Home sweet home...at least for now

We are finally back in IN after a few weeks away. We had an amazing time and enjoyed some much needed rest. Brian and I took our fist vacation away from Halle. It was great to relax, but we missed her like crazy. We went on a cruise, which was a lot of fun for us both. We went to 3 islands in the Bahamas, and loved every minute. Here are a few pics...









For now we are packing up the house and getting ready for the big move. We officially take off on June 30. Brian is busy getting a lot of studying done before we leave. Hallle seems like she is getting bigger each day. Yesterday she said the word, "book" and now says it all day long. She'd rather read than do anything else. She carries books around and will bring them to you. We put her big girl carseat in the car and we can't believe how grown up she is. We love every minute.

Halle is one!!

Halle turned one yesterday! We've had a great time in Chicago celebrating her birthday. Here's a look at our time in Chicago with both families...







And the big party...







And Memorial Day...

















Yes, she totally ate corn on the cob! And the last few, my friend took- she's a photographer, the last one is my fav!
Brian and I head out on vacation on Sunday and then we'll head back to IN. It's been so nice to get away and do see our families and friends. I can't believe that my little girl is already one years old!

In Transition...

Well, Sunday was our last day at the church. They gave us a great farewell. We're kind of in a weird in-between state right now. We're leaving today for a few weeks for vacation and celebrating Halle's 1st Birthday!! All 3 of us are on antibiotics for sinus infections- fun, fun! When we come back we'll packing up- well Brian will be studying, I'll be packing and saying our final goodbyes. We will pull out for KY on June 30! So we'll be seeing ya'll real soon! Off to Chicago!

Brother Bear!

This weekend, my brother, Quinn came for a visit. We're really excited because he will be moving to KY too! He got a job at Asbury College which is right across the street from the seminary. We can't wait to spend this next year with him. It will be great to have family so close. And, he is the best uncle in the world. He loves Halle so much and is so great with her.

Here's a shirt Quinn brought that he wore when he was a baby!






And a picnic at the park...

Cookie monster

This is Halle enjoying a cookie last week from my great friend who wanted to buy her a cookie. Thanks Aunt Kris! As you can see, she thoroughly enjoyed it.

This Weekend's Festivities...

Brian is turned the big 3-0 this weekend! Yes, I had to share my first Mother's Day with him, or he had to share his 30th with me! We really spent the whole weekend celebrating. I took him out for his birthday dinner on Friday night, Saturday we had a big birthday cookout for him, and Sunday we spent the day with some family and relaxing. It's a pretty big milestone for him and it was fun celebrating his life together!






Here's what Halle did all night...





Mostly ate rocks- silly girl!



On another note, we pretty much sold our house. So many prayers have been answered to get us to that point. It didn't play out exactly how we would have hoped financially, but we are thankful to have sold it and hopefully we'll close in the next week or so. Here's me removing the sign from our yard!



And a little entertainment...

A game of tag

Apparently there is such a thing as "blog tag." Yep and who would have thought that I would be tagged. Thank you Keetha. :) So I'm participating- here's what I have to do...

Four Jobs I've Held

1. Babysitter- mostly for a family of 4, I practically raised their children. Learned a lot about mothering

2. Salon receptionist- at a very ritzy salon where I grew up- dealt with a lot of classy people

3. Jo-Ann Fabrics- I wanted to die bc I had to work there for like 2 months to make money. I was thoroughly embarrassed to hang out with fabric all day. But really it wasn't too bad. And I can successfully navigate through a fabric store now.

4. Waitress- best way to make money. Lots of work, but lots of fun!


Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over

1. Little Women- always gets me in the Christmas spirit
2. Willow- need I say more?
3. The Notebook- great for a good cry
4. Diary of a Mad Blackwoman- funny and deep



Four Places I've Lived

1. Naperville, IL- from 4-18
2. Holland, MI- Hope College- woo-hoo!
3. Grand Haven, MI- post college-marriage
4. Marion, IN- or Mar Vegas as some call it



Four TV Shows I Like

1. America's Next Top Model
2. The Bachelor
3. The Hills
4. The Biggest Loser


Four Favorite Foods

1. Chicago Style Pizza!
2. Mexican- chicken enchiladas in flour tortillas
3. Chicken Kiev's
4. Brownies


Four Places I'd Like to Be

1. Strolling in downtown Holland, MI
2. Beaching it or boating in Grand Haven, MI
3. Gazing at the mountains in Colorado
4. Watching the stars with my husband anywhere!



Four People I Tag

I will not tag anyone- not because I'm not into games, but because I don't really have anyone to tag!!

So there you have it!

And here's my favorite picture of the week..

Halle's first Zoo trip

On Thursday, Halle and I went with a bunch of other moms and kids to the Ft. Wayne Zoo. I think the trip was definitely more for me, than for Halle. I was so disappointed that she hardly noticed the huge sea lion staring right at her, or the orangutan in front of her. Nope, she just did not appreciate the caliber of animals she was able to see. I say this all jokingly- I realize how little she is. But it was a fun trip to hang out with friends and walk around on a nice day. We even took a log ride on a little river, which you can see- Halle was not in the mood for smiling.







And after a long day, she was fast asleep...




And for fun, here's more of our walker. I promise I won't paste any more videos of her walking, but it's just so cute!