Catch Up #2

Alright...here's the next catch up post. Lots of pics. Things are going good here. Aaron started his residency, we are still working on the house, and having fun.

Moving Trucks...Goodbye's...Windu...

We had a bunch of stuff in Utah still that we somehow needed to get here. Cody and Nate (Aaron's bro's) were both so sweet to help us out! Check out this fancy contraption that Nate created to get everything to fit! He was so nice to help get a truck and take the time to do this all. And Cody...was such a stud to drive it all the way from Utah to Texas and then fly back home the next morning! We appreciate it more than they know.

I LOVE my mom! She is so sweet. She ended up staying in Iowa longer, sacrificing all her other commitments, and helped finish up the packing/cleaning and DROVE with me to Texas! She will never know how appreciative I am of this. I was pretty nervous to drive by myself with the two girls. It was a blast and is something I will always remember.




Hallie loved trying out the moving truck. She thought it was pretty dang cool and was super bummed when she realized that we didn't get to keep it and she'd have to go back to driving in our little car.

While we were packing up the moving truck some of Hallie's friends stopped by to say goodbye. They had a good time.

Hallie and Tommy

Peyton, Hallie, Tommy, Caroline, Rocco




My sweet little Peyton. It was getting crunch time to get the heck out of our place and Peyton was into everything. So I finally had to just put her in a room with some toys and shut the door. I could here her playing and having a good time (yes, I checked on her frequently :)). All the sudden it got quiet and this is what I found. She totally crashed and took a little nap. So cute.

And we can't forget sweet Gayla (or "Windu" as she would say)!!! ha ha. I love this picture. Does it show how sick of packing we were getting. Gayla and my mom stayed and helped us pack up our house! They were so so so much help. There's no way we could've done it all without them. Hallie and Peyton loved having them here and of course, LOVED being spoiled by them.

We also celebrated my Mom's birthday while in Iowa. It was fun to have her here. We went swimming at their hotel and the girls had a blast.

My last final Monday night sitting on this wonderful comfy couch watching our TV shows, eating a bazillion treats,and hangin with these chickas. SOOOOO SAD!

CONGRATS DOCTOR O'BRIEN

AARON GRADUATED!!!!!! As of May 15, Aaron is officially DOCTOR O’BRIEN!!! Seriously, I am just so proud of him. He is too humble to ever talk good of himself, but I can say, that he really has worked so hard for this. Graduation was a fun day. It was also my birthday which made for the best birthday present ever. Aaron’s mom came (we missed Bill due to illness) and my parents, brother and sisters came too. It was so nice to be able to celebrate with family. We really appreciate their sacrifice they each took to come celebrate with us. Hallie was adorable. She kept telling people, “Guess What! My daddy is gonna be a doctor!” And she was constantly saying, “Good job Dad!”

I love this picture. Hallie was so proud of her Daddy. She was looking everywhere for him, waiting so patiently to find him after graduation. When she spotted him, she ran so fast to give him a big hug and tell him good job. She's Daddy's little girl.

The great supporters! Thanks so much for coming! It meant so much to us.

This is what Hallie did during the graduation ceremony.

And so I don't forget this cute conversation...
The next day Hallie got hurt. She and Aaron had the following conversation:

Hallie: "I got a owie. A need a bandade."

Aaron: "Okay. How about you let Grandma put it on."

Hallie: "No...YOU! You's the doctor!"

Congrats Grad Family Party

We had a celebration party with some med students and all our families who had come for graduation. It was lots of fun! Wish I took more pics of everyone. Here's what I have:

Hallie and Sam

My sisters thought it would be fun to match! (ha ha. For their peace of mind, NO they did not plan it :))

Andrea and Kadia (We miss you guys!)

