Pit Stop

We had a quick stop in Phoenix on our way to California. We left Friday afternoon around 3 and got to Grandma and Grandpa Maas's at 7:20 am (forgetting about the time difference...oops!). Uncle David came down to play. We had a fun Staurday, went to church Sunday morning, then headed to California. We made every moment count! Dad missed most of the pool time because he had 'naptime' instead. He did a great job driving in the early morning hours!!!

We ate most of our meals outside by the pool, much to the kids' pleasure! Ben and Annie absolutely LOVE picnics!

They went on walks looking for the little bunny rabbits that like to eat the struggling plants.

We were all sad to say goodbye to Uncle David! Annie just saw this picture and re-enacted her great big hug that she gave him!!!

We Love Our Teachers

Ben had the BEST kindergarten teacher that we could have asked for! She has been simply amazing! We love you, Mrs. Stapp!!! Quick Shot! We ran in just before Buddy Field Day started, and she was busy getting everyone's name tags ready.

This is Annie's speech preschool teacher, Mrs. Thurman. She taught Ben for one year and Annie for one year. Her room is directly across the hall from Ben's kindergarten room, so Ben and Annie would often see each other. :)

Thank you, Mrs. Thurman for helping soooooo much with our speech!

Why???

Why haven't I posted in so long? That question seems to keep popping up...mainly in my own head! The following are a few reasons...
1. quick weekend trip to Concord, NH to check out law school with LOTS of delayed flights.
2. 54 showings on house (that makes for lots of vacuuming and cleaning...and trips to Sonic; I really should have bought some stock!)
3. end of Ben's school year
4. HUGE work deadline for Andy (i.e. no husband at home)
5. packing for family reunion that has been in the works for 4 years
6. scholarship offer from school in Ohio for law school
7. planning quick weekend trip to Ohio to check out area and look at/for rentals
8. 16 hour drive to phoenix - throughout the night for 28 hour stay with grandparents and fun uncle
9. continue driving to Newport Beach, CA for family reunion with cousins
10. LOTS of planning for one 13 hour day at Disneyland (it was AWESOME!!!!)
11. not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings that wasn't included; this has been my main reason for not posting anything. there is way too much drama with our families. i've finally decided this is my journal project and i need to post the major happenings in our lives. if your feelings get hurt, it is NOT intentional on our part, and please don't take anything personally because it is NOT meant that way.
12. contract on house with fast closing date
13. massive layoffs at Andy's work that Andy's name was on (thank you Boss for going to bat for him!!!)
14. contractors galore coming with bids to make "buyers" happy
15. 21 hours drive home (made in 23 hours thanks to driving through the night...)
16. contract falling through :(
17. add to these things Andy's time at church, and I am VERY thankful for a non-time-consuming calling!!!!
18. sweet niece coming to keep my sanity, unfortunately, she's been here a week and we haven't taken one picture yet!!!

I'm sure I missed a lot of things in there (soccer season, field trips, birthday parties, etc), but these are the main things that have been consuming our lives lately. I'm trying to get some pictures posted as soon as they are done uploading from my camera. However, don't know how much dialogue will be with pictures, so just enjoy my cute children!!!