We have been in Arizona for 6 weeks now, and it is starting to really feel like home. The first week here I remember looking out the window feeling like a fish out of water. New surroundings, new area, not knowing anyone, not knowing how to get around, still adjusting to having 3 kiddos, etc. Our whole world had been turned upside down, inside and out, and it was all so overwhelming. I'm so grateful to my parents for getting me and the kiddos from Indy to Utah. So grateful for my father-in-law and Cody for getting all our possessions safely to AZ and setting up as much up as possible. I can't tell you how nice it was to arrive to beds with sheets all ready for us to hit the sack. We arrived very late in the evening, and the kids were thrilled to each check out their new rooms all ready to go.
Well after the first week of unpacking and feeling sort of lost, things started to pick up a bit. Jaden started a 2-week summer school program at his new preschool. We met our ward and started to get to know them better at little splash pad outings, baby showers, girls nights, dinner dates, etc. One of my very first friends I made in Indiana moved to Mesa three years ago, and I can't tell you how nice it has been to have her here. She's my little piece of home:)
Arizona is beautiful! It's much greener than I anticipated. There IS grass. Not a lot, but it can thrive if well kept. There are trees! (and palm trees! which screams paradise to me, ha) And even flowers! I really expected to see only cactus and sage brush, so it was all very exciting:)
here's J watering our grass patch
since this photo, we have fixed the sprinklers and it's now long, thick and much greener:)
boy + hose =
yeah... this was bound to happen
here's my little dancing diva at the park
she loves to twirl! i love it:)
covered playgrounds are brilliant!
and quite necessary:)
Our SIL, Kimber, is from the Mesa area and the majority of her family live around here. Her super sweet mom, Cherri, brought the kids a huge bag of balloons to keep them occupied amongst the mountains of moving boxes:) They absolutely loved it!
(notice the pink balloons carefully gathered close to Bri.. she just can't help it;)
Cody started working right away. The kiddos and I made our way over to check out the new office after a couple weeks of settling in. He loves the new job. Better business model, and room to grow and expand. I'm sure proud of this guy.
the kids loved the office too!
the office manager was so sweet with them, she took them straight to the treasure box to pick out some goodies:)
Cody took our van in for some maintenance work and this was the play area for the kiddos. Yeah... awesome! Not to mention... the local grocery store next to the dental office has childcare! FOR FREE! Meaning I can grocery shop with just me and Landon... any time! For reals.. this area knows what young families need.
Arizona is most definitely HOT. It's been in the upper 90s and 100s since the day we arrived. I realize this is the hottest time of the year, and at least the shade does wonders when it's dry heat.
Needless to say, the splash pad has been a hit!
hold on for dear life little Bri
she's totally obsessed with her pink goggles
well all things pink really :)
we've been loving the pool too
Jaden is getting more and more confident in the water.
Brielle has been in a big girl bed since the night we arrived in Arizona. She was not a fan of the pack-n-play while traveling. For real, she avoided it like the plague. Naps were a no-go.
Since her new found freedom, she's back to being my good little napper.
(oh, and we have disabled her light during nap time since this little incident)
Jaden loves his new school! Ms. Tracy rocks!
He is in an advanced pre-kindergarten program made specifically for kids turning 5 this fall.
It's perfect for Jaden. He needed a challenge, but would have been a little too young to start kindergarten this year.
1st day pictures!
in the classroom
snack time
apparently this is where the lefties like to hang ;)
Arizona has been good to us so far. Can't wait to see what life brings as we settle more into our new found home.