One last Chicago Trip

Before we moved, we took one last trip to Chicago. We stayed with Chelsey and Jared and met up with my family. We missed Jordan though. It was lots of fun! Except I think we warmed out our welcome when I let Hallie jump on Chelsey’s air mattress and we woke up with it flat :). We had fun eating out, going to the Field Museum, the Aquarium, Millenium park and SHOPPING! It's sad knowing that we're not that close to Chels anymore. Luckily Jared's from Texas :). Come back soon!!!

All kids LOVE Dustin. Seriously! He is so cute with them and I love him.

My tired blue eyed babe

Glad to see Natalie relaxing!! She left all her kids but Kate at home and I was so glad she was able to come and get a little break.

American Girl Store

Grandma Robin took Hallie to the American Girl store. She absolutely loved it. My mom told her to pick something out and she was pretty adomant about getting pj's for her "baby Peyton" and a bouncer. Thanks mom!

These aren't the best quality pictures, but I had to post them. Peyton was so funny when she saw this baby in the display case. She was trying so hard to get it. And then threw the biggest fit when we pulled her away.

Fire Up Big Team

What would Father's Day be without a tribute to my wonderful Dad. I respect and admire my dad in so many ways. I don't really know how to put into words how great he really is.

Here's just a few things I LOVE about my dad:

• GREAT EXAMPLE. He has always been a strong father figure. I admire this even more knowing that he didn't have that growing up. He broke the cycle in his family and has led a great life he should be proud of.


• SO supportive. He is always there rooting me on regardless of what it is. Dance recitals(that's saying alot if you know what they were like :) Think 3 days straight, 3+ hours each), cheer performances, half-times, track meets, birthdays, high school dances (he's got "the look" down), holiday's, etc.


• SO FUN! Whether it's being woken up to every birthday to him shaking you and dancing/singing "They Say It's Your Birthday", hearing "Fire Up Big Team, Fire Up" (inside joke :)), some sweet headstands or other crazy stunts/poses, rocking out in the car, he always can make any situation fun.


• THE MOST patient person I know! Thanks to Mom on that one. I think she helped mold that trait :).


• Has a huge soft heart. I LOVE it.


• His cute little quiet laugh he does before he's about to tell a joke or something he finds funny.


• His love that he shows to his Mom.


• The many trips he's taken our family on. What great memories we've made throughout the years.
  
• Shows so many Acts of love. He is always thinking of others and has a quiet way of going about doing it. This would also explain why every time I go home, I find a huge container of chocolate covered raisins, DDP and all my other sweet tooth favorites.


• His phone calls just because. I think every time I get off the phone when he calls I say to OB, "I love when my dad calls just to say hi.".


• The ultimate photographer/videographer. Growing up, we would get so mad that he wanted another picture or that he was bringing the video camera along. And now I can't thank him enough for all the wonderful memories. He gave all us kids a set of Home Video DVD's from our entire life and it is something I will always treasure. My Dad is the man behind the camera of my life. This is for sure where I get my love of photography. I now understand why he does it.


• His support, sacrifice, patience and love he's given to my mom and grandparents as they lived with us for 17 years. He never complained and was so sweet to them.


• So many of his traits/hobbies have rubbed off on me. I find myself doing things everyday and thinking, "I am SO my dad!" What a lucky girl I am.
  

I love you Dad!

This Father's Day has been especially hard because we don't have Grandpa with us this year. He was a wonderful person and also shaped alot of who I am. Looking through all my pictures to find one of my dad, I can't help but bawl as I see just as many as my Grandpa too. Ahhh. I miss him. I am also thinking of my mom today. He loved her so much and thought the world of her. I know this is a hard day. Love you mom!

And of course: Happy Father's Day to my adorable husband. He is an amazing Dad. I couldn't ask for a better father to our children. I love that he is always SO excited to see the girls when he comes home and listens patiently as Hallie spits out a bazillion things she's been waiting to tell him. I love that he shares his hobbies with them already and doesn't wait until they're older. He takes them camping, hiking, biking, and lots more. I love that he takes the time to explain and teach things to Hallie. Rather than simply taking the easy way out and saying NO or doing things for her, he explains the reason why to everything and takes the time to teach her and talk with her until she gets it. He plays princess, babysits "Baby Peyton", plays store, house and doctor, gets up early with them and lets me sleep in, sings every word to the Dora song and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song, etc etc. I could go on. Hallie is Daddy's little girl and her and Peyton love their daddy! Thanks babe for being a great dad.

DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS

I vow never to let my Driver's License expire EVER again!!!! What a day. Texas takes their saying, "Don't Mess With Texas" pretty seriously. Holy Cow! So...here's the quick version of the story.

It's a week before we move. My license expires. I tell Aaron that I will just wait until we get to Texas to get a license because I don't want an Iowa license. Aaron tells me that I should just go get it. I still don't go get it. Now..here in Texas...I get pulled over. Get a big ticket and now need a new license. I look online and had to chuckle a little bit when their motto says big and bold "DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS". I stopped chuckling after I kept reading. I had to freakin take the written and driving test again! I was sweatin bullets. Luckily after some studious studying, waiting at the dang DMV for 3 1/2 hours, and taking the tests (I PASSED!!! HOORAY!!!), I finally have a Texas license. What will my beloved picture look like? Can't wait to find out. Probably a crusty on my face, chia pet hair from the hot humidity and sweaty smelly place, and a greasy shiny forhead from the disgusting eye exam I had to put my face on. SWEET!

Lesson learned! That's for sure.

CATCH UP #1

I have a LOT of catching up to do. Rather than trying to sit down and do it all at once, I will break it up. So...here's catch up #1. Starting with the oldest and working my way to the newest (next 4 posts). More to come...

Farewell to RS Gals

(Chelsea, me, Heidi, Kristi)

I had the opportunity to serve with these girls in the Relief Society Presidency and am so thankful for their friendship and example they have been . Chelsea hosted a "Cafe Rio" night before we left and it was fun to get together with all the families. They have each been so sweet and I cherish their friendships and things I've learned from them.

Heidi took this picture at one of our meetings a long time ago and it makes me laugh just thinking about that day. Here's how she quotes it: (Hope you don't care Heidi :))

When 4 young moms can somewhat successfully carry out a 1 hour and 15 minute Relief Society presidency meeting all while managing 3 two year olds, 1 one year old, 1 four month old, 1 two month old, and 1 two week old, during which time one of us got peed on, one nursed her baby, and among us we changed 6 poopy diapers . . . . then YES, anything can happen.Here we are . . . thoroughly entertained by the sheer chaos of our callings. :o)



When we first got this calling, we all had one child. Eventually one by one, we all announced to each other that we were expecting another (Chelsea is yet to have hers still :)). I will miss these girls SO much. Having our weekly "get togethers", our bazillion emails back and forth, late night chats, helpful common sense tips for Heather, and lots of laughs are just a small portion of things I'll miss.

Garage Sale Fun

Aren't we lookin pretty?

The "Hamptons at Coral Ridge" had quite the sale!!! Me and some friends were all moving around the same time and so we decided to have a garage sale. It was SO fun and we had a pretty dang good turnout. It was so fun to sit back and see what people bought. SERIOUSLY! You'd be surprised. The night before, we sat in my garage and priced stuff and I don't think I had laughed that hard in a long time. Sarah had brought me to tears as she modeled her coveted shoulder pad bedazzled denim teaching dresses! Love them! Sad to think that someone will be purchasing them at the GoodWill. (Sarah, if I still lived there, I would retrieve them! They'd look great here in Texas :)) With this and Craigslist, I made some good money. Can't wait to get new couches!

Hallie's Preschool Friends

Hallie joined two different preschools with some friends and had such a good time. They had a little party at the end and it was great. Hallie looked so forward to going every week and it was nice to get a little break too. Can you tell that she HATES to get her picture taken?

