Moving back to the USA

Two posts in one day!!! Watch out!

We are moving back to the USA!!!! It's weird to type that because I can't really comprehend what that is going to mean. How do I live in that world again? I feel like we have been living in a bubble for the last 4.5 years. In some ways that is so true. I am not sure I want that bubble to pop. But deep in my soul I know it's time. I have been feeling this way for some time. That feeling you get when something needs to change. I kind of dread it because I hate good-byes. In our case the change that comes is always that it's time to move. Tears are in my eyes as I type this just think of March. How do I leave a place that has meant so much to me, to my family? A place that as changed our lives, really transformed us. It's not just Chile that I think of. It's all 3 countries we have lived in South America. It's tears for So. America. But it's time and that time is coming fast. Can someone put the breaks on for a minute? March is our month, we have to be out of our home April 1st, ironic right! By then it will be FIVE YEARS!!!
OK enough tears!! Am I excited YES!!! When I think about going home, yes! When I think about leaving here, NO! We are moving to the Tampa, FL area. I am not sure if I am excited for Tampa or the US, I am just excited. I think Tampa will be great, I am really looking forward to it. I still get to live by the beach and the water will be warm!! SO much change is going to happen. Looking forward to it!

I am not quitting

About 6 months ago I was talking with our senior missionaries here in Chile. I was talking about my blog and how I don't write on it anymore. Sister Bagley said "well it sounds like your time in Brazil you really used it has an outlet and maybe you don't need it anymore." I have been thinking about that lately. For the most part it's true. In BR I used writing as a way to let out and document our lives. It was hard and we were having some unique experiences. But what about Chile. We are having great experiences here too and I am letting them slip through my fingers. There is so much that I wish I have written about but didn't, why? Life seems ALMOST normal here. If it wasn't for the language barrier, yup still not that great with Spanish, maybe we would live here forever. (I am half joking)
Our time here is short and I don't want to give up writing. I'll try to be better for myself.

Looking back: Utah

We spent a good amount of time in Utah doing the not so fun stuff of doctors and dentist yearly stuff. We also had many memorable times. We always try to go to USU and walk around campus with the kids. Talking about how Spencer and I fell in love there. Eating some yummy Aggie ice cream and bread from the campus bakery. 

We visited with some special friends and saw many people who we think so highly of. In these moments I don't think to always get my camera out. One such moment was when Austin received the priesthood! It was such a beautiful day. We were able to go to the Joseph Smith Memorial building and use a room there. I hope he remembers that day always. Everyone there had to travel to witness his ordination but my aunt and uncle who are serving a mission there. The Spirit was strong and witnessed to Austin want he was doing was right.

We stayed close to temple square and took a few days to explore it. We all love that place!

 One of the few shopping trips that is a must stop.

 My dear friend, Amy, who traveled from CO to see me. She was my first friend at the age of 2!

 The timing was perfect to be there with our wonderful friends, Ilene and Jay, when their daughter was blessed. 

 This is after girls camp and Spencer's seminar, our last night in UT. We went to see The Pioneer Day celebrating at the conference center. It was amazing! Thanks to Heidi for the last minute tickets.

The only photo of Austin taken on his special day. Thanks to Sandi for snapping it!

Looking back: North Carolina

Since so much happened in July it gets a few different posts to highlight it. Yes I should of written about this 6 months ago but what do ya do!

We went to Charlotte first to visit my sister and her family. It was so much fun! Janette had plenty of things planned to keep us busy. We were there on Dakota's 14th birthday. She got to celebrate her day by running in her first 5K and having a 2 hour private horse back riding lesson.

The 5K was a huge obstacle course. Since it had an age minute of 13 years I stayed Austin, Madison, and Dillon to watch them run. For the most part we could them do most of the obstacles. Dillon was so inspired by this that he started planning his own course for when we got back to Janette's home. He set it up and made us all participate.
We also had fun swimming, going to Carowinds, eating yummy food, and just relaxing.

Dillon is a pretty funny kid! On our first Sunday we decided to go to church but only to sacrament meeting. My sister and mom, who was also there, are not active. On our way to church we explained to the kids we were not going to go to all 3 hours so we could get back and spend time with our family. Dillon pipes up and with an annoyed voiced said "You can do that!?" You would think he has been tortured going to church for all 3 hours in the past. Poor kid. We all had a good laugh.

Looking back: June 2014

June brought with it a trip home! But before we get to that, we had great expectations moving to Chile about the produce. We know Chile is huge in agriculture. The first time we went to the grocery store we were very disappointed. It took us a while to figure out that you don't buy produce at the grocery store. Every Saturday there is an open market to go buy all the yummy fruits and veggies you want. It's a beautiful sight!  What is amazing is that you can buy strawberries 10 months out of the year here!

Looking back: May 2014

May brought with it a few extra pounds. We learned very quick that Chile offers a lot more American food than Brazil. Unfortunately for my waist line it is all sugar food. I have been reminded moderation in all things. Chile also does have some of the best fruit and vegetables! 

What has been so wonderful is how welcoming the people here are. Kids and adults it doesn't matter, they try so hard to make sure we feel loved. 

We celebrated Spencer's and Dillon's birthdays!!

Christmas came early when the wait was over and our shipment from BR came! AND only 2 things broke. I am good with that. 

Looking back: April 2014

April brought with it saying bye to Brazil and hello to Chile. 

I like to think the moon was smiling at us.

Packing up the house! I really don't like moving but I might like it a lot when the move is back to the US.

Ready to walk out the door. I think we packed pretty good. We only had to wait 7 weeks for the rest of our stuff.  

In Chile! Driving out to our new house. The move could not of gone any better. We have some expert travelers.

 Our house!

Three days after we moved it was my birthday. I kind of love celebrating birthdays. But I figured this year was going to be a low key day and I was fine with that. Well Spencer being the wonderful hubby that he is was not. He put together a party for me. 

 Celebrating Easter! We usually don't dye eggs but this year we thought we would. The kids enjoyed it but we learned not to do it on a table with holes.