Getting to Know our Town

We have had a good time getting to know our new town a little better. It is small so it is pretty much impossible for me to get lost, which is quite a relief for me! There is a fun park the kids like to go to that has wooden posts in a pyramid. The kids like to play 'King and Queen of the Castle' on the posts. They spend more time doing that than playing on the equipment. They have had fun playing in the large backyard as well. There is a large cement patch for them to ride their bikes and play basketball on. Sammy and Mary love to be out there and often head out first thing in the morning. We have been able to get all our boxes completely unpacked and all our pictures are on the walls as well. It is so nice to not have any boxes around, have the garage completely unpacked and the cars parked inside. It felt really good to hang the last pictures up today as well. Things are starting to come together.

Joel really enjoys his work. He started on Tuesday and loves it. It is so wonderful to have him so close to home. He has even come home for lunch a couple days this week which has been a fun surprise for the kids even though Mary and Sammy aren't too happy when he has to leave to go back to work!

Next Stop...Lemoore

We woke up pretty early in the morning and were just ready to be on our way. As we finished moving the last minute things into the cars and loading the kids in my emotions got the better of me. I had been trying really hard to keep the tears from falling in front of the kids and as we said our goodbyes to all our wonderful neighbors and close friends the day and night before. As I was making the last sweep through our home to be sure we had everything I couldn't hold the tears back any longer. I have so many wonderful memories of this home and area.

We moved to Manteca over 3 1/2 years ago. It was on Thomas' 4th birthday and Spring was only 17 months old. As we drove away our once small family is now a family of 6 with number 7 arriving shortly. Our children really grew up here. We have all been touched by so many people. I know, without a doubt, that this is exactly where we were meant to be the last 3 years. I know Heavenly Father places us where we are supposed to be for reasons often unknown to us. Looking back I can see many of these reasons but I am sure there are many more I may never know. Wonderful people have touched our lives and helped us grow stronger. So many wonderful blessings, friendships, and memories flooded into my mind as I walked through the home. Joel met me at the garage door as I walked out and just held me knowing that is what I needed at that moment.

I tried to compose myself as I told Thomas and Spring to have fun with Daddy in the moving truck. Then I headed to the van with the Mary and Sammy to follow Joel as we headed to our new home in Lemoore. I was grateful for the quiet time to reflect and remember as we drove to our new home. I know, just as I know we were meant to be in Manteca before, that we are meant to be moving to Lemoore but it is still difficult to say goodbye and move on. I have never been too good at adapting to change but I find myself trying harder now that we have children to help make the adjustment as well.

The kids were so excited to help us move into our new home and choose their bedrooms. We had been here for less than an hour when we had a knock at the front door. It was 2 neighbor kids introducing themselves and welcoming us to the neighborhood. The boy is 9 and his sister is 5. I don't know who was more excited to meet each other....them or our kids! We were able to get a great amount unpacked quickly. We hadn't been here for more than a couple hours when I walked in with a load of boxes to see Spring sitting in the kitchen crying. I asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I already miss Wendy." My heart went out to her as I tried to console her. I held her and we both just cried for a few minutes.

About 20 men from the ward came around 4:00 in the afternoon to help us finish the last of it. I was amazed at how fast it went once they all came. It was incredible. It was wonderful to be greeted by such amazing people. They were all so friendly. Then came the task of unpacking. Thomas and Spring were so excited and they were a huge help, as was Sammy. Mary just puttered around carrying things from one place to another. My goal was to have the kitchen completely unpacked and put together today. We completed this about 7:00 pm and then headed out to get pizza for dinner. We like it here, despite the intense heat. I am sure we will adjust to it at some point!

Packing Up and Moving Out

The time finally came for us to load up our moving van. When we pulled the empty truck into our driveway that morning we became worried that we would fit everything in it. We had reserved the largest truck available. Brandon and Matt helped us load a lot of the boxes and things in that morning. The kids were really excited to help as well and wanted to be there the whole time. After a while I told Kim and Heather I would pay for their lunch if they would take the kids to McDonalds to play for a while so they could have fun but not be underfoot. This was a huge help. Shortly after they came back from McDonalds Kim, Matt, Brandon, and Heather left. Shortly after that Lisa Herrin, our great friend, came to take the kids to her house to play with her kids so we could finish up. Joel and I loaded up the van and the car with all we could of the random things. They were both loaded down as well. That evening some men from the ward graciously came to help us finish loading up. We only had the fridge, couch, mattresses, and random rakes/shovels/etc left to load up. We were really worried we wouldn't fit it all in. There were men holding the mattresses up in the back of the van as others were pulling the door closed but it all fit. Thank goodness for good friends that are so willing to help out. It was a full and busy day. We were so tired but grateful for being able to accomplish all we did that day. It was strange to sleep in the front room floor as a family. Our home was so empty but it was still home to us. The kids kept mentioning how everything echoed inside!

