We're here!

Our new house! We're so excited about it:) You can't see the tops, but the tallest trees are palm trees (Ike calls them pineapple trees)

Outlook over Phoenix-- hot hot hot! The entire expanse is city as far as you can see in any direction and still there is more city beyond that. Whoa.

Ike and Zach at the Science center (Ike is a Knight... because it was the only shiny costume not princess related)!

Cool spot along the way

I'm sure you've all heard by now that we've safely and happily made it to Arizona. I'm not sure how many hours were spent in the car... We left Laramie Friday afternoon- a very bizarre feeling knowing that this is no longer a hub central to your life and you may never travel that awful I-80 corridor to return to your own home... weird after 8 years (of course we'll still visit, but it won't be "home"). Saturday morning we took a little "time out" and drove from Salt Lake to Logan to attend Ben's cousin's wedding- what a beautiful experience! Attending the temple is always such a great "time out" to realize what is really important and help you remember your family and the bonds we have there.

Beautiful Wedding.

We were lucky to get to see a good part of Ben's family too and spend a couple of hours with them before our long journey. Ike suggested we eat at Wendys (a Pieper favorite-- I think it made his Grandpa proud!) So, we did that too! Saying goodbye has been really really tough for us and this one was no exception. We have been blessed to see Grandma and Grandpa Pieper and the animals more often this year than ever before... it will be a strange concept to not be able to see them as often!

Anyway, late afternoon we finally pulled it all together and took off again on the open road. I should mention that my dad did take the "opportunity" to drive down with us (what a HUGE HUGE blessing). While we went to the wedding, he took our Penske (Pinksy as Isaac refers to it...) down the road to Cedar City, where we met up Saturday night and then switched off driving with both of us the rest of the way. Sunday morning we all went to church and then packed back up for another "adventure" through the mountain passes from Cedar City to Kanab, UT and then to Flagstaff, AZ. What beautiful country! Beautiful mountain passes! Slow, slow Pinksy!! The mountain climbs and curves made it very interesting for a 22 foot truck pulling our Honda, but Ben was a master driver and everything went really well! We stopped in Kanab for lunch/dinner and ate at a place called Denny's Wigwam... food was average, but the atmosphere was really cool- much like an "old west" village with lots of quaint little features- I highly recommend it, if for some unknown reason you ever find yourself in Kanab! Then we also stopped at Glenn Canyon Dam. Beautiful! When we got out of the car it was finally HOT and we were WORRIED! I think it was around 90 or so and I kept telling myself, "Oh, this isn't so bad..." Feeling the heat and seeing a very different climate has been my biggest fear... strange, I know.

We pulled into Flagstaff that night around 8pm for one last night in the mountains before our descent into, well... Phoenix. The air was nice and cool. Flagstaff has about the same weather as Laramie, as far as we can tell. It will be our mountain home away from home when we need a "quick fix." We made it to Phoenix by 3pm Monday afternoon. The boys were so so good on the trip, well at least the little boys were! Ben and my dad were SO SICK for driving the "Pinksy" and I was sick of following it! Though, we did average over 40 mpg with the Accord following them at 65 mph and under (sometimes 40 going up mountain passes)!

Our move in went very smoothly! As we were pulling into the valley my dad says "So, are you worried that your house may not be what you are expecting?" Umm, not until then... So, it was an even bigger relief to get here, see it and know that it will work out just perfectly for us. The house itself is in great shape and the room sizes are perfect. There are so many little things that I never knew I was missing until now (like the ability to do laundry at whatever time of the day or night... or wash dishes, for that matter! I also love having a yard (even if it is too hot most of the time to play in right now) and a double car garage! We have never been so happy to be able to purchase groceries and carry them directly inside without a huge exhaustive trip up to the third floor with two sleepy kids and arms loaded (the week before we left, I made 6 trips up and down the stairs carrying in groceries and kiddos- whew!) Anyway, all of our kitchen stuff is in the kitchen (no food storage in our bedroom closet anymore). Crazy.

