The Big Move

We made it! Matt came into town about 12:30 a.m. on Thursday and Abby was very excited to see him on Friday morning. She first looked a little confused and then she jumped on him! It is so wonderful to be back together again! Friday we picked up the truck, packed the last few things and people arrived to help us load the truck and clean just after 5 p.m. You would not believe how many people came to help us. I was especially excited to see so many of the young men. We had so many people that once everything was out of the house, people stood around and socialized while Matt and our friend Josh packed the truck. It ended up being completely full since we inherited a couch, love seat and twin bed with box spring. After everyone left (we stood outside and talked and all got eaten by mosquitoes--especially poor Abby) Roger, Matt, Abby and I grabbed some dinner at Chili's. It felt so good to sit down. Here are some picks from Friday.

Our stuff waiting to be loaded up.

Matt admiring the space before everything filled it up.

One of the toughest tasks was getting the grand piano on the truck. It turned out to be a little more difficult than we anticipated!Jen with some of her seminary students! Oliver, Jacob, Vincent, Ben & MichaelChris showing off!Jen, Natalie and Abby in front of the truck.Amelia and Jenny cleaning--aren't they wonderful?Putting the last of the stuff in the truck--it's full!Our friends the Riker's brought their dog Marcus over so that Abby could say good-bye. Elise and Chris Riker with Abby.Lara and Bob Heeder with Matt after we were done loading the truck.Abby sitting outside with her strawberry fruit bar--getting eaten alive!Grandpa Roger vacuuming--he was so wonderful to come and help.Abby making funny faces at Chili's.Friday night we slept at the Taysom's since we were going to sleep on the floor at our old house. We love them so much! Here are Megan and Matt before we left Saturday morning.Farewell to our wonderful little house.Saturday morning's sad farewell's. It was really difficult to say farewell--I am so glad Abby and I will come back for a quick visit in October! That made things easier.Abby reading in the carAbby sleeping in the car.When we finally arrived in Bakersfield (took us about 8 1/2 - 9 hours) I could not wait to see the house! It was amazing to click the garage door opener and drive right into my house! We walked around and unloaded the cars and then people arrived to help unload the truck. We had quite a bit of help which made everything go pretty quickly. We bought some pizza for everyone that came and the missionaries even set up our TV and entertainment stuff. Matt's sister Heather and her husband Brandon and son Dexter came to help. We were so grateful. Heather tried to watch Abby, but she seemed to want me and only me! Heather and I stayed up doing the kitchen until Matt came down and told us to go to bed! Good thing he did!
The new house with the truck in front!Our new kitchen!The grand piano getting its legs put back on. I had to walk away--it made me too nervous.
Roger, Brandon and Dexter out cold after a long day of driving and unloading.
Sunday we went to our new ward--the Monica Ward and met so many really friendly people. This is going to be a great ward. Their ward choir sang and did a good job. I love being the ward choir director and it will be difficult for me to sit and sing! But I will support the choir anyways.
Heather, Brandon and Dexter before Church. Grandpa, Abby and Dexter after Church.Cousins: Abby and DexterAfter everyone left on Sunday we ran over to see Matt's office and school. Here are pictures of his office and the building where is office is located. Matt is really enjoying teaching at Bakersfield College. I am not use to having a big house and I could not find Abby on Monday afternoon. Then I saw her at the bottom of the stairs. I walked down and realized she was sound asleep. I had to get a picture! Then I carried her up and put her in her big girl bed! She is so cute!We absolutely love our new house. Abby loves the space and runs up and down the stairs. I wish everything could just be unpacked! Keeping Abby entertained definitely slows things down, but we just love to do things together so it works out fine--just moves a little slower than I would like! We will get it done! We can't wait for people to come and visit!