Magic Dan

We enjoyed our last summer library program today. It was the highlight of the summer too, Magic Dan. Thomas' friend, Chase, came with us as well. Sammy just sat on Thomas' lap for the entire show. He was glued to it. It was a very entertaining show and the kids all loved it. As we were leaving the library the kids said goodbye to Ruthanne, the librarian. They were all near tears, including Ruthanne. We have been attending the library for storytimes twice a week for almost 4 years now so the kids now her very well and they have all developed such a wonderful relationship. She gave Thomas and Spring her address so they could write to her. It will be fun to keep in touch with her over the years. We have been so blessed by the library. I love that the library is one of the kids' favorite places to go.

Family Fun

We have been fortunate to have my sister and her husband (Kim & Matt) and my brother and his wife (Brandon & Heather) here to visit for a few days this week. The kids have enjoyed playing games with them, especially with Aunt Kim. She can always be found playing yahtzee and scrabble with Thomas. They love to wrestle with Uncle Brandon. Sammy loves it when Brandon spins him around until he gets so dizzy he can't walk straight. Then he goes right back and asks for more! Spring has had fun playing with her new Polly Pockets with Aunt Kim. In the mornings Mary likes to cuddle with Uncle Brandon on the couch. We were able to go bowling one day together and then they all took the three older ones swimming yesterday afternoon. It has been nice to spend time with them while they have been here.

Happy Birthday Spring

Spring is 5 years old! We celebrated her birthday today instead of yesterday because Joel had to work yesterday and they were going to the football game. For their birthdays we let them choose the meal they want me to cook them for dinner as well as their dessert. She chose crepes for dinner with lots of different toppings. Her favorite thing to put on crepes is lemon juice and powdered sugar. Then for dessert she chose brownies with chocolate chip ice cream. When we were getting the candles lit she asked us to make sure Sammy didn't help her blow out her candles. You see, Sammy loves to blow out candles and helps whether he is asked to or not! She enjoyed opening gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Powell (a new CD player for her bedroom), Aunt Kim and Uncle Matt (polly pockets), and our family (cinderella figurines). She had a fun day playing with everyone and enjoying her special day. We love you, Spring. We are so blessed to have you in our family.

Lightening Football Game

The kids received free tickets to the Stockton Lightning Arena Football game from the library summer reading program. Joel took them to the game tonight. Uncle Matt, Uncle Brandon, and Aunt Heather went with them. Joel really enjoys taking them places and spending special time with them. The kids really enjoyed the game. The arena is rather small so it really doesn't matter where you sit and you have amazing seats. You can see the game so well that it really keeps their attention. It was a fun evening for all of them.

Birthday Flowers from Dad

Joel surprised Spring today by bringing her home flowers for her birthday. She was given flowers from our neighbor one time and she absolutely loved it. Joel decided a few months ago that he wanted to start a tradition with his daughters of giving them flowers on their birthday. I had forgotten about this and was just as surprised as Spring when he came in with the flowers. I wish I had captured the smile on Spring's face as Joel handed her the flowers. She was so happy and felt so special. All our vases are packed so we put them in a canning jar. She always wants to go over and smell her flowers so we had to cut the stems down a little so they wouldn't tip so easily. I am grateful for a husband that loves his children and looks for little ways to show them his love.

Pioneer Celebration

We went to our Stake Pioneer Day Celebration today. There were horse rides and a donkey for the kids to brush. Sammy loved brushing the donkey and it took everything I could think of to get him to stop. Spring was in her glory when she was riding the horse. She just loves all kinds of animals. She didn't stop smiling the entire time she was on the horse. There were also a few different water games for the kids. Thomas loved playing all the games and helping with whatever was needed. Sammy loved getting wet with the water and getting Mary wet. Then we went inside for a short pioneer program and for lunch. Unfortunately, Joel had to work so he wasn't able to attend but we still enjoyed the morning/early afternoon. I am grateful for all the sacrifices of the pioneers so we could have the luxuries we have today that come from the blessings of the gospel.

