Well…As you can tell by the lack of posting we have been busy!

We figured with moving we would have lots of downtime (because I knew NO ONE here) but it has been quite the opposite.

Our very friendly neighbors have taken good care of us.  We share backyards with the most wonderful people (Ryan and Kelly & Jodi and Scott).  They have invited us over for dinner, movie night, and lots of play dates.  Ryan continues to mow our lawn because his riding mower can do the job in 15 minutes while our push mower will take 2 hours + (we will be investing in one next spring…probably).  

We came  back to DSM only 5 days after moving to MI to celebrate my cousin Travis and his new wife, Ginny.  It was Hawaiian theme at the Kouri’s.  Steve had decorated his backyard so wonderfully that it felt more like a wedding reception than a shower.  We enjoyed great food and games with my family.  The kids went to Wanda’s for the afternoon to play with friends.  Cooper went to Broc’s 6th Birthday party and had a blast (we are still using the awesome water gun and eating the candy).  It was a visit filled with some family and friends in a very short period of time.  Our next trip back to DSM is Sept. 27th.  We will be going to the Dowling Catholic football game to see Sam Kouri play and going to Iowa City to see Tony Fossum and Amanda get married at Kinnick Stadium.

I am finding it is best to have some visit to look forward to.  It isn’t that I am sad (there really hasn’t been time for that) but Iowa, and most importantly the people there, are incredibly special to us.  This experience is making us all grow and step out of our comfort zones.  I am having to be more outgoing.  Cooper is doing the same and his confidence has flourished (my boy who used to be afraid to go downstairs on his own is now wanting to take short cuts and “meet us there” when walking to the campsite behind our house).  Bella is learning to get along with neighbor girls that treat her like a sister (bossy-she does it right back).  John is working his butt off to prove this move was worth it.

Gramps, Gramy, Cooper and Bella

The visit home the 1st weekend was refreshing but having my family (Mom, Dad, Jenna, Barry, Davis and Krista) come to visit us was beyond exciting.  I felt this was home for the 1st time.  They met some of our new friends and helped with our large yard (Mom is a weed picking fool).  I found it special to spend the whole day  and night together. When we lived in Iowa we were so close we would spend a few hours together, go home and think nothing of it.  Now it is like I am a kid again!  I was also able to fully use my new beautiful and large kitchen to it’s fullest. 

Finding the good during life’s challenges is important.  I am still missing life like it used to be but I feel that this has been a positive move for us.  I have a healthy family, dream home and the ability to spend all my energies on both- I am blessed!