Cool Splash Pad Near Our House

Now we are adjusting well. Ike still makes a crazy whiny noise everytime we step out into the direct sunlight (which is all the time) and REFUSES to go anywhere without his ball cap and sunglasses (not sure what we'll do if he ever loses either... must purchase a backup soon! On the other hand, if Zach is at all fussy in the store, he immediately quits as soon as we step into the 110 degree heat! He LOVES the HOT HOT HOT car and just basks in it! Too funny. Ben also makes that whiny noise (ha!) and even plans his clothing so as to attract the least amount of sunlight... I have determined that any temperature outside above 95 registers with my body as way hot... there's no difference between 95 and 115 (both of which I have felt down here)! I do, however, love that it's 90-100 at 8 or 9pm when we are swimming outside.. you don't even get cold when you get out of the pool! Speaking of pools, we have been going across the street to swim about 5 nights of the week and Ike is becoming quite the swimmer... he is independent now with his "lifejacket style" suit, but of course, we still watch him like a hawk and are ALWAYS right there with him (this is one of my biggest fears).

So, yes, life has certainly changed for us! We have been so lucky to have Ben home with us for a few days before school started. I wish we could live the life of unemployment forever... ok, not really... but, we have really been able to enjoy each other and explore the city (el cheapo style). Monday starts the school phase for us, but we are geared up and more than ready (we've had 3 years to prepare)! We just feel really blessed to be here, even if it means we're living on the sun and far away from family and friends (missing everyone desperately)!

Why not another road trip?

A cool old train in North Platte (I highly recommend checking it out if you're ever in the neighborhood)!! It's free to tour and we really liked it!

Inside the engine:)

Jamie, Zach, Ike, Gramps, and My Grandma (Dee)-- we had a great time with her in Kansas... and I'm pretty sure she likes these great grandkids a lot!! (Note Ike's shirt says "potty like a rockstar")

Zach in Kansas sporting a Kansas City Royals outfit... too bad they're doing so poorly!

My Grandma Leafty, Mom, Zach, Jamie, and Ike-- 4 generations on both sides:)

North Platte train museum-- also a very cool place to visit

Macy and Ike at my "birthday party" apparently her cake and ice cream taste better than his!

Ike, Jamie, Alonit (or Isaac calls her Illinois) and Jamie at breakfast... will be sad to not be so close!

Gramps and Ike looking at the Elk in Estes Park

We have been very blessed the past couple of weeks with so many friends and family assisting us in the packing process! I know we couldn't have done it without you all, even if it was just keeping the kiddos happy so I could stuff things in boxes! Whew! I am happy to say, we are closer than I expected to be at this point (don't get me wrong, I would still love to be farther!).

Anyway, the past couple of weeks have been filled with visitors and visits as we prepare for the big change. My mom came to stay with us for a couple of days and help pack. What a huge help! The boys just love her and I am so thankful for the special bond she has with them. I know it will serve them all well in the future. Anyway, on Wednesday, we decided to load up and head to North Platte for a day before driving on to Kansas to visit grandparents and relatives one more time before the big move. I know, you must be thinking "this girl is crazy... 10 unnecessary hours one waybefore the 18 hour car ride?!" Yep, that's me... crazy! I decided it was more of an experimental trip... the calm before the storm... a definite walk on the wild side! Lucky for me, I had my parents with me. What a great time! The kids were so good, relatively speaking and we had a great time with everyone we were able to see... Just wish we would've had more time so we could've seen everyone we wanted to see!

We headed back to North Platte on Saturday and then back to Laramie on Sunday afternoon, just the boys and I for four HEAVENLY hours in the car. Zach was soo good... he slept the whole return trip... couldn't ask for more... Ike and I just kept driving keeping our fingers crossed and it worked! Well, I should rephrase... my fingers were crossed or for the last 20 minutes of the drive, my fingers were holding a binky in Zach's mouth trying to keep Isaac's fingers from their incessant need to touch Zach... only a real problem when the latter is asleep in the car. Ike's favorite thing to say is "I'm not buggin' him... I'm touching him nicely!" Nicely or not buddy, after that many hours in the car, a successful sleeper is the only thing I care about! Ike also found a new love in cinema... Charlotte's Web. He isn't such a fan of cartoons, so the real animals held his attention much better. When he and my uncle, Rock, were walking around a pond at my grandma's place, he saw a spiderweb at the bridge and told him... "look, a spiderweb, just like on my piggy movie!" cute.

