April 2009- a walk down memory lane

More great memories...

April 1, 2009 we got the keys to our house and were homeowners! We said, "Boy I hope we aren't the April fools getting this house!"

Now we know it was really the perfect low market to buy in and during the summer and last fall the prices began to rise slowly.

Now we had to clean up so we could move into our new home!!! We worked tirelessly and were able to move in after NINE days of working morning to late night!

The kids were with us for the first few days and then Grandma came and saved them and took them to Lake Havasu so that they could play and eat shrimp daily, while we worked like dogs.

We were so thankful to have that time to get things ready and move in.

Here is day one in the living room-

This is nine days later- the change in real life was HUGE- in the picture it's subtle. It went from filthy and grey yucky walls to warm tones and clean!

We decided to move midday on day nine. It was a work day and so there was no one to call to help. But the kids were at Grandma's and Grandpa's and we were heading out for Easter weekend the next morning.

We were so tired that we just wanted to lay down, but we knew the kids would be better off if everything was at least moved. So we got up, grabbed they yellow pages and when out for a burger.

We called and rented a UHAUL. :) We worked for the rest of the day packing up our rental house and slept in our house for the first time!
The end of move in day in the living room!

The living room at the end of April, all situated and finished!

The kids room day one-
The kids room all set up at the end of day nine-
the carpet's clean,
walls painted,
closet and dressers filled
and dark curtains to help them sleep with a south-eastern window in their room.The kitchen at the beginning of day one- Hasn't been remodeled since 1964 and hasn't been cleaned much in the last two!

This the kitchen at the end of day nine. We wanted to get the cabinets stained before the kids came home too (sticky kids fingers and wet stain don't mix!! Also the fumes were gone before the kids came.)

This picture cracks me up!! It shows priorities--- we have NOTHING in the cupboards but cleaning supplies. But I MUST have a radio so I can listen to music while I work and Peter MUST have coffee-- PRIORITIES YOU KNOW!



This is an egg hunt at Nana and Papa's house, during those first few crazy days of work! It was a fun time together- I must have been tired, because this is the best picture that I have of that day- and it's not so great!


There are so many Disney days that I have skipped over--- last year instead of going on a Peter Bunnell family vacation, I BEGGED for Disney passes!!! We were able to go whenever we wanted to and were able to tuck in so many good Disney days or half days--- sometimes we just went for the evening fireworks after running errands! LOVE IT! I will never live in so cal again with out passes!

When I finally get into Disney- after all the driving, parking lot, stroller arranging, security- I step onto Main Street and for me I am instantly on vacation. Walt knew what he was doing.

Sierra's favorite thing about Disneyland- hanging on the chains while we wait in line.

Here is Abby getting Sierra with a great big hug. LOVE IT!
We went to Disneyland with the girls one day during Nana and Tina's Spring Break, just the girls!
The end of ever Disney day looks like this!!! They are wiped out!!!

Easter morning at Grandma's and Grandpa's- later on we dyed eggs too and looked cute in our church clothes, but again, I must have been tired I don't have many good shots!!

I love this picture of Grandma and Weston making Key Lime Pie. Weston had a ball!


On the way to speak at a church, Peter and I divided and conquered. I drove my dad's old red truck up to Santa Clarita and spent the day in Santa Barbara with my dear friend Tiffany. We ate a beautiful lunch together and we stayed there to chat for a long time. It was a fun time together.

Then I drove to meet my family. We spoke at this supporting church about Mongolia and about the importance of family and how we our family works on the field. They wanted us all up on stage- We bet they regretted that!

Sierra wanted the microphone and Weston crawled around with a water bottle the whole time. Let's just say we won't be asked back to speak at any parenting conferences!!! :)

Did I mention we were a little busy in 2009?