It's Time

We moved on Memorial Weekend:

While waiting for a bigger truck, Greg, David and Clayton entertained us. I didn't know Greg was so good (on guitar). David is a composer - and incredible musician - we will all see his name in lights someday (on ukelele) and Clayton - of course is amazing! This was the moment when it all came crashing in on me. I finally realized we were leaving and I became very sad. I don't know what it is about music that gets me all sentimental. I had to keep working though - even during the breaks. The Bunnell in me couldn't stop to enjoy it for long.

We had the best helpers

Thanks again to everyone who helped: Cheree and Hailey for taking the kids. David and Greg for giving their day helping pack the truck. The Lantzes, the Cavins - all of you were SO patient and hard-working.

Spent a day in the new van! (thanks Mom for entertaining the kids)

A few movies helped too (thanks to the Cavins!)

Enjoyed our rest stops.Although it wasn't very far into the trip, we had to stop in Fillmore - our favorite!

Arrived to a house full of boxes. (thanks Clay for emptying the entire ginormous U-haul ALONE!)

Did I mention he drove the huge U-haul alone?

Met the roommates:

cockroach on the patio
tiny ants in the cupboard
hissing beetle in my shirt
dead rat on the lawn

Set up home (thanks Mom for your decorating and organizing skills!)


Enjoyed the playground (thanks Mom!)

Also enjoyed the box the playground came in

Had a nice time in our new ward:

First Sunday at church we sang, "Hope of Israel" accompanied by the organ AND piano. I knew we would be o.k. when I started singing. It was SO loud and and joyful. The pianist doesn't even use a hymnal. She is a professional jazz pianist - famous in these parts. She plays in a "bar" on Sunday evenings too. Anyone's invited to go!

Made the mistake of driving into L.A.

Twice - Once to check out the temple and Santa Monica beach. And once to drop my Mom off at the airport. Both events took literally 3 hours longer than intended. *note to all travelers* Please use the Burbank airport if you are coming. Or, we'll call a taxi to get you to LAX.


Went to Zuma Beach:

The beach made up for missing the annual Snake River trip with my family. They had rain and a little snow and only one frigid run down the river. I love California!

They were so excited, yet so afraid!

Sarah spent her first beach experience with me. She had had a fever for a few days.

His favorite place. And all the parks in Burbank have sand. So he spends his time lying around at the parks too. Just washed more sand out of his hair tonight.

All transitions take time, so I am giving myself a little here and there. The kids are adjusting. Eliza seems to like it. William is taking longer, but a schedule is really helping. Now that Sarah isn't sick, she seems to be happy.

Clayton and Nickelodeon are getting along well. New jobs are tough, but he is trying to keep his head above water for now.

We've met some very kind friends and very interesting neighbors.

We're still experiencing sticker shock.

But yesterday I had another confirmation that we would be alright. I feel blessed and happy and I miss EVERYTHING that is familiar.

I'm in love with the view from the window.
In the kitchen.
Above the sink!
(Sometimes even non-essential desires in prayers are answered)

The next chapter...

Clayton starts work in June! We will be moving to Burbank, CA - or somewhere around the area. He will work on a new show as a character TD (the guy who makes the 3D character move so the animators can move it).

Excited, nervous, stressed (California is so EXPENSIVE).

Has anyone lived in the LA area? Any tips on where not to live? I found some pretty cheap places in Compton or Inglewood, but Clayton enlightened me on the non-family-friendly feel of those neighborhoods.

We are mostly grateful that Clayton got a job and we can't wait to find out what is in store for us.

The Sweetest Sound

Sarah's first swing.

Prayer

There was a mix up the other day as to who would pick up Eliza from school.

I got to the school about 20 minutes late. She was sitting on a bench by the office. All I saw were her feet. Then she leaned forward, saw me, and came running down the hall.

"I was just about to cry, but then I saw you."

Later that afternoon, Eliza was explaining to Clayton was happened. She told him that she followed a teacher to the office and watched for us out the window hoping we would come.
"Then I said a prayer that you could come soon and I looked up and Mommy was walking down the hall."

I am so amazed at the way her prayer was answered - the timing was perfect and I hope that she will remember that the Lord truly answers prayers.

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

I really enjoyed this "Mormon Message" by Elder Bednar.

Don't mind the dark circles under my eyes.

I blame the rings in the top right corner of my t.v.

If only I could skip the lame McDonald's commercials...

Go USA!

Winter and Firsts

First time Sarah tries solids. One month later, she still struggles.

First time for Sarah at Temple Square lights. Here is little Cammy chasing Will.



Eliza's first recital at Center Stage. She loves to dance. Their teacher told them they would be dancing for Santa for their performance. "Santa" was there - front and center. He looked about 19 and had black paper for boots. No wonder Eliza asked on the way home, "Mom. Was that the real Santa? I saw him fix his beard."


We spent some time in Midway after Christmas. It was so relaxing for me. A few days after we came home, Clayton noticed the difference. He wanted to know why I was so stressed now. Well, darling husband, it helps to have all my meals taken care of, my children occupied with their cousins, and crazy fun dance parties. He's doing his best to recreate all that at home.


My daughter on skates! This was a first for Eliza. I was amazed at her persistence. I can't wait to do this again with her.


I'm reading a great book, What the Scriptures Teach Us About Raising a Child by Michael Wilcox. This has helped me remember to enjoy parenting. It's encouraging to realize that Heavenly Father is involved in teaching us how to parent His children.