Hitch a Ride: August 2011

PACKING

Moving is definitely in the top 3 of the most stressful things in my life. Problems with moving = 1) I didn't realize how much stuff we had accumulated over 4 years of being married 2) I didn't realize how difficult it would be to get all that stuff boxed up 3) I seriously underestimated how big of a trailer we needed!! Advice: Always go bigger than what you think! With that being said I was thoroughly impressed with Russell and Sampson's packing skills. There was not one inch of space wasted in the trailer and I only had to leave a few things behind that were easily replaceable. It was really nice because Phoenix and Eva kept themselves occupied while I dealt with the stress of packing the trailer.

Phoenix is scratching her back

MOVING

We had 7 days to get to Tennessee, which is way more than enough time since Sampson and I have made that drive before in 24 hours. Driving with 2 kids at 55 mph is a different story. After 3 days and many episodes of Dora we made it to our new home in Tazewell, TN. Our house is perfect for our family and we couldn't be happier with our neighbors (7 donkeys, 8 sheep, many chickens and roosters, a pony, and a pig)! It is very different than Provo but the hills/mountains are beautiful and green.

Our poor car

Getting Settled

Even though we moved out in June we didn't really start living in our house till almost August. Sampson's family only lives 3 hours away so we have already visited them 3 times. We flew in a twin engine to Texas with Luke and my dad (Sampson flew all the way to San Diego with them) and then flew to San Diego for Houston and Nate's Wedding. It was so great to have a vacation with our whole family there!! I love being by the beach! Houston looked absolutely stunning in her dress and all my hard work sewing the 6 flower girl dresses paid off. Everyone looked great! We ended up having to drive back to TN because of airplane problems. So after A LOT of traveling we made it back just in time for Sampson to start Medical School. Life is crazy and I never see my husband any more, but I have found a new love....The Flea Market. Sampson hates when I go, but I find the funniest stuff there. It is definitely a cultural experience that I simply can't miss!
We had our 4 year anniversary and I can't believe how fast time is flying by. When time is so precious for Sampson I was shocked when he surprised me by taking the family to Gatlinburg for the day. It was so nice to be together as a family. You never realize how precious things are until they aren't around any more. And any time with Sampson right now is a blessing. I am so grateful to be married to such a hard working and dedicated man and have two beautiful children. I am one lucky girl.