I Guess it is Almost Official

We have finally made a decision. Yes I know miracles are rare and sometimes unfathomable, but one really did happen. We finally decided where to buy a home. We are headed to . . . . Pocatello. Yep, right back to where we came.
For those of you who don't know, we finally sold our home in Pocatello on October 2nd. We were suppose to close on September 6th, but because on incompetence and backed-up paperwork, it took an extra month. We were headed to St. George-bring on those warm winters. We even went down 3 or 4 times to look at dozens of homes and made offers on three of them. Then we started looking everywhere else: Brigham, Willard, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, and Denver. Nothing felt right. Paperwork on short sales was taking way to long (maybe it was a sign from above), but everything pointed back to Pocatello.
We wanted to stay close to family while we could. And why not stay close to wonderful grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends? So we looked in Pocatello a bit (looking at homes got to be a chore by this time) and found one that worked. It is in the same area. Different school and ward, but same stake. Everyone gets there own room (except me-I get to share with Josh :)) and we will have more space.
If we have learned anything from all of this, it is knowing that we have our plan and the Lord has his and somewhere they have to fit together-somehow.
We close the first week of November and will move in soon after. If anyone loves to strip wallpaper and paint, come on over.

Alaina's Birthday

Alaina wanted to get up with the other kids and open her presents before they went to school, so her hair is looking a bit frazzled in the pictures. She is now a big 4-year-old.

A Dora watch from Grandma, just what she had been asking for.

She had to reach clear to the bottom.

She loved her strawberry birthday cake. She even did the sprinkles all by herself if you can't tell.

Riley's first hunt

Riley shot his first birds this fall. They are ruffed grouse. He had a good time, hopefully he doesn't become as addicted as his father. . .

1st day of School

The kids started school in Rockland this year. Madison is in 3rd grade and Riley in 5th. They both like the new school and having Grandma right down the hall. The classes are smaller, but they both are being challenged and are working hard.

8 is Great!!

Madison turned 8 on July 23 and her baptism was on August 1st. She chose to be baptized by her Uncle Richard. It turned out fitting because Josh was the one who baptized Richard. Her dad did the confirmation.

It was a wonderful day with friends and family. We are glad she made this choice.