Well, you would think that adventure would cure me for two weeks and the inevitable 18 hour car ride, but alas... I'm no quick learner. I guess first we spent the week packing and then Joni, Macy and Emry came to town to play with us. We had a blast and played in style! Nothing like two more kiddos to really crank up the fun! I think one of the most difficult things about leaving is leaving my kids' favorite playmates. Macy is definitely one of the best. Isaac and Macy are polar opposites, but best friends. They love each other like siblings. and they disagree like siblings too! It's great though and I'm so glad. Emry and Zach are only 6 weeks apart, so someday maybe they'll be like siblings too. Right now they're more like "Queen Kong" and "A tiny little squirrel" or something... Too cute.

After the Kennington posse had enough of us, we packed some more, courtesy of the Loveland helpers... and then Friday afternoon loaded back up for one last weekend getaway to Denver! Crazy!?! Yep. I loaded up all by myself (a real feat!) and picked up Ben at 5 so that we could make Dtown by 8pm for the dinner theatre. Jamie (not my alter ego, but the real other Jamie- Ike's nickname for her) and later Ben, have been to this dinner theatre for the past nine years now (wow!). It's the funnest little comedy, musical place... Our favorite is a series they have been writing since 1998 about a group of teenagers from the 60s 70s and 80s that dress up and sing like all the famous groups of the time. Every summer they write a new show and every summer, Jamie and I (and now Ben and now Ike and Zach...) make our way to see it. Again, crazy to take children on Friday night after a long day of packing... I know. BUT, they did SO WELL! Could've been a total disaster, but IT WASN'T! Yeah! In fact, Ike loved singing along, in his own special way... and everytime the music started, he couldn't help moving to the rhythm! HA! He must be his daddy's boy b/c he has rhythm:)

Saturday we met with some special friends for breakfast to, once again, say goodbye... I'm getting better at goodbyes, but still not great. I am very excited for this new chapter in life, but smushy, nonetheless! So, while at breakfast, my parents called and suggested we meet them in Estes Park... Yep, we ARE crazy!! So, we hopped in the car and drove (again)! We had a blast taking it easy and enjoying the cool mountain air and being with family. It's hard to think we won't be able to spend much time with them for the next 4 years!
Sunday we were back home (finally) and once again had to say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa.. I really think Isaac is starting to understand that G &G won't be able to see him much and "they are sad b/c they won't miss me" (ok, he's a little mixed up, but close)! He had a funny little saying today... I heard him say something to my mom that didn't sound very polite so I said "Isaac are you being snotty?" He replied, "No, I'm not being naughty." I said "Well then what are you being?" He replied, "I'm being a stinker!" HA! At least he knows!

Another cute Isaac-ism and then I'll quit for today... I don't think I've posted this in the past, but we received a forward several weeks ago about McDonald's in an effort to recession proof the company, they have decided to buy Mexican beef rather than American. So, as a joke, we told Ike we couldn't eat at McDonalds anymore (not that we really ever did, mostly, I just watched SuperSize Me) Anyway, now if we say "Hey Ike, wanna eat at McDonalds?" He replies "No, because they have Mex-i-can Beef!" Too cute.

Zachary's 2 month Stats...

We took a trip to the doc yesterday... a little sad, but just when the shots came around, otherwise he was very happy to have all the attention and really showed off his cooing and arm/leg flailing! Anyway, he is 9'6" and 23" long... Basically, long and skinny! Why can't I have that problem? He's as healthy as can be and we feel blessed!

