Moving...

This month has brought many changes for our family. We knew after Keri graduated that we would move, we just didn't know where! We started looking further inland - near Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernadino and even Corona. We didn't want to live out there, but that's realistically where we could afford. It would also mean John's work commute would triple, and we just didn't want him spending three hours a day in the car. So we widened our search. And he landed a really nice job back in Phoenix! He will be working for Sprouts Farmers Market, but through their architect, Fitch... with plans to bring him on full-time with Sprouts in a year or two. So, the packing began!

We are going to miss this gorgeous view so much. 

Our sunsets have been unreal. 

John and I took a quick trip over to Phoenix to find a rental house. We had a realtor and decided on the northwest area of Phoenix, to be closer to Sprouts corp office. We also helped Kaisha buy and haul a box springs for her bed! That was fun with our tiny Prius!! We really only had one day to look at homes. We liked the first house online, but hated it in person. The second house we hated online, and liked in person! We decided to put in an offer on it, offering $100 less per month than they were asking, but signing a two-year lease. After making that offer, we headed back to Cali, not knowing if we'd even have a house. Luckily, they accepted and everything fell into place once again.

Kennedi's last surfing session! She's going to miss this. 

A few of her friends from our ward threw her a going-away party at Kakazu's home. It was so nice of them to think of her and send her off like that. 

My last walk along the Strand :-( I've loved living here so much. We really tried to not take it for granted. It felt like a permanent vacation for us! 

The Frandsens came over the night before our move to help us load things into the truck. They were going to be gone the following day, but wanted to show support. We truly appreciated them for that. They are such a wonderful family. I had pretty much everything packed and ready to go. On Saturday morning, we had so many helping hands from the ward show up to help us with all the furniture.  

Welcome to Arizona!

July randoms...

Kerianne was able to fly to Catalina Island with Michael and his parents in their plane. 

"Cheeeeeeeese"!!!! 

Comfy little bunkbed! 

Krispy Kreme day - of course we had to go! The line wasn't too long of a wait. 

Sunset from the cliffs by the lighthouse. 

Fierce protector! 

I love how he cuddles right up there on my pillow! 

Is he drunk?!! Or just in serious need of a haircut?!

Keri found these gems at Subway one night while working! The "John" I can understand... but I never ever thought I'd see my name on a Coke bottle!! Miracles DO happen :-)

Girls Camp...

Kennedi had fun at Girls Camp with her friends. This will be the last one for her in California :-(

San Diego Zoo...

We have some big changes coming to our family, so we decided to do something fun with the kids. We took Kam & Kenners to the San Diego Zoo and had such a blast!

Glimpse of the Panda Bear 

Koala Bear in the tree 

That baby!! The Giraffes were a highlight. 

The highlight of our trip was stopping at Biggie's Burgers in San Clemente, of course! It's such a hole in the wall, but seriously the best burgers we've ever had! 

June randoms...

Kennedi surfing with her crew! 

The crew! 

I absolutely LOVE June Gloom! 

Ker & Michael choosing their college courses. 

Sexy in Mom's boots! 

Our sunsets never get old! 

I signed up for and attended a beach workout with Jen! She and I were right up there on the front row, so I had a good view of Autumn! It was super hot but I survived! 

Last Patriarchal Blessing...

Kennedi was able to receive her Patriarchal Blessing from her Great-Grandpa Joel while we were in Utah. It has been so special for all of our kids to have received their blessings from him. John and I, along with Grandma Jill, were able to sit in - what a beautiful blessing it was.

Touring BYU-Idaho campus...

The kids and I took a trip up to Idaho to tour the BYU-Idaho campus. Kerianne and Michael will be heading there this fall! We spent some time in Tooele with family, and took Lori along with us for the tour.

We absolutely loved the campus - why didn't I take more pictures? John flew up to be with us for a few days, and then we all drove back home.

 

We made a stop in Provo at Bridal Veil Falls. It was SO hot! Even Boi was struggling and just wanted to lay down in the creek!! We ran into my cousin Courtney Bergen while walking by the falls - it was so nice to chat with her and catch up.

Good times with Lawrence family...

We were so fortunate to have Lori & Miles and their boys stay with us for the graduation festivities. We had SO much fun with them! We always do! The boys loved swimming in the pool and hot tub. 

Kam & Grant! 

We also visited the California Science Center and saw the Space Shuttle Endeavor. They really loved walking around and learning about all of the different shuttles and flights. 

  

Always a fun time! 

Redondo Beach Pier 

One of our favorite days was spent at our beach!! 

Such a fun family! The boys loved playing in the sand. 

My favorite pic of Scotty, Grant and Collin! 

On Sunday they came to Sacrament Meeting with us to see their niece Vivi, who is serving her mission in Los Angeles, and our ward is her first area! They delivered a gift from Grandma Geri.