Happy Birthday to Micah

Micah turned three on July 13th. Being that he is more the quiet introverted type, we decided just to keep it to family members. It was also easier to do that since we were still getting settled in. We went swimming at the Aquaplex which has a great preschool/toddler area with slides and fountains. Since pizza is his favorite food, we went out to eat at Pizza Hut. His whole birthday was Buzz Lightyear themed so Zac made him a cake with Buzz on it. Being that he is particular, we weren't sure if he would notice that Buzz's stripes on his cake were blue instead of purple, but it passed with no trouble. He opened his new scooter and gifts (thanks to family members sending money to buy him something he would like). Now he can cruise with his brother and sister on the back deck! He was very thankful and happy for everything we did on his birthday. There are some pictures in the Photo Album link.

Here's some "Micah-isms" to remember:

• "I want my blue blankie."
• "I want my buzz towel."
• When he gets angry he always adds a "I said" onto it. With angry eyes and a scowling voice, "I said I want a muffin I said."
• "Uhh huh...I did, I did last night." He claims to do a lot of things last night.
• "I want to jump on the whole big trampoline."
• He does not like change at all. If there is a toy in his room that doesn't belong, he whips it out.
• He is the most thankful, saying "thank you mama" for the simplest of things.
• "I don't want you, I want mama."
• When he prays his eyes go into a fast rem stage as he says, "Dear God, hear my heart and all things."
• His favorite song, Jared Anderson's "Oh Lord."
• "Where's my Gavin?"
• "Your a cutie, I just love you."

Our trip to MN

Gavin, Aubri, and I were able to take a much needed trip back to Minnesota. I was missing family and friends so much and couldn't bear not seeing them before we moved. It was hard to leave Micah, but because of finances thought it would be best to give the older two a trip since Micah was able to fly out to Colorado when we looked for houses out there. Zac had to continue to pack the house up while we had fun (sorry honey!). It was Aubri's first trip on a plane and Gavin's first remembered trip. Aubri enjoyed the first fifteen minutes of the plane ride then asked to get off because she was bored. Overall, they both enjoyed it. My mom lent her car out to us to use which helped keep costs down too. We stayed with my sister the first night and she cut our hair and highlighted mine...yahoo for a sister with talent! We were able to make it to my nephew Tegan's first birthday. Zac's mom threw us a little picnic to see family members. I was able to see my grandma Kvale and grandma Juene, which was important since their health has not been well. We stayed at my dad's house a few nights and the kids enjoyed searching for worms, playing games, and helping grandpa make his special malts. We then headed to the cities to stay at our friend Mandy's house and discovered both of her kids had strep. O'well. We had an awesome time letting the kids play, going to the beach, parks, building a campfire etc. We saw a few more friends and family but it was limited since we had been exposed to strep. Aubri ended up getting sick the day we left and was put on antibiotics the day after getting home for strep. I also got strep which put poor Zac in a hard spot trying to pack the moving truck and take care of all of the kids. As usual, God provided with our awesome neighbors stepping up to help with the kids and pack the truck. It was difficult to say goodbye to friends in CO, tears shed, but a new future awaits us here in AZ. Click on the Photo Album to see more pictures from Minnesota.

Our new home in Arizona

I thought I'd write a quick blog to let everyone know that we arrived in Arizona safe and sound a few days ago. We're still in the process of living out of boxes and unpacking, but we're getting closer. The church has been so supportive to help us with our transition. As the truck arrived last Thursday, there were several people from the church helping to unload and also put some furniture together. They also set up meals for us for the first week! This morning, someone's coming to pick up our kids and bring them to a parade in town while Sara and I get some more done around the house. We feel so incredibly blessed to have a church community like this ready to serve.

So far, we're loving our new home and community. I'll post some pictures once we get the house arranged a little bit.

Work basically starts for me on Monday morning as I begin to move my stuff into the church and prepare to take over that following Sunday. I'm very excited for the next season of life!