The Big Move 2018

As soon David matched on January 29th to University of MN we knew our Texas time was winding down and coming to an end. We started to plan our road trip out west so we could see all sorts of family before we settled down in MN for two years with probably very little travel westward. Here's the map of what we pulled off this May/June.

We left TX at 5am on Saturday May 5th my birthday! We drove straight for 14 hours and got to Gilbert, AZ to visit my sister Mandy. Her kids ditched school and we spent our time swimming, cooking and playing. It was a blast!

 Then on our second to last day there I listened to Mandy be noncommittal about paint colors. So before she could say anything more I went to the paint store and brought home two gallons of the color we used on our TX house. David, Mandy and I painted all one afternoon while 13 kids ran around us and the room transformation was awesome and if Mandy doesn't like it she can always blame me.

Here is the Jacobson/Hafen crew minus Hattie. These kids love each other and we were so happy to give them 4 days of quality play time.

Next we headed up to St. George because I knew I wanted to be with my Mom for Mother's Day for the first time since high school (I think!)

Zions

 One day we headed up to Zion's National Park. I hadn't been there since I was a freshman at SUU. Goll, it was stunningly gorgeous. We went up with my parents who were smart and new to avoid having to park at the bottom and take the buses up. We bypassed all the traffic and parked right up at the hotel. Then we took the kids on the first little hike to a waterfall.

 While we were up there a little squirrel came sauntering on up to us. I had all of Hattie's baby puffs in my bag so we fed some to the squirrel who eagerly waiter for more. The kids sat there touched and petted it for a good few minutes. Lots of people stopped to watch and even take pictures and then we headed back down the trail. 

 Well, later as went to the bathroom we saw a million signs that talked about not feeding the animals. It even had a picture of a hand all torn up with scratches saying how feeding the animals was dangerous and a big no no and there would be fines if they caught you. The kids and I all laughed that we had no idea what we were doing was so bad. Good memories and next time we wont feed the animals.

 I love these pictures of David wearing Rachel on his back and holding Scotty.

 The kids were troopers and the scenery was gorgeous. 

One of the kids decided to document us together.

 After a little while I decided I was done taking the kids on trails with drop offs so we found a river to throw rocks in and everyone was happy.

 The boys were matching that day so I had to document it. For being 6 years apart they get along so well and Ashton is so protective of him.

 And Hattie was there too. She is such an easy baby and gets carted around everywhere.

Someday we'll go back to Zions with teenagers and I will remind them the time we fed the squirrel before we knew it was wrong!

Hannah Turns 9

Hannah turned 9 while we were in the middle of our epic road trip this summer and it was Mother's Day. She was a trooper in the middle of it and asked for a locket and ice cream for her birthday. So we got her a locket, jewelry box and some new markers and she was thrilled. Hannah needs emotional attention and for people to connect with but she needs very little "stuff" to keep her happy. I love that about her, she is low maintenance. 

In a new group Hannah is the first to make someone feel comfortable and make a friend. She can make a friend in zero time flat and is getting pretty witty. It's hilarious to hear her grown up sense of humor come out and I wont be shocked if she starts wanting to try her at theater of something fun that will put her on center stage.

 Happy Birthday Hannah girl! Can't wait for 9 more with you at home! Ah saying that makes me scared for how fast time will go!