Dear Baby

**Disclaimer** I am sorry for the emotional posts... I am not sure what is going on; July 26th marks some emotional times for me of which I am grateful and needed to document before I become too decrepit to remember:)

Dear Baby,

Today also marks what would have been your fifth birthday. I cannot believe I would have a five year old! Is it strange that I miss you even though we never met? I long for that day!
I think losing you was the most painful experience of my life and though I would never wish that experience on another soul, I can see now that through our loss, I truly gained so much in experience and perspective and knowledge.
I know now what it feels like to have someone totally and completely dependent on you and to feel like you have failed them to the point of death. I know the feeling of loss, disappointment and grief that accompanied our experience and the despair I was left with in the aftermath. Even though you were only here in my thoughts for 20 weeks before you left us, we will miss you our whole lives and always remember. I know there have been dozens of times already where I have been able to truly empathize because of the sorrow and loss I have felt from losing you.
The perspective I have gained is one of eternity when I think hardest about it. I know that we have the opportunity to know you someday and have you as part of our family. What a wonderful time that will be. I know our sorrow will pass. It already seems like that time in our life was so short, even though at the time, I didn't' know if I could keep breathing for another minute.
I have also learned so much about who I am as a mother and what my ultimate goals in life are to be. I'm not sure I would've been able to make the decisions I have regarding our family, had it not been for you. I always knew that I wanted to have children and the whole time I was pregnant with you, I knew I wanted you... but I was scared to death at the thought of being a mommy so soon and not sure how I was going to fit in all my goals (law school, mommy, wife, etc.). After losing you, everything became so clear so fast. Because of that experience, I knew EXACTLY what I wanted and what I was meant to do. The irony is that I had to WAIT 2 1/2 more years before I truly could experience motherhood! What a journey it has been!
I know I would not be me without you and the short experience you had with us. I remember being so sick I couldn't move, so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open and so desperate I had to rely on others around me... all for you. It was all worth it, and I wouldn't have it any other way because I could've never appreciated life, and especially you, the way I do now.
I love you child of mine and cherish the day we finally meet!
Love,
Mommy

**PS- if any of you have an experience you would like to share and how it impacted you, please leave me a message... I would love to hear yours too!

Happy Birthday Jen!

Jen blowing out her tealight birthday cake-- oops I didn't have any birthday candles;) so it looks a little more like a shrine to chocolate cake... which, it really was anyway... mmm! Also of note is the fact that Jen is standing in an action pose because she tried harder than anyone I know to blow out all her candles with one blow-- and she did it! Hope you thought of a good wish!!

Still makes my mouth water to think about this much chocolatey goodness in one slice of cake heaven! I'm not boasting about my baking skills, but man! This is also the up-close with tea lights... classy, huh!

Today marks a very special occasion for us... the birthday of Ben's sister who is next in line from him. Ben has been so blessed to have her in his life for the past 28 years of his 29 year life. I know that he would not be who he is without her, and to be honest, neither would I. Jennifer is such a beautiful example to us of fUn, selflessness, talent, but never boasting;

I could go on much longer, but the point is that Jennifer is an example to me everyday of the type of person I WANT to be (someday if I work really hard, I... nah, it would take nothing short of a miracle)! Really, Jen, if you read this, I think that you have so many beautiful, wonderful qualities, but one of the greatest is your ability to emulate the Savior in your selflessness. I know that it is so rare for you to put yourself or your comforts above anyone else; You know how to make your family feel important and you show them everyday in everything you do how much they mean to you.

I am so grateful that we have had this time in Laramie with you! You have bailed me out of more predicaments than you probably even know and have quickly made your way into a special place in my heart. I never thought we would get the opportunity to live in the same town and be "bosom buddies" (Anne of G. G.) but now I cannot imagine living apart! I guess now that can always be my dream of where we end up:) I love that we have so much in common and so many likes and dislikes we would've never guessed! It often amazes me when we say or do the exact same thing without the other knowing. I love you dear sister and friend and I will NEVER forget the wonderful time we have had here getting to know each other. Thank You and Happy Birthday- I hope it was as happy for you as it was for me!

