Highlights of October 2014

We finally arrived in Columbus on October 6th. Matthew went ahead to prepare the house a bit. We had a day or 2 without our furnishings. It is a bit like camping inside.

I worked on getting the kids' final school enrollment finished. They began school on the next Wednesday. This is about when the movers arrived with all our belongings. It was difficult to find where everything could fit. We ended up selling or giving away a few things (the bunk beds :( , the faithful green couch, a TV, and some other misc. things.) Boxes crowded every room. About this time we determined that since we wanted to update the kitchen, it would be better to take care of it at the beginning, before everything was unpacked and put away. I set to work right away getting bids and researching contractors/companies. We eventually settled on a contractor and construction began in November. That is a story for another post. I will detail it in its entirety later.

One of our favorite things about our new home is the spacious yard. The kids love taking rides with Matthew on the riding mower.



We also have loved the beautiful autumn leaves and all the trees in our yard!


On October 17th we headed up to Michigan to visit the Sanchez family for Joshua's baptism and Heleman's mission farewell talk. It is always such a joy to be with Mar and Kelly's family! They are such good friends and examples to us! Grandpa and Grandma Smith were also visiting. BONUS for us!


As a side note, Sterling had taken to "photo Bombing" during this time. Fortunately, we were still able to get lots of good ones with just the intended subjects. :)

And finally, October concluded with Halloween festivities. We were able to enjoy Dublin's annual Spooktacular. There were fun crafts, activities, dancing, and trick or treating. We also attended the Trunk or Treat at the church, a school autumn festival, and went trick or treating with the Fackrells. Isn't it amazing that Matt got moved here only a year after his childhood buddy was moved here for work also? We haven't lived this close since college days at BYU.



Here Christian was roaring.


Unfortunately, Halloween was such a whirlwind, and Matt had to work late, so I didn't manage to get very many good trick or treating photos. The older kids went with Regan, and I took the little ones. Christian really enjoyed being pulled in their wagon, and wanted to stop at each house to take the walk up to the door for treats. He really seemed to understand the fun of the tradition. Sheri was also a great help to me! We love our time with the Fackrells.

Of course, Halloween isn't complete without carving pumpkins.


It was a very Happy Halloween. I am grateful for fun highlights like this, especially during challenging times. Moving can be overwhelming! I am also grateful for church members who have reached out to us in friendship. It is tremendously helpful to know there is a network of people to help you navigate in a new city.

Moving Again

Goodbye soccer teams.


Goodbye streets where we've learned to ride our bikes.


Goodbye teachers.


Goodbye beautiful backyard views.


Our stuff packed up.


We knew that our time in Omaha, Nebraska would be short (2-3 years). In some ways this has made the move to a new place easier. But some things will always be hard. We will miss all the wonderful people that have blessed our lives and enriched our experiences!

We were blessed with kind, friendly, supportive neighbors! They planned an ice cream night with us before we left.



Thank you to the Hares, Aschoffs, McCoys, and Huse families for being great neighbors and friends and for inspiring me with your talents, and positive attitudes!

We also have been so blessed to have the Bacon, Spangler, and Dorius families living so close by, within walking distance. We have loved running over for water games, snowball fights, pumpkin launching, carpools, bar-b-ques, walk dates, game nights, play dates, and cooking club.

Here are pictures from when the Bacons had us over for dessert, with the Jorgensens and Lees, before we left. As you can see, the kids have had lots of fun together!


Here are pictures from our final cooking club. This was the morning that the movers were packing up our things in the moving van. I sure love these girls! I decided to get all of us aprons so that we can remember each other every time we wear them.



Here are a few more pics of some of the wonderful friends we have made here.

I have loved the opportunity to work out with Lei Ann and be inspired and motivated by new ideas! What could be better than exercising with your girl friends?



We admire and look up to the Porwoods for their selfless service, genuine friendship, and positive outlook. They are inspiring and fun! We will miss them!

Sister Peterson and I have grown close through church service. She is in tune with the Spirit and is a constant and true friend. She is very caring and concerned about others. I have been blessed by her insights and counsel! She has a heart of gold!


We will also greatly miss Gina Owens and her family as well as Emily Silvester and her family. Both of these incredible women moved away from Omaha shortly before we did. I guess the silver lining of moves is that we will have friends throughout the country.

Many others have blessed us, too many to count. Thank goodness for Facebook, email, phones, and blogs that help us stay connected!



Moves are full of mixed feelings, sadness that a chapter in our lives is closing and excitement for what the future will bring.

Missing old friends, and hoping for new adventures, we hit the road and headed east.

We stopped in Illinois to enjoy conference weekend with the Owens. We were also able to visit Terry Lewis and her cute girls. There is never enough time to catch up!



We were able to visit Grants Farm while there (Friday Oct 3rd).


We also enjoyed games with friends and sleeping in comfortable beds!


And just when we had the car packed up, and we said our goodbyes . . .


. . .the car wouldn't start! We had the van towed and had the starter replaced again. Luckily it was under warranty from the last time it was replaced! A day later . . .we headed to our new home in Columbus, OH. More on that in the next post.

For now, I just want to express my gratitude for all those who have blessed our lives while we have lived in Omaha. We love you and will miss you! Also, thank you to Matt and Kristen Owen for letting us come to stay!