Farewell, dear friends!!

It's hard to remember life without them...

Mike and I moved to Nevada in January of 2005. We met Jeff and Renee while we were still in the process of settling in. Coincidentally, Renee and I happened to be recovering from very recent miscarriages of our first pregnancies, and an instant bond was formed. They so kindly even let Mike stay with them for over a week until we closed on our home.

Our first few months down here were so blissful when we think back. So many evenings spent eating out or just lazing at each other's places. The first hot summer when we would just float for hours out on the lake to keep cool. But mostly, we lamented for the babies we did not have yet.

Soon enough, that changed!

Auntie Renee and Uncle Jeff meeting Dane for the first time. (March 2006)
Dane visited Carter before he was even 12 hours old. (August 2006) Next it was sweet little Camden. (October 2007)

And finally Nora, the little girl Renee had hoped and shopped for! (June 2008)

Of course they have all grown and love each other as much as we love Jeff and Renee.

But now the time has come for change. Jeff and Renee are moving on this week to Tucson to new adventures! Last night, we went to Red Robin and a local pumpkin patch just as we have done for the past years near Halloween. Dane and Carter had such an animated conversation at the dinner table!

Annual Pumpkin Patch family pictures.

All the kiddos lined up with their tickets, just waiting for the train ride.

Unlike years before, at the end of the night we had to say goodbye for what may be a long time. I cried then, and I have been fighting tears and a huge lump in my throat since then. Occasionally, I have even sobbed. Jeff, Renee, Carter, and Camden- we love you so much and can't imagine how this big hole will ever be filled. Thanks for being our family when we were so far from our own. We wish you many new friends and adventures in your new home. Come visit us in Minnesota soon and often!!

Smart, cute, and so very loved!

My little monkey is just growing and learning right before my eyes. His new favorite activity is to write and draw, usually with a blue crayon because it's his favorite color and "blue is for boys." This evening we went out to eat, and he started writing away on his menu. Without any assistance whatsoever, he wrote his name. The interesting part was that he started with the "a" before adding the rest of the letters in their correct places. Yay, Dane!
Yesterday, as I buckled Nora into her car seat, Dane grabbed my sunglasses and modeled them for us.

Earlier this week, Mike had to spend a night out of town for business purposes. It was such a joyful reunion when he returned the next evening.

Girls and cats.

Very rarely does our stubborn old Cali cat make an appearance while the kiddos are awake. She usually spends most of her days hiding beneath our bed until she hears the kids' bedroom doors close at night. So when she braves an appearance, it's a major household event. Nora really loves her, and I shot these pictures the other day.

They brought to mind the following pictures taken of me and my cat when I was just a few weeks older than Nora.

More cute cousin pictures!

We had the windows and patio door open most of yesterday, so Teddy enjoyed wandering in and out of the house to play with the kids. He is such a good dog!

Morgan's turn.
Last night, we met Jeff and Renee at the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. Just waiting to be seated and watching the fish in the aquariums.
Cute pigtails!

Isn't she a stylish little girl?

The best picture I got of the three cousins together.

Two of the cutest little girls you will ever see!

Cousins

Mark, Anna, and Morgan recently moved to Salt Lake City, so they were able to drive down to see us this weekend! We have had a great time and wonderful weather so far!

Nora loves to fly on Momma's feet!

We went to a local pumpkin patch yesterday to check out the rides and animals. Nora liked this pretty little pony, just her size!
Nora and Morgan watched the goats.
Nora then spotted the bounce house across the way and made a beeline for it.

All three kiddos bounced for a while.

Daddy and Dane on the pirate ship ride.

Dane on the big slide.

Riding with Morgan.

Nora picked out some gourds.

"...and I'll have that one, too."Walking to the park this morning.

Nora loves the slides.

Little monkey.

Playing some baseball.

Football, too.
Anna and Nora.
Nora loves her Teddy!
Tired out from playing so hard!

Viva Bike Vegas

We've had an eventful weekend so far! Last night, we headed downtown for a Pasta Party to kick off today's Viva Bike Vegas ride. Mike had to work, since the After-School All-Stars were one of the benefitting charities from the ride, so we met him there. My big helper, Dane, loves to push his little sister in the stroller.

Downtown, enjoying pasta and carb-loading for the upcoming ride! Dane was enthralled by all the lights above.

Kiddos on the move!

This morning, we left the house bright and early. Mike had to help set up for all the activities, and the ride started at 6:30 am. Of course, it's not a Vegas event without Elvis! The MC in the background just happens to be my Wednesday morning spin class instructor- what a coincidence. He was a bit bummed to be working instead of riding, as was Mikey!

Gearing up.

Waiting with the pack for the start of the race. It was just getting light as we left.

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ride. My first 100- kilometer ride (62 miles) in about 3 hours and 55 minutes, including a 15-minute aid stop and frequent stop lights over the last 12 miles. It included a few big climbs, but I was really helped out by a group of bigger guys that let me draft off them for the last 15 miles. Here's a look at the elevation chart. That climb from mile 30 to 37 was quite a challenge!

Frank (one of the students in the All-Stars programs), myself and Mike after the ride.

Mike shot this video of the start of the ride. Lots of riders, and he even missed the first minute or so. Check out the tandem bikes!