Flying Solo

This week I experienced something that I have not had since before I was married almost seven years ago. I was alone for a whole week. Fisher and the girls went with his mother to visit his brother in Washington. I had to work, so I stayed behind to pack and work.

It was a very productive week. I had to keep myself really busy so I wouldn't get too lonely - I filled my time with working, packing, cleaning, attending meetings and working in the garden. I filled with my ears with headphones - using my MP3 player - I made it through all of April General Conference, lots of NPR and half of the "The Count of Monte Christo." I did take a day off to go hang out with my sisters. Even with all that time I didn't complete everything I would have liked, but I don't wish for more solo time.

I anticipated the arrival of Fisher and the girls all day yesterday; not realizing how much I missed them until sweet Curly opened the door and exclaimed "Mom!" My heart skipped a beat and I rushed to hug her and Lou and Fisher. I am so happy they are home!

Pardon my Plethora (of pictures)

Before the photo show, I would like to say that I am soaking up this rain! I know people are sick of all the rain, but I just keep telling myself to enjoy it while I can...Phoenix gets a whopping eight inches of rain each year (which I guess is better than two). Today we went for a walk and I looked around at the gray sky that makes the green more vibrant, and smelled the delicious floral and rain scented air and just enjoyed it. I am basically trying to soak up everything I won't see for a while - family, friends, Utah mountains, Grandma's garden, Idaho, our cozy apartment, work at the hospital, clouds, flowers, grass... okay I am exaggerating. Phoenix has grass.

On to the pictures. Lou is a master at climbing out of her crib and we have had to employ the same tactics we used with Curly, that is shutting the door and removing all toys from the room. She wanders around until she is tired, then crawls in to bed with Curly... it's very sweet. We made a quick trip to Idaho this week to finish some projects and of course some quality family time.

Rexburg has the coolest (and cheapest) carousel and Curly and Lou love it.

This splash park is right by the Carousel. It was about 70 degrees, but Curly wanted to join the rest of the crazy Idahoans that think that is swimming weather.

We planned a morning outing to Mesa Falls... it turned into an all day outing to the falls, then on to Big Springs, Quake Wake and West Yellowstone.

Looking for fish under the bridge at Big Springs.

We also met up with Lainey's highschool buddies and their spouses. We hadn't seen the Hunts for a couple years. Curly loved playing with their red-headed daughter who shares her same name.

Post-memorial visit to Fisher's Oma's grave.

Way over due - Our pictures from Atlanta
At the zoo with our friends/hosts the Paananens.

Eating Southern Barbeque

Waiting for the Laser and Firework show at Stone Mountain

Trying to warm-up after the Olympic Park Splash Fountain

A crocodile eying Curly at the Georgia Aquarium

Lou's fish face

Who would have thought?

Okay, so life does not always work out the way you plan.... Let's review my criteria for where we want to live -
- within a days drive (less than 10 hours of either Salt Lake or Rexburg)- nope
- Family friendly - yes
- small town feel - some places
- safe - some places
- good schools- see previous two comments
- Not too hot - sizzling in the summer
(though I realize, I am not likely to find this in AZ) - big clue
- Clean air with nice scenery for outdoor activities - some days the air is clean and the scenery is lovely if you like palm trees, cactus, and small mountains

That's right we are headed to PHOENIX - I never would have predicted this, but Fisher found a great clinic that offers almost exactly what he is looking for, so we couldn't say no.

I am happy with our decision. Phoenix is actually much prettier than I remembered, especially in the established places where trees have been planted. And the winter weather is beautiful.

So here we go off to another adventure!

Who said that?

Overheard tonight while helpful Curly was trying to help Lou put her pajamas on at bedtime. In sing song motherese, "Sit down Lou. Sit down. Sit down you rascal!"

Where to live?

We are on the hunt for a job... there are plenty to be had outside of Utah and Idaho, so it's really more a matter of us deciding where to live and Fisher deciding exactly where he wants to work... We are looking at Oregon, Washington, and Arizona and I have just a few criteria for the locations : )
- within a days drive (less than 10 hours of either Salt Lake or Rexburg)
- Family friendly, small town feel, safe, good schools
- Not too hot (though I realize, I am not likely to find this in AZ)
- Clean air with nice scenery for outdoor activities

So - anyone have any suggestions? We are very open to them : )