Isaac at Age 8

For the first time in almost 10 years of marriage, Ryan and I added a "discretionary funds" section to our budget. It isn't much money, but each of us has a small account that we can spend any way we choose. I have been so excited thinking about what pair of new jeans I might buy. Ryan, on the other hand, saved up two months of funds and then what did he do? He bought the kids a basketball hoop as his very first "discretionary funds" purchase. I wasn't at all surprised.

At 8 years old:

• Our growing boy is a huge Harry Potter fan. He read the first 4 books a year or two ago and then became disinterested (my guess is that the books became too complex), but he picked up the 5th book once we moved to Maine and has been reading nonstop since. I think he finished book 6 in 10 days or something. I told him I would read book 7 with him because it's the only one I've never read, but I don't think I'll be able to keep up with his binge reading. It is fun to see him so interested in books.
• Isaac is fiercely competitive. About everything. Everything is a race, a competition, or a match. Davis is usually his opponent of choice (Maddie refuses) and Isaac always wins. Always. This usually results in tears and frustration from Davis. 
• He set the goal recently to memorize the 13 Articles of Faith as part of his Faith in God program at church. The whole family decided to do it with him. We finished a couple of weeks ago and I must admit that it's pretty cute to hear such young kids say such big words as "paradisaical" and "dictates of our own conscience."
• He remains my most adventurous eater, and even if he doesn't like something I can count on him to eat it, grumbling under his breath, but eating it nevertheless.
• He is taking Karate lessons and very closely resembles Napoleon Dynamite every time he shows me his latest moves. 
• He loves building things with Legos and Snap Circuits, Pokemon, adventuring outside in our backyard, playing basketball with his dad, making videos with my phone (especially the slo-mo kind),and teasing his younger siblings.
• He's not what I would call the sensitive type--he gave me a "coupon book" for mother's day but made it clear that the only reason he did it was because his teacher forced him to (thanks buddy!), but when I was sick the other day, he was genuinely concerned about me and wanted to make sure that it wasn't a tick bite that was making me sick :)
• He is kind, intelligent, and has a big heart. I am proud to be his mother. 

Beautiful Maine

Sunrise over Penobscot Bay.

Camden Harbor.

Foggy sunrise.

Rockland Harbor. If you look really close you can see the Breakwater lighthouse to the right of the light post. We feel pretty lucky to be living in such a beautiful place.

Life in Maine So Far...

It's been over a month since we moved to Maine. I should document the actual move, for no other reason than to deter us from ever moving cross-country again--ha! Let's just say that Nathan does not travel well, and the red eye flight from SLC to JFK were some of the longest hours of my life trying to console a very tired, very angry toddler. Once we made it to Maine, that following day was really difficult. I was completely exhausted and overwhelmed, so naturally, when I saw that the rental we had decided to live in (all online, sight unseen) was equipped with carpet in the bathroom, it was more than I could bare. I think I actually sat down in the hall and started to cry. I am happy to report that after a good night's sleep and a decent meal, I was able to see past the horrible flooring choice for the master bath and see all of the great things about our new home. It really is very charming. 

With Ryan's new job came a new schedule. He works four days a week (10 hours a day), which means that he is off every Wednesday. I love Wednesdays so much. Like, so, so, so much. As in, my favorite day of the week kind of love. While many of our recent Wednesdays have been dedicated to errands (hello DMV!), some have been spent exploring our new town. Above is a picture of the family at the Rockland Breakwater lighthouse. There are supposedly dozens of lighthouses in the midcoast area. 

When we arrived in Maine in late March the snow was still piled high. The kids were thrilled after coming from Arizona and not having a winter. Here is Isaac enjoying the fluffy white stuff right after an April storm. 

The kids have adjusted so well to their new school. It has been the easiest transition for them of any move that we have made. A tender mercy for sure. Since we live in such a small town, most of the children in their class have been together since pre-k (there is only one class in each grade level). Every time I think about how the children in their classes have embraced them and befriended them, I get teary-eyed. I am so grateful for their kindness and inclusion. 

These two are the best of frenemies. Sometimes it seems like they will never stop fighting, but I don't know what they would do without each other. They'll grow out of it, right? (please tell me they will!)

Ryan and the younger boys at another lighthouse in the area. 

We live in such a small town that there in no public garbage pickup (seriously?!!?) I was initially shocked by this but I have since gotten used to it. The kids hate the fact that we have to take our own garbage to the dump AND sort our recycling. Their attitude towards it makes me kind of like it. I feel like I'm teaching them to work by having them sort garbage. I'm sure Davis is giving me some extravagant excuse for why he isn't working in this photo.

These are Belted Galloway cows and they are common here in Maine. I think they are so cute. We spent last Saturday at a local farm where they presented all of the recently born calves. 

Maine doesn't feel like home yet, but it does feel like a great place to raise our family. I hope we will be here a really long time.

We had our very first visitors this past weekend. Our friends from Connecticut spent a few days with us. 8 kids between us--it was crazy and fun and we loved having old friends around.

Spring Trip to Utah

Here are a few pictures from our pit stop trip to Utah in between moves from Arizona to Maine. We were able to spend almost 3 weeks there and it was so nice to soak up some time with family before moving so far away. 

Maddie, Nathan, Davis, and cousin Harper at the Christus statue at Temple Square. Isaac was old enough to see "Music and the Spoken Word" in the actual conference center that morning so he wasn't with us. 

Grandpa Mike knows how to create a memorable afternoon. On two separate occasions he drove the grand kids to 7-11 in his tractor. It's something I'm sure they will never forget.

A unique view of the Salt Lake temple while visiting Grandpa Lynn at work. 

We had the best weather while in Utah and spent many many hours in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard.

Nater and his look alike taking in a view of the city on the top floor of the COB.

We spent a day at the Museum of Natural Curiosity with a bunch of cousins. The kids had a ball. 

A Pi party with the family on March 14th was a must. 

When aunt Sara babysits you, she gives you Fanta and doughnuts--all you can eat. We love Parker!

Did you know that Kneaders bakery marks down their sweets to half price every Saturday at 8pm? We stocked up two separate times on that screamin' deal. My dad is the most fun to go with because he buys just about one of everything. 

Sister Selfies. I'm pretty lucky to have them in my life. 

And just like that, our Utah time was up and we were off to the east coast.

Isaac's Baptism

Months before our move to Maine became a reality, Isaac decided he wanted to get baptized in Utah with his cousin Fischer. Timing ended up working out in such a way that we were able to get our home in Arizona packed up so that we could spend a few weeks in Utah before heading off to Maine. 

 We were able to celebrate this day with all of my siblings and all of Ryan's siblings, some of whom traveled a long way to support Isaac. It was a really special day.

 Isaac and Fischer. These two have such a great relationship. Bestie cousins for sure.

I love my niece's photo bomb in this pic. Here is Isaac with his Great Grandma Ruth.

I can't look at this photo without chuckling. And this was the best shot of several that were taken. 

There is something especially memorable about watching your own child make a choice that you know will bring him joy. I am so grateful for the gospel and for the opportunity that we have to follow in the footsteps of our Savior and make covenants that will help lead us back to our Heavenly Father.