Life in New Mexico

 After being with our families, we got back on the road and left for New Mexico. We got there the end of July 2015. We were greeted by this awesome sign with graffiti on it that said, "Welcome to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment." Isn't that view enchanting??

 We of course didn't have any of our belongings, except for what was in our suitcase, so we started our life there with sink baths and laundromat visits.

 We went to a baseball game and both Anderson and Jack ended up with a ball, which they were over the moon about.

 Jonathan took us up to Durango on a little hike with some gorgeous views! The trees and fresh air were good for the soul. It's amazing how quickly you can cross the border of Colorado and the scenery changes so drastically.

 We even saw a huge brown bear right after we got back into our car, thankfully!

 Taylor was distracting the ladies at church with his 8 month old smile. :)

 Our license plates made it official.

 Jack started 2nd grade at Ladera with Mrs. Willard. He ended up making lots of friends in his class and really enjoyed Mrs. Willard.

 On August 19, 2015, our 11th anniversary, our household goods shipment came!! It was the best anniversary present we could have got. It felt like Christmas. Although our house was so tiny that we could hardly fit it all inside, we were still happy to see our stuff after 2 months of living out of suitcases.

 Justin started working at Smiles for Kids. He was really nervous when he first started there because the number of patients he had to see in a day. But he ended up gaining the most valuable experiences there and it helped him to confirm that pediatrics is really what he wanted to do.

 Anderson started at Cate Pre-K. He was so, so excited to start school. His teacher, Mrs. Lillywhite, what so fun and kind to him. He made lots of friends and was a natural leader in his class. 

Family: Part 2

 After we spent time with the Heaton clan, we were lucky enough to then get some time with the Brownell's. They came out to Idaho to support Kevin in graduating from BYU-I with his bachelors. We spent some leisure time at the park in Rexburg, arm wrestling, relaxing and having races.

 We walked aroung on campus at BYU-I. Justin and I were trying to tell our kids how amazing BYU-I is, in hopes that we can brainwash them into going there. We LOVED our experience at BYU-I. We always talk it up and try to convince as many people as we can to go there. It holds a special place in our hearts for sure!

 Kevin did a great job on his big project showcasing Delgado House! It was fun to be able to be there.

 After graduation, we helped Kevin and Whitney move to Jackson, WY. Jackson is so nostalgic for us. We both grew up going there with our families and we love seeing our kids enjoy the same things that we did.

 There's a new sherif in town. :)

 My cousin Rachael got married! 

She looked beautiful as ever and it was a gorgeous day at the Seattle temple.

 We were so excited to see Mrs. Farr at her reception. She was my kindergarten teacher, and Whitney's and Rachael's. She is the sweetest lady on the planet and it's crazy to think that we first met her when I was 5 years old. We love Mrs. Farr!

 Could these babies be any cuter?? Top: Lucy and Taylor

Bottom: Taylor and Taylor :) Or as Finley says, Tay Tay and Taylor

 That's a lot of Brownell's! And it's not even all of them.

 Every time we go to Washington, Mt. Ranier makes my heart happy. That view is good for my soul.

 We spent lots of time just hanging at my mom and dad's. 

We said goodbye to everyone and left for New Mexico. It's never enough time with family. The days always go by so fast and before you know it you're leaving again. But we were so grateful to be in the states and enjoyed seeing our families. Being overseas for two years has made us realize how quickly we take that for granted.

Family!! Part 1

 I'm still a year behind on this blog. BUT...I have every intention of catching up! It might take me a while, but at least I'm making progress. :)

After Hawaii, we had a layover in California, and then went to Utah. We stayed at Stephanie and Adam's house in Mountain Green. I cannot explain how wonderful it felt to be in the states. Technically we were in the states in Hawaii, but we were still on an island in the middle of the ocean. I had lots of anxiety with our move and everything that was going on, and it felt good to my soul to be in Utah, surrounded by mountains, soft grass, and lots of family. Taylor was meeting almost everyone for the first time. It is crazy how little he seems in these pictures! That's what happens when you don't journal until a year later.

I have to include Scott and Denisse in our family post, because they feel like family to us. And those mountains behind us! I'm telling you, it felt good.

 We met up with lots of Heaton cousins for a picnic lunch. Derek and Julianne were in town for their Move Live tour, and it's always fun to see them as well.

 We went to their show, which was super entertaining. It was exciting seeing them up on stage and the huge crowd that came just for them. We're so happy for them that they have been able to be so successful.

 I loved that I got to see Denisse again too!

 After our Utah fun, we piled in the car, with no room to spare, and headed to Idaho to stay at Bob and Denise's house. There, we had more time to relax, play and just enjoy being with family.

 I checked in on Taylor and found him sleeping so cute and perfect. Part of me wishes he was still this little.

 One day was spent at Rexburg Rapids. It's a small water park, but just right for all of the little kids.

 We drove by the Rexburg temple. I love this temple. It's so pretty up on the hill with the gorgeous Idaho skies that never seem to disappoint. 

 After church, we gathered everyone for a few informal family pictures. It seems like it's always such torture for the kids! Why is that?

 Grandma and Grandpa Heaton

 McKenna. I can't say enough about this girl. She loves my kids so much and is the most loving and helpful cousin ever. All of the little kids adore her. She teaches them games, plays with them and is just plain helpful. She's going to make a great mom one day.

 Ugh, there's that baby that I don't even recognize again! I want to squeeze those cheeks and that fluffy baby chick hair is killing me. We love our Taybug.

 And we can't go to Idaho Falls without feeding the ducks by the temple.

It made my heart extremely full to see our kids rekindling their friendships with all of their cousins.