hours of driving time. It was crazy, we took lots of breaks, filled up the van with gas at pretty much every town, (At one spot I paid $3.29 a gallon and at another $1.99! Talk about a huge difference.) and did our best to eat the 'healthy' snacks I brought along with us (but lets be honest, there was also junk food consumed) We saw new country in New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. It was so much fun to get to visit with my dad and learn more about his growing up years, his family and also his future dreams and plans. I feel like in my adulthood my dad is becoming more of a friend that I enjoy spending time with, and less of a parent/child relationship.
We found out on our trip that Rob's potential last 2 rotations are going to be Dallas, TX and Olympia, WA. So our rotations are TX->LA->WY->TX->WA so if you are looking at that thinking what the heck, so did we. I don't think the school took into consideration that we are a family of 6! We aren't a single man, or even a couple that can pull a 1600 mile trip off in 2 days. Our trips take careful planning, lots of snack, time and patience. They also require a lot of Diet Dr Pepper! :) Just keeping it real. There is definitely part of me that is excited for our adventure, we are going to be all over the country and get to see some pretty amazing places. I have never considered LA as a place of residence, and yet here I am, and I'm loving it. And I have to admit that I am excited for our time in the other states, if that is where we end up going. But at the same time I am a little nervous, that is a lot of driving time and finding furnished places to live is going to be a little tricky, but we are keeping our heads up and I am a firm believer that God is in control of our life and is directing our path. Life has taught me that no matter how many times I decide on a plan, if it's not His plan, it's not going to happen. And that is something I am completely good with, because His plan ALWAYS works out. I'm just sayin. So here are some pictures of our first trip across the country. PS they are all out of order, and my computer isn't letting me move them, so they shall stay the way they are.

our last pic with my dad as we were dropping him off at the airport (also see that cutie in the front seat, yep we are finally living under the same roof and I LOVE IT)

This was my moving crew, you can't see Russ in the trailer, but he showed up at the right time to help load things in and we were supper grateful. The neighborhood kids all showed up and wanted to help, which was nice. It allowed Grandpa Great to observe :)

 

Day 1-pulling out of Nephi

Welcome to Louisiana! Day 3

Welcome to Texas! Day 2

Funny story, we stopped at a gas station/Sonic and since I started out being the only that had to use the restroom I went in, saw the full body mounted tiger and then everyone unloaded (not an easy task) So we snapped our picture, everyone, including potty training Dane, went to the bathroom, we ate a corndog from Sonic and then left. Didn't realize until 30 minutes down the road that we had forgotten to replace Dane's diaper and he pooped in his pants. Supper gross, but now funny enough to laugh about. But seriously, a full body mounted Tiger in a gas station...

The Dansie's have a special place in our hearts! Kandi and Jason treat my kids like they are their own so it was great to get to spend time with them this summer. Kylie loves Ashlyn, so we had to go say our see ya laters before we took off for the next year.

The one hotel we found for cheap was only 2 queens. (Day1 we were at my parents and Day 3 in our new apartment) So Dane cuddled grandpa and Kylie, Max and I shared the other bed :) good memories being made right there!

Our farewell party complete with Grandpa great, GG, Nana and Sparkles the 'summer kitty'

Day 3

How we really felt about day 3 (check out grandpa and Max's face, anyone that knows Max this summer knows that this is how his silly face looks ;))

Day 2! Welcome Grandpa

Londyn loved her time with GG, all the kids really did. This woman is amazing! I'm so grateful we got to spend time with her, and that she loves my kids as much as they love her!

Oh yeah, check out that mini van! Seriously, she was a trooper though.