You guys thought I was never going to post again, didn't you? Well, moving has been intense: new insurance, new car, new drivers lisences, liscence plates, new doctors, new friends, new yard, new walls to paint and the list goes on forever. I feel like we are slowly settling in to our stride, but before get into all that I am going to back track. I just finally uploaded pictures on to our computer and we finally got photoshop so I can resize the images etc. So here is a little recap of our trek West.

We stopped in Hershey Pennsylvania to check out the chocolate factory. Duh.

This is what Nick thought about the animatronic singing cows.

Atlas got to make his own chocolate bar. Sprinkles on the inside, sprinkles on the outside.

We saw a lot of pretty views on our drive.

Grandpa Jon drove the moving truck all by himself, but he let Atlas spruce it up on our pit stops.

We stopped again in St. Louis. We explored the park around the arch and ate at a cafe right on the water. I tired fried pickles for the first time.

And as mentioned before, our wonderful friend's THE HALLS came for a few days. We miss them already.

Moving has been crazy, and there is still so much more to do! We are all exhausted, bug bitten, and trying to adjust to our new home. Our house is the perfect size for us and we love it so much, but the middle of Missouri is not necessarily where I want to live. It's always hard for me to adjust to a new place, but we are hopeful that we will make friends and like it here. We will be here 5 years after all. I haven't gotten into the swing of things yet, and we just got a new computer because our other one finally died. I lost half a months worth of pictures, and haven't taken the time to upload new ones onto the computer, or even take many at all, so this will be a boring all text post.

This weekend is especially hard here on the home front because we are Nick-less. Remember that post about how it broke our hearts, but Bixler was not doing well in RI and we gave him away. We told the shelter that if he even got turned back in to let us know. They are a no-kill shelter, but if a dog gets returned they will put him down or transfer him to another shelter. Well, the new owners turned him back in stating the same problems we had with him. He's a pretty awful dog, but we had him since he was a puppy and love him. When they told us he was back and they didn't think they could readopt him in the city Nick jumped in the car and drove to Rhode Island. He is there now, has Bixler, and is on his long trip back home. We think Bixler will love our big backyard and having space. We will love not having to worry so much about him barking and not having to walk out of our apartment building to take him potty. I am also looking forward to cleaner floors via Bixler eating all the food Cosby spills on the ground, but not dirtier floors via mega shedding. We're all excited, and slightly nervous, but glad to be getting a member of our family back and having better surroundings to care for him in.

Our friends, Ryan and Addy came for a two day visit last week. They are finally back from Swaziland where they were Peace Core volunteers for two years. We had so much fun with them and are very excited that they are both going to be attending University of Cinncinatti. It's still 4 hours away, but that's a lot better than being in another country. There will be many sleepovers in the future.

My Dad, and Nick's parents have come out to help us set up shop. It's been so great to have people here while we settle in. It's helped me with my loneliness/depression that comes with moving for me.
There is still a lot to figure out, like insurance, drivers licenses, getting a new car, etc, and expect to see some before/after shots of all our rooms. I have most the colors picked out, but I am going to start in the living room and it's going to be fantastic. (I hope)

Atlas has struggled a bit with the move. He keeps asking about people in Rhode Island, and Utah. Today we were talking about everyone and he asked me about Grandpa Uncle. I said "who?" He says "You know, that other grandpa that I like. You know, he's old." I realized he was talking about Grandpa Oral, Nick's grandpa. Needless to say he misses everyone and wants you all to come to our house every day. Deal?

Our time in RI is winding down so quickly, and yet, everyday of packing and organzing and blah blah blah is soooooooo long. It was starting to mess with our heads. Even a frozen lemonade wasn't helping. We needed to get out of the house quick!

Maine was our last New England frontier to explore so we took a day trip to Portland Maine (and surrounding cities). We went to the world's crappiest amusement park that Nick and Atlas loved.

Nick was showing Atlas that the log ride wasn't scary by going on it himself. He looked like a dweeb. It was great entertainment for me.

The world'd crappiest amusement park is right on Old Orchard Beach, which was crowded, but cool. We stayed in the shade by staying under the pier, so did the crabs.

It was Cosby's first time liking the ocean. We sure are going to miss the Atlantic.

Portland was about the most adorable city on Earth. We had a great meal, strolled/drove around, went to some stores and just hung out.

Then we went out to Cape Elizabeth which is an old military compound, and explored.

Of course, Atlas also threw some rocks in the ocean.

We knew we were back in RI when we saw this new McDonald's billboard.

Good advice MD's- I will give my wallet a breathah, by movin' outta RI :) It is time. Atlas says lolly instead of sucker, and calls both shopping carts and baby strollers carriages. At least the drinking fountain hasn't turned in to the bubblah just yet. There is still hope.

This is Tim (and Arlo)

This is Kathi.

They are long lost friends who now live in Australia. We haven't seen them for four years or so, so when they told us they were going to be on Martha's Vineyard (which is just a short ferry ride away) and invited us to come stay with them we were ecstatic. Atlas had some little buddies to play with, the beaches and island were beautiful and the company was delightful.

After two short days we rode the ferry back and packed up so that we could leave to Utah the next day.

After many long delays and general airport nonsense we landed in Utah at 3am (5am our time) Wednesday morning and then drove to St. George in the afternoon for a Potter family reunion of sorts.

The reason we went to St. George was to see Nick's grandparents. It was so nice to see them and talk to them. Unfortunately Nick's grandma fell and was in the hospital for half the visit, but she was in good spirits and it was great to be with them.

It was really hot and the sun exhausted us all.

We had a water fight, which mostly just turned into all the boys trying to get Jeremy, although Atlas really wanted to get Tanner.

We stayed in a big condo and it was a blast to be in the same house with all the Potters.

There were cute babies everywhere you looked.

The kids all loved the shallow river/pool in St George.

We saw Starlight Express at Tuacahn and Atlas was super into it. (He was the only one) I loved watching him be so excited by a play. He still won't stop talking about it. I'm really glad we went and brought him along.

Hanging out with the Potter clan is always great. They are super laid back and easy going. It was a nice relaxing trip.

We drove back up to Davis county and stayed at my Dad's house for the next few days. My little brother and his family live next door and we got to go celebrate my niece Sophie's 3rd birthday, cowgirl style.

It was also great to see and spend some time with my mom.

Atlas, Ryan, and my Dad had a serious Lego session.

The 4th of July parade was a bit long, and hot, as always. Atlas got grumpy and we didn't last the whole parade.

All the kids got re-energized once the pool party began.

Cosby and Siera loved riding in the double stroller together on the walk up to the fireworks.

The 4th of July is one of my favorites. It's so much fun to be with family all day. Thanks to my Dad for getting us seats at the parade and the fireworks and for the killer after fireworks firework show. He puts a lot of effort into making the day great.

On the last day of our trip we had a friend party that I didn't take any pictures at because I was too busy actually hanging out with all the awesome people that came to see us. The trips were fun and it was nice to get my brain off of the move. Now that we are home we are back to the never ending checklist of things to do before Missouri!