That's a Wrap

We're slowly settling in to our new home. Before I jump into all of the messy and exciting details, I feel like I need to pay tribute to the beautiful chapter of our lives we put behind us.

I've been trying for months to put into words how I feel about leaving our home of seven years.

When we moved in, we only had one baby in tow. We left with four small children.

Every milestone in their lives so far was accomplished in our home. We made lifelong friends. Careers were established. I was pregnant more often than not. New hobbies and talents were developed. Trials were endured. Blessings were celebrated. 

How could I possibly sum up those things in a few paragraphs? I think the pictures through the years express how we are feeling about this end of an era much better than I ever could.

It started out with Blake being surrounded by boxes when we moved in.

And then Nash joined the family.

He was the best trooper through heart surgery.

Three years later, Crew came along.

Seventeen short months later, Finn made us a family of six.

Three of our babies celebrated their blessing days in our home.

We loved having a fenced in yard where countless activities took place.

It was in our home that the love of interesting loveys was born for each child.

1546 machines were built.

Birthdays were celebrated.

Parties were thrown.

Holidays were filled with family and festivities.

These lifelong friends deserve a post of their own. I get a lump in my throat every time I think about not being near them anymore.

Most of our days were completely ordinary and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Just as it began, our move out ended with another baby being surrounded by boxes.

Troy and I never planned on staying in Utah after college. But as we said heart wrenching goodbyes to people and places, we realized more than ever what a blessing these last seven years have been.

Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. 

This "middle" was greater than we ever could have anticipated. It will always be where our family began and where it grew. These walls were filled with love and we will forever cherish the memories we made there.

Moving Announcement

Today is the day.

We're leaving behind everything our small (okay, not so small) family has ever known.

Big adventures lie ahead and only miles separate us from our new life.

Since I waited until the new year to send out annual holiday cards to family and friends, I included business cards with our new address in the envelopes as well.

It was one of those late night projects that I decided to squeeze in when I should have been packing. I made up an address to post it online, of course, but here is the gist of the design.

Here we go, ready or not.

Nash's 5th Birthday

Nash's birthday celebrations were sandwiched into our moving week which meant that there was no official party this year. Our freshly-turned five year old didn't seem to mind one bit, especially because we made up for the lack of Pinterest planning with a one-on-one date to the Nickelcade with dad, an afternoon of indoor bounce houses with friends, a date with Grandma and Grandpa to the dollar movie theater, a preschool spotlight including donuts with mom, and dinner and cupcakes with aunts and uncles. I'd say we pretty much covered all the bases with Nash's advancement in age.

Hands down, the best part of the celebrations was when Nash was opening a few presents from us and his extended family. The chairs from the dining room table were piled in the kitchen because the carpet had been cleaned a few hours earlier. We had the presents lined up on the table and Nash couldn't have cared less about the misplaced furniture and boxes surrounding him. He circled round and round that table and lit up with more excitement and more speed than I have ever seen with each present opened. There was absolutely no question about his enthusiasm level. Each time he tore into a gift, he screeched or exclaimed, "WHAT?" in sheer disbelief.

It is great to be five. 

Announced

Once I finally got our New Year's cards sent to the printer, I realized I had yet to design birth announcements for Finn. I know it's not a must for most, but when you're a graphic designer it kind of falls in the "must" category. I wanted him to have a special announcement like each one of our other boys has had.

He's already four months old and he doesn't even look like this anymore, but what can you do? It's fun to remember a not so distant past...a simple reminder that they grow too quickly.

Nash is Five

Nash's fifth birthday is getting a tad overshadowed by our move that is happening in four days. But we have some big plans to make up for the current lack of celebrations once we arrive in California next week. I don't think he'll be too disappointed.

For now, here are five things I love about Nash:

1. He knows who he is, what he likes and he doesn't make excuses. He'll tell you straight up if he doesn't like something and he is ultra confident in himself.

2. He wants to be "tough guy 36" when he grows up, based off the saying from his favorite t-shirt. He is holding firm to that notion.

3. He keeps the peace with his roommate, Crew. I never hear a peep out of either boy past 8 o'clock which I credit Nash for entirely.

4. He is so low-maintenance. He is currently our child who receives the least amount of attention. It's hard to compete with Blake's homework load and the needs of two babies. But he happily entertains himself and requires little from us.

5. He can switch from roughhousing to snuggling in a matter of seconds. He's fiesty and he's sweet. 

Nash brings a lot of laughter into our family and we adore his personality. Happy 5th, little man.