One last Iowa Get Together

Before we moved we had one last get together with some friends. We went out to Kent State Park and BBQ, kayaked, biked, had campfire w/ smores,etc. It was so fun. They have all become our little family out in Iowa.


The Patterson's

Kate has the magic touch. She full on got Peyton to sleep just holding her. That doesn't ever happen! She is so sweet to always take Peyton and pretty much babysit her every time we go somewhere.

Can't forget little "Wookie"! Poor Tucker fell in the lake. He's so adorable.

What I’ve learned the past 2 weeks:

If the first thing that greets you to the neighborhood is a big black hairy bum crack and a smile with no teeth, it can only go uphill from there.

I love power tools!

The local Valero gas station has halfy-hour every day from 11-4 and you can get half price on your fountain drinks (yes..I have already located the nearest one).

I LOVE having a backyard. Hallie and Peyton love it too and think it's so fun to go swimming everyday.

• I may change my opinion about how I hate Walmart so much after shopping at this one.


• It is going to take me all 5 years of living here to figure out how to get anywhere.


• I heart COSTCO!


• Texans are VERY nice people.


• My friends in Iowa (..Sarah R..Sarah S..Candice.. Andrea..just to name a few. You all know who you are..) have made me such a scaredy cat and now have my husband calling me neurotic.


• Our air conditioning went out and we have been living in a 91 degree house for 5 days! When working in close proximity to your husband, deodorant is a necessity for him to wear! (I found that out the hard way.)


• Aaron lost his 3rd wedding ring!!! Seriously! With a really neat story, he did end up finding it.


• Texas cops aren't nice. I lost my track record of getting pulled over and always being able to talk my way out of a ticket. After getting lost on my way to Lowe's and getting stuck in traffic for an hour, I got my first speeding ticket! $191 baby! Sweet! On a positive note, the cop didn't realize my license is expired.


• Texas is no Iowa or Utah. As is any new place, it will take some time to adjust, but I’m sure we will end up loving it.

And on a side note, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my sweet husband tomorrow. 6 years baby! I can't believe it! I am one lucky girl!

Work in Progress

We made it to Texas! And finally have internet! I felt so lost without TV and Internet! I have become the ultimate worst blogger. So much has happened and I don’t even know where to begin. But…on a positive note, if we ever get settled here I will probably become the ultimate BEST blogger because I will be a lone duck. Don’t worry! I finally got my DVR back after three LONG years of waiting. So I am set! Ha ha.
I have so many different emotions going through this little head of mine. I will choose the positive thoughts to write about and keep those other ones to myself and those few lucky select who get to hear me whine :).
I will write in more detail soon. But to give you an idea of what our lives are like right now…
Here’s our cute little home:

It's so weird to say "MY" house. I don't feel old enough to have one. Aaron said, "Are you serious? I felt old enough a LONG time ago.". It's so fun. I have a doorbell! How fun! I rang it the first time we walked in the house and Hallie says all scared, "Mommy! What was that?" ha ha. And now when I ring it for fun, she says, "Mommy, please don't do that."

Here’s a few pics of what it looked like when we moved in (add filth everywhere though. I swear they hadn’t cleaned in a year! I was so mad!)…

This isn't a good pic of the BRIGHT YELLOW Walls. They for sure loved color. Everyroom seems to be a different color. Too bad I'm a neutral gal!

And here’s what we are living in as we speak…


It’s been a little difficult trying to live in the same place we are doing some major renovating. Add 2 kids on top of that. And add Peyton who has cut her first 4 teeth all at once and decided she wanted to start WALKING! She just turned 10 months a few days ago and she is on fire! I will try to post some video. Hopefully soon, we will have an end to this destruction and be able to not be living out of boxes. We are BUSY AT WORK. I know I always say this but...LOTS more to come REALLY SOON! I promise! To all you Iowa peeps, I MISS YOU! San Antonio is no Iowa City! It is complete opposite. I have all these pics I'll post, but will save for another day. I'm too emotional:).