Package From Grandma & Grandpa

Spring received a birthday package in the mail on Wednesday from Grandma & Grandpa Powell. She was so excited to get mail. That day she also got a card from Aunt Alanna in the mail. She told me, "WOW...I'm getting lots of mail!" She absolutely loves to get mail. She received a cute outfit from Grandma & Grandpa. It is perfect for her and she loves it. The cool thing is that the shirt has a collar on it so she can wear it to school next year (their new school has a modified uniform dress code and all shirts must have a collar). She also got new 'ponies' and clips for her hair that she loves!

And, of course, a package from Grandma wouldn't be complete without something special in it for each of the other kids as well. Mary got a new cute outfit as well; Thomas a new set of Legos that he promptly built; and Sammy a set of construction men to play with. He has been carrying them around with him wherever he has gone the past few days. They also got these fun balloons to blow up and let fly through the air as they whistle and shoot around. All the kids felt so special and loved their new things. Thanks, Grandma!

A Fun Wednesday

We had a fun day today. We played outside a lot this morning before it got too hot. The kids were all playing games together outside with our neighbor's granddaughters. They played 'Red Light-Green Light', 'Mother May I', 'Hide and Seek', and then they built forts outside. They enjoyed a picnic lunch together as well. Mary loves that she can be outside with them and included in what they are doing. Thomas and Spring are so good at keeping an eye on her and helping her keep up with what they are doing. As they played I was able to get some more things checked off my to-do list for moving.

Thomas was invited to go bowling and then swimming with Chase this afternoon. He had a great time. He was so tired when he got home from swimming this evening. In fact when we went to check on the boys tonight while they were reading in bed we found him sound asleep still holding his book up. Joel seized the opportunity and got down right by him and said, "Watch out! The tree is falling." He jumped and looked at Joel and said, "You startled me Dad." Then he told us he was going to turn off his light and go to sleep because he was so tired from swimming all afternoon.

While Thomas was gone I took Spring to get her hair trimmed. There is a beauty school in town that does haircuts for $4. I should have brought my camera to capture the joy she was in while getting her hair cut. They took her in and washed/conditioned her hair before cutting it. You should have seen the smile on her face. She was in her glory. It made me think of the time I had to do that and I climbed in the chair and stuck my head in the sink not knowing how it works! She was so happy to have them trim her hair. She really likes to have special time with me like that especially when she is getting pampered. I think we are in trouble when she gets a little older!

Then we came home and picked up Dad, Sammy, and Mary so we could go to the weekly library program. They had a gentleman and his performing dog. The show was great. He did lots of juggling and tricks and lots of audience participation. Then his dog did lots of fun tricks. Sammy and Spring were so enthralled by the program. Sammy would just laugh and laugh. Mary really enjoyed it too and would stop whatever she was doing when applause started so she could join in and clap as well. I think Spring's favorite part was when she could go up and pet the dog after the show. She really loves animals and wants to be with them as much as she can.

It was a great day together. We got a lot accomplished and had a fun day together. We are really going to miss the library programs here when we move. They do such a wonderful job and there are so many wonderful opportunities for the kids.

A Day at the Races

Our neighbor, Jeff Burrows, races NCMA sprint cars. Our family went today to see him race. When Sammy first set eyes on the cars going around the track as we were walking in, he was mesmerized. He had a huge smile on his face and was so happy. He absolutely loved the afternoon and loved to watch the cars race. Thomas and Spring really enjoyed the races too but I think their favorite part was being with Wendy (Jeff's wife). Wendy is always too kind to our family. She bought the kids corndogs and some souvenirs for the family. We were able to have Jeff autograph them when we got home. We are so glad we were able to see Jeff race. Some of his races are south of here so we are hoping to see him race sometime when he is closer to Lemoore.

