We've been busy...how 'bout you?

Well, we have had a VERY busy couple of weeks. We're finally starting to feel somewhat settled here in Cali (still weird that we don't live in AZ). We headed to Virginia for a beautiful family wedding (more to come when I'm not so exhausted), celebrated a fabulous Halloween with family in AZ (definitely more to come on this one as well), and have lived to tell about both (quite a feat with 3 little ones and a cross-country trip that was a total of 11 days). It was certainly touch and go at some points of our trip!

*Before I sign off I have to give a shout out to an amazing photographer, Kim at bubsiedesigns.com. Her work is incredible and I would love, love, love to win her give-away!

P.S. Here's a little sneak peak of our trip...

Moving!

Well, the time has come for our little family to say Good-bye to...

and Hello to...
Michael has been commuting to Palm Springs, CA for work since May (4 hour drive). He spent way too many nights alone in a hotel there while we tried to survive as best as we could back home without him.

Needless to say, we were ready to have our family together...whatever the cost may be.

We are excited to embark on this next chapter in our lives and we're thrilled to think of all of the family time we'll be able to experience (something that Grad school and commuting hasn't allowed much of). It has been extremely emotional for us to handle all that we're leaving behind (both of our families, the best ward EVER, friends, perfect preschool for Reese, and on and on), but we know that this is where we need to be. It is a wonderful work opportunity for Michael, but more so, an incredible chance for us to slow down and soak in these precious days with our children, who seem to be growing up way too fast.

My tears are still "on the verge" pretty much 24/7 right now because this whole experience has been way more than I anticipated, but it has allowed so many chances {already!} for me to grow in ways I never expected...and the journey has just begun.

To those HP friends we leave behind...you have no idea how much we love and appreciate you!

To all of our family and friends...we're only 4 hours away...start planning your visits!!!

Bathing Suit Beauty

Little miss Carter took her first dip in our pool. In true Carter fashion, no big reaction...but her siblings LOVED the fact that she was in the pool with us! Love these munchkins.

Sisters

So fun that Carter gets to wear Reese's super cute hand-me-down clothes!

Same dress, same chair...different cute girlies!

Reese...circa 2005

Carter...circa 2009
p.s. Can't believe Carter's hair is still so dark!

Here she is at 3 months old (this week).

Carter-girl

Carter is now 11 weeks and is still super fun! She is pretty dang mellow (thank heavens) and is just as "sweet as sweet can be".

We adore her and especially love her delicious rolls!!!

Check out those thighs!

Happy 4th Birthday Reese!

My sweet little Reese just turned 4 and what kind of party did she want?

princess, of course!

My family came to the rescue (yet again!) and helped me put together such a fun pampering princess party. The girls got their hair, make-up, and nails done. They also got to color princess pictures and dance around. They were in heaven! It was so adorable!!!

Seriously, is the cutest thing ever? My mom (a.k.a. Barbie) is amazing at anything having to do with a party!

Thanks, mom!

Reese and one of her BFFs, Alyssa

Their birthdays are 2 days apart...love it!
All of Reese's friends & fam were so generous. THANK YOU!

Austin, my brother, was such a help wherever he was needed...whether it was escorting the little princesses to the potty, walking with Gage, or keeping up my crazy Cash. THANKS, AUS!!!

Super Aunt, my sister Britt, was an incredible help as well...hair stylist as well as anything else that was needed. Thank you!!!

Reese trying out her new skates (Thanks Bree & Bo!)

Her new bike!!! THANK YOU Papa John and Grandma Sherry!!!

Is it really a surprise she picked out the princess one with all the frilly foo-foo stuff? Gotta love a girly girl!

Our traditional "Fireplace sign pic"

Happy Birthday, sweetheart. We love you so much!!!

Baby Gage

Yea...I have a new nephew! Baby Gage (previously known as "Baby Syrup" by my precious daughter because she thought "Syrup Searles" would be the perfect name for him...thankfully Britt & Brett didn't agree) has arrived! The stats...Born July 18th, 2009...6 lbs. 1 oz (tiniest little thing ever!)...so dang cute! I love his color of hair and his squeal of a cry. So adorable!



I knew it would be emotional for me to see my baby sister become a mom, but I was completely caught off-guard by how tender this whole process has been. Brittany is almost 11 years younger than I am and throughout our lives I have been somewhat of "second mom" to her, much to her chagrin sometimes (sorry babe). I have been so proud to watch her grow up and accomplish so many things (perform well in school, rock club cheer, choose great friends, etc.). When it came time for her to get married, it took me a while to get used to the idea that she was, in fact, "all grown up." I was very relieved to see how much Brett took care of her and knew that all would be well despite how hard it was to think of my little sis as a wifey. I have been so touched to watch Brett & Britt (say that 5 times real fast) grow together and take on the challenges that life has handed them lately. To work on the job as being parents just after they were getting used to life as husband/wife, would be tough to say the least. As their cute family is growing, they are too. Although I still picture Brittany as this tiny thing with the skinniest of legs, who loves dancing goofy with me and shopping together, I am slowly getting used to the real Britt all grown up, who just became a mother herself. Sweet little Gage was ready and rearing to come to this whole mortal experience and we are thrilled to have him here!!! He is darling and I can't wait to spoil him rotten! Congratulations Britt and Brett! I am so proud of you guys and can't wait for our kids to be buds!

Gage Alan Searles