Aubrey just told me she had a terrific day. What an answer to prayer! I think it's the first "terrific" day since the move. I know there are LOTS of bumps left in the road, but maybe we're finally approaching something like a normal life again. Moving stinks, in case you didn't realize that. Luke asked me the other day how many days you have to live in a house before it feels like home. Of course there are lot of positive things that have happened over the past two months. Maybe the best thing I've noticed is how much better my kids are at playing with each other. It has definitely made us draw closer as a family. We all depended on friends a lot in Syracuse, and suddenly we realize our best friends are family! Anyway, a terrific day for my preteen girl is something to celebrate.

and the dining room.......

And the dining room is finished as well. The pictures are a little hard to tell color on, but it looks great! The first picture is before (white walls) and the others are after pictures. Hopefully you could tell anyway....

Aubrey's room

Finally, I finished the painting in Aubrey's room. I think I did my own step aerobics class at home this morning - each letter required getting off the stool and getting back up. It was fun though, and she'll be excited when she gets home from school. Here's a few pictures:

First Day of School!

After kindergarten is over. Their theme is "Leaping" into kindergarten - thus the frog hat. He rides the skateboard bus as you can tell by his nametag. He had a super day. He was so excited when he got off the bus - he just ran as fast as he could to hug me and tell me all about it!

Jackson in his classroom. Note the slumped shoulders - I think he was a little nervous at this point!

First day of KINDERGARTEN!!!

Aubrey getting a comforting hug from Dad. She is pretty apprehensive.

Luke's "cool" pose

4008 Old Salem

Kitchen

Family room

Aubrey's room - the Coke wallpaper will be the first to go!

Backyard

Front view

Moving........

Don't you wish you were here to help?? I'm starting to wonder if it's going to fit in the semi.

The bathroom Jerry just finished remodeling. It's beautiful. Sniff.

Our Syracuse house.

Vacation at Rainbow Lake

Playing in the very cold Arkansas River. It's a lot warmer (and a lot muddier) here at Syracuse!

Jerry flyfishing on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista.

Inside of the cabin as we get ready to leave :(

Our cabin - "Top of the Stairs". It had a beautiful view of the lake.

The hikers after a hike around the lake. It took longer than they thought!

Aubrey and Jackson are feeding the ducks. There were several mamas and babies around. We also saw a doe along the far side of the lake - we took a rowboat out and got pretty close to her. Luke was more of a fisherman than the other two. No bites though.