Pizza and Ice Cream Party

Our neighbor, Jennifer, invited us to have a pizza and ice cream sundae party for lunch today. She watches her grandsons on Thursday/Friday so the kids always play together. Today was going to be the last time for them to play together before we move. It was so much fun and it was so fun for the kids. We had pizza and then we came outside and set up the slip and slide for the kids to get wet with. After doing that for a while we back inside for ice cream sundaes. The kids were so funny together. They are really cute boys and our kids are going to miss them. It is difficult to continue saying goodbye to so many wonderful friends. We really have been blessed in so many ways with such wonderful people in our lives here. I am hopeful we will be able to stay in touch and visit every once in a while. Although the kids had a great time at the 'party', they were sad when it was time to come home and they had to say goodbye to their friends. I am grateful we could have this opportunity and that we could get some fun pictures of friends.

Bowling with Dad

Dad took the kids bowling this afternoon. The bowling alley has really good rates and coupons for during the day in the middle of the week. Thomas & Spring were so excited to go with just Dad & not the little ones. They all did so well. The first game Thomas and Dad tied with 106 and Spring had 55. The second game Joel had 135, Thomas had 93, and Spring had 97. They came home so happy and excited. It is so fun that they can spend this time with Dad. Joel really enjoyed having this special time with the older kids. I enjoyed the time to pack boxes while the little ones were taking their naps!

Splish Splash

Spring had her birthday party with her friends today. She had a splish splash party which was great with the heat we had. The party included:

Spring, Thomas, Sammy, Mary
Lydia
Dallas
Elise
Mom & Dad
Grandma Biggs
Aunt Emily

They played on the slip and slide for a while. Then we played hot potato with a water balloon. Whoever had the balloon when the music stopped had to pop it on themselves. Then we played water balloon toss and Sammy just liked throwing the water balloon to make it pop...he didn't quite catch the idea of the game. Then we played duck, duck, goose and when they said, "goose" they would pop a balloon on that person's head. We had lunch and then they got in big water fights. It was so much fun for them. They loved just getting wet. Next was the pinata (something Spring has been wanting to have for months). Following the pinata we sang happy birthday to Spring. Instead of a cake we had ice cream sandwiches. Then Spring opened her presents and the kids played in the water some more until they were picked up. It was so fun and so simple. All the kids were just happy to be wet and have fun playing together. Spring kept telling me all day how much she loved her party and how fun everything was.

Week with Grandma & Grandpa

The kids stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Biggs while Joel and I went to Lemoore last month for our house hunting trip. I just got the pictures from their visit and wanted to be sure to add them. They loved making hot-dog boats for dinner (hot dogs split open topped with mashed potatoes and cheese). They went to the Jelly Belly Factory with Aunt Tammy and Grandma. Aunt Tammy and Uncle Ty took them swimming one evening too while Grandma had a meeting at the house. One day Thomas and Spring washed all of Grandma's cupboards. They loved doing this and Grandma said they worked so hard and quickly and did a great job with it. We are grateful the kids were happy and had fun while we were looking for a place to live.

Aunt Emily's Visit

Aunt Emily came to visit this evening with Grandma. They had dinner with us and then we took them to Baskin Robbins for Dollar Scoops. Thomas, Spring, Grandma, and Emily played Scrabble before bed. They are staying the night so they will be here for Spring's birthday party with all of her friends tomorrow. Her party is a little early but we wanted to be sure to have before we moved.

Trying to Beat the Heat

Well, the heat is really on. Yesterday the high was 106 and that is supposed to be the coolest day for the next 5 days. Today it is supposed to get to about 110. It is hot and really smoky from all the wildfires. Thomas had piano lessons this morning in Ripon so we decided to head to the waterpark afterwards so they could play. This park really is so much nicer than the one in town so it was fun to go. Mary became very brave with it today. She got more wet on her own than she ever has before. There was another little girl (about 9 months older than Mary) that was following Mary everywhere and trying to 'mother' her along. Mary really didn't mind but Sammy sure did. He did not like the idea of someone else helping his He-La. Whenever he would see this he would walk over and tell the other girl, "This my He-la." Then he would take Mary's hand and walk away with her.

It was a fun morning to play in the water and on the playground equipment. There is also a big grassy hill that the kids like to roll down. Spring was doing backward rolls all down the hill. Mary thought it looked like fun and tried to do it as well but she just tumbled down the hill backward. She stood up at the bottom with a big smile on her face and proud as can be. It is so great to see the enthusiasm and excitement the older kids get when the little ones try something new. They really are so good with them. Thomas and Spring have decided that we need to do this again for his last 2 lessons before we move. I think that is a great idea.