Across the Country

Moving.  I don't think I'm ready to do it again anytime soon.  I'm very grateful we went with the we-pack-the-trailer-they-move-it-across-the-country moving company.  It was so nice just to drive in our car and be comfy.  This allowed us to do more of a vacation as we go move which was so much fun.  We went to Mt. Rushmore on our way out.  It was pretty cool to see in person and I'm glad we did it while we had the chance.  I don't think we'll make that trip again.

(We also tried to go to Crazy Horse, but they wanted more money than what it cost to go to Mt. Rushmore.  So this is the best picture we have.)

We also stopped at the Mitchell Corn Palace.  Everything is made of corn.  All the pictures, the signs, the colors, all made with corn.  

We broke up our 4 days in the car with a stay in Minnesota with Brad's family.  In true Packer fashion, plans were made and changed at the last moment so that all 4 Packer boys were together in Minnesota.  This has not happened in many, many years.  Also in Packer fashion, a family picture was put together (with matching outfits non-the-less) within 24 hrs.  More pictures to follow of our adorable nieces and nephews in their own post (including 2 newborns, yeah, we're that lucky.)

We were a bit sad to leave Minnesota and head onto our final leg of the trip.  It was a little crazy with the brake problems we were having in Chicago which led to a 45 minute detour driving through the city.  We were glad to see the sign for Indiana saying we had officially left Chicago.

(I tried to get pictures of the state signs, but 90% of them were either half a sign or blurry.  These are the ones that actually made it.)

So after 2,358 miles and 33 hours in the car we made it to Philadelphia.  There is so much to be said about our experience in Philadelphia so far.  First, Todo, we aren't in Kansas anymore.  It's so different living "downtown" in a major city.  Some of it's good, some of it's different, and some of it's going to take some getting used to.  But that's for another day.

Lately

I've been pretty bad about updating the blog.  I can't say the forcast looks any better since we are moving to Philadelphia in 3 days!  But before I forget, this is what we've been up to lately.

• My last week of working at Head Start.  During my last week we went to a ropes course for a team building activity.  That's my kind of fun.  After my years in gymnastics I've lost my fear of doing these sort of things.  Zipline, rock climbing, giant swing?  No problem.  Having to say goodbye?  Not so easy.  I've made so many wonderful friends and have absolutely LOVED my job.

• Right after my job ended, we went to see Uncle David and Aunt Colleen in Idaho with Zack and Karen.  So much fun!  Pics to follow.

• Immediately following our trip to Idaho, we left for Moab.  Just the two of us.  Pics also in the line up for editing.

• Lots and lots of packing.  Luckily we've had our back bedroom to put all of our boxes in.
• Good times with family and friends before we leave.  It's been so much fun to see everyone one last time before we go.
• This includes my amazing friend Shelley.  I've needed a haircut and color badly, but my mom has been so busy.  Shelley gave me a great haircut.  I love it.  Thanks Shelley!
• We got a GPS.  Finally!  I've wanted one with my job for my home visits, but we just got one.  It's super cool.  Voice commands and hands free calling through the GPS.  I know you are jealous.
• Family pictures.  In between my parents trip to Alaska, our trips to Idaho and Moab, my mom being Girl's Camp director AND doing the Weeblos Scout Camp, we've put it off to the last minute.  However, we did pull it off.  Don't we look great?

Bonfire

Over the weekend we went for a little bonfire with our friends Holly and Wayne up Hobble Creek Canyon.  We made tinfoil dinners and banana boats.  The food was delicious and the company was great!  Thanks for going with us!

Adrianne's Graduation

Adrianne graduated high school this week!  She is amazing!  Not only did Adrianne graduate with her high school diploma, but she got her dental assisting license as well.  Way to go Gia!

Adrianne receiving her diploma and Shanda giving her the the most delicious smelling plumeria lei.

We actually had 3 cousins graduating that night from the same high school.  Congratulations to Jasmine, Hannah, and Ajsha!

Sad Day

Since we are moving to Philadelphia, we needed to get rid of one car.

Do you think Brad was going to drive anywhere in a Bug named "Peppy"?

I've loved having my little car.  Brad, not so much.  It's a girly car.  So, we made the decision to get rid of my car.

My little car sold yesterday to a mom and dad buying it for the 16 year olds birthday.  I'm glad this girl will be really excited for this car, but still, I will miss my little car.

 (My mom wanted a picture of me hugging my car when I was 18.  I don't remember why.)

Easter Traditions

Every year, we dye Easter Eggs.  Here are the ones from this year.

Yes, that's a snowman

Froggie

There is another Easter tradition we participated in.  The Hinckley's (family friends from Minnesota who now live in Utah) have a giant Easter Egg Hunt every year.  Janet and I picked up Ella for the fun.  Ella didn't care much to look for eggs, but the bounce house and swinging with Grandma were a hit.  Who wouldn't want to spend a whole afternoon with this sweet girl?

Birthamagrad Day

By some trick of the University, the Men's Chorus was asked to sing at commencement.  Elder Scott asked for them.  So Brad had to go to graduation.

If you're singing at your own graduation, you'll have your family come.

And if you have your family come, then you might as well go to convocation as well.

And if you go to convocation, you'll have to get pictures of everyone.

And after pictures, they'll want to have dinner at a nice restaurant.

And after dinner, you'll want to celebrate Brad's birthday since it's only a week away.

And since it Brad's birthamagrad day, we'll eat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake.

It was actually a very nice to have everyone come to celebrate Brad's graduation.  We loved having everyone there to celebrate with us.  And it wasn't as bad as Brad thought.