Packing, moving ( a birthday party) and a week in Utah

Saying goodbye to our wards, friends and family in Arizona was really difficult for me.  I LOVE the support system of moms I found in Mesa.  I love knowing so many of my neighbors.  I really am living a very happy time in my life and it is heartbreaking to say goodbye to it.  I had many girls nights, play dates, and activities to fill my time (not to mention packing and cleaning.)   We played Bunco, game nights, and temple nights. We met at the museum, splash pads, swimming pools and out to eat. 

Hallie had a dance class in which she loved learning to dance and also having her friend Mazie with her.

 We went to the local elementary school for lunch frequently.  I met friends there including going with Stacey on this day we went to get a free birthday meal after this. 

 We had so many people come help pack up our moving van.  In the blazing heat no less!  We feel so blessed to have so many friends and neighbors here.  Thank you for your time, strength and energy to help our family!

 I even had some friends come to help me clean cupboard and baseboards while the boys loaded.  We ended the packing with some pizza and a slide down the inflatable water slide.

With a 1/2 hour to get ready for Jackson's party we finished cleaning and locked up the rooms that were done.  Jackson started sliding before any guests came and then with 15 friends he slide the entire time.  I had games planned in case they got bored, but they enjoy the water slide the entire time!

The kids did not want to get out to do presents or cake, but we forced them.  After the party we we hoping to have other friends and neighbors over to say goodbye.  We had several people come and slide.   The people moving into our home came over and got to meet some new neighbors.  I'm glad I know who will be in our home.  they seem like great people.

We were exhausted from a day in the sun, but the work didn't end.  We had to finish cleaning the whole house, packing up all the little things that were left and somehow fit in eating a cold dinner.  Like I said, I was exhausted, but we didn't stop and just got it done.  Stacey and Heath came and helped us for a little while and that was helpful.

We spent the night at my cousin's house and got up really early for Dave to start his LONG drive to Dallas in the moving truck and for me and the kids to get on a flight alone to Utah.  It was an early morning and the kids were tired (and I was even more tired) but we made it to church and I took a long nap after that.

In Utah,
 It was so nice to be at my parents and have no stress or responsibilities ( besides my kids) for a while.  I have had so much going on and so much to do, it was such a great break from that.
My Uncle and his kids came to town and we showed them around the canyon and swam at a hotel in Park City with my Other aunt and Uncle

I got together with some friends from years past and had a funny girls night.  I sure love these ladies who continue to influence and shape me.

We spent a day at the Bean Museum.  Utah weather is gorgeous.  I played raquetball with my parents.  Tom and Bethany came down and we ate Japanese food and our kids got to play.

We spent the 4th of July driving the alpine loop and doing a little hike.  Then we headed to gma Louines for a slip and slide and BBQ.  We let the kids stay up late to see the fireworks.