Love, Jamie

Little Z today-- he is such a good smiler now, but we have yet to get a good smile on camera (we're usually too enthralled with the cute baby smile to think "quick get the camera!" someday though. someday.

Is this Utah?

As we prepare to leave Wyoming, we are finding all sorts of last minute things to do and people to see (a special thanks to all who have or will humor us in our endeavors)! This past weekend was no exception, in fact it has been highlighted on our calendar for months... none other than the enfamous Pieper Family Reunion.

This year the family decided a one day adventure in Heber, Ut would suffice and so over 90 of us descended on the poor town (imagine minivans and cousins as far as the eye could see)-- a slight exagerration, but you get the idea... It was a fabulous event and a great time to reconnect with some of our favorite people. I think after this life will be much like the joy we feel when we gather in love, joy and comfort like this only together forever... Some of our relatives may not be that excited to have forever and Jamie in the same sentence, but they will learn to deal:) We were even able to meet some cousins I had not met before... believe it or not, I think I have met all of Ben's first cousins now--an accomplishment for the ages! I really do enjoy times like these and love that Ben comes from a big, loving family. One of the highlights for me was chatting in person with the blogging divas of the family. Its so funny because I feel so connected to their families, though we may have only met a handful of times or less. Blogging is truly a gift and I hope that I represent our family and life as well as they.

So, the reason for the name of this post... As we were preparing to leave Friday, I was trying to get Ike psyched to drive to Utah. I don't think anyone in their right mind could be psyched to drive along I-80 through Wyoming, but I thought maybe I could brainwash him... Anyway, as we were driving to our friend's house across town in Laramie Isaac exclaims "Is this Utah Mommy?!?!" I had to squash all his dreams of Utah right then and about 10 other times as his patience wore thinner during the drive... Ahh, if only Utah were Rock Springs... hmm, there's a thought!

Other highlights from our weekend included visiting the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. It was a really neat opportunity for us to take the boys to the Temple and walk through the entire building (it was just recently built) before it is dedicated at the end of the month. Isaac kept saying "This is where Jesus lives!" Cute! I think even in the bustle we could feel the Spirit and the Peace of being in this Holy Place. What a neat opporutnity for our family... I HIGHLY recommend going (all public are welcome) to an Open House if you ever get the chance. Before all was said and done, he was, as is typical, humming his way through the temple with various songs and charming everyone around us... How can you not enjoy that!?

We also had the great privilege to catch up with our friends, The Andersons who left us last year and are now cheating on us in Utah (they were our LOST buddies). It was great to let the kids play and catch up a bit, even if they did ditch part of church for us (thanks guys!) and even if Tempe went around chanting that she doesn't like boys (but for some reason liked Ben... hmm....) Isaac on the other hand, left saying how nice Tempe and Helena were (not sure he picked up on Tempe's SUBTLE hints)! Maybe they are a match made in heaven!!

Our last stop before the dreaded return trip was to meet our new landlords (who have just relocated to Tooele UT). They are great! It was so nice to meet them (I'm sure we would've been friends if we ever would've met there). They gave us lots of tips and pointers (they are a young family like us). It certainly made us more excited and confident in the area where we will live!

Well, about three weeks left now... I should definitely be packing more boxes! Hopefully the packing fairy visits us soon.. ahh, there's an idea!

Lots of Pics...

Zach's Blessing Day 7/5/09

Our families on Zachary's Blessing Day-- very bright sun

Daddy and Ike watching fireworks from our apt-a great view for future reference

Ike and I decorated his four wheeler for the kiddie parade- he was pretty proud, but got blown away by the big kids!

Isaac and Macy... they "look" innocent like, "What, can't we just read our books in peace?!" But, look at the mess around them (it got worse)! Funny friends!

Ike on the Terry Bison Ranch... he'd be such a happy buffalo wrangler, wouldn't he!

Feeding the buffalo from the train... a really fun time!

Goodbye Uncle Andy... We sure do miss you!