Surprise!

Mom, dad, and hunter all came up for a surprise visit to help us move this weekend! Best. Surprise. Ever!!! We didn't even realize how much we needed them, but I don't know how we could've done it without them... I think they were inspired to come.

We are so excited to be here living in our new house! We can't wait for more visits from all you lovely people, surprise or not ;)

Scanning

I'm (still) in the process of going through a giant box of sketches, old letters, photos, etc (paper items) to scan and throw away. This is my last big push because I refuse to move any of it to our new house.

Anyway, I just came across this little gem from Hunter :)

Aw.... what a sweetie head. I am loving the psychadelic sun, the swirly grass, my huge lips.. and so much more. I wish it was signed and dated since I have no idea when he gave this to me.

Because of Him

Because of Him

I'm sure many of you may have seen this video already, but want to share it just in case. I've watched this video probably 7 or 8 times already. It's really simple and yet such a powerful message. I am so grateful to know that He lives and to know what is possible because of Him. (Watch the Video)

I echo what the video says--It was unthinkable, impossible, unfathomable, unprecedented, a single act that changed history. He did it for us, and because of him, we can start again and again. Guilt becomes peace, regret becomes relief, and despair becomes hope. Because of Him, we have second chances, clean slates, and new beginnings.

I have felt the power of His atonement in my life and I am filled with hope and peace to know that His power will keep working in my life to make me a better daughter, sister, friend, teacher, leader and to be ultimately, be as He is.

I love you all, with a love that has no end!!! Seriously. You guys are my life.

Happy Easter!!!!! He lives!!!

Peaches

This is how we eat peaches around these parts. Why? Because we like a good challenge.

Mama & Dada

Last night Evan and I were trying to teach Ayla "Mama" and "Dada." I would put my hand on my chest and say "Mama!" and Evan would put his hand on his chest and say "Dada!" 

Ayla picked up on it pretty quickly. She put her hand on her own chest and said "dada!" ... Evan replied with "No... I'M Dada!" so she put her hand on her chest again and said "I dada!" Hahaha... we got a kick out of it. She remembered again this morning... this time she put her hand on MY chest and said "Dada!" And then proceeded to clap for herself. 

Oh dear.. I think we are confusing the poor child.

Aladdin

Hunter has had a great time being Aladdin in the school play. Here are some pics. I'm so proud of him.

      Hunter says Kallie was Abu and hated the costume because it itched so bad!

       The directors-- Kristina and Ryan

                     Hunter made a lot of friends with these guards.

Good News, Bad News

The good news is our apartment managers found someone to take our apartment (it is the only 2 bd/bth available). The BAD news is that the new renters aren't moving in until June 15, so we are still stuck paying 1.5 extra months of rent. The managers didn't say anything to us, they just went ahead and contracted these new renters, so I guess it is what it is, but kind of a bummer deal since we were hoping to find someone to take it sooner :( I guess we should count our blessings that nobody signed up to take our apartment in July, August, or later!

Anyway, thanks for your prayers :) We close on our house in one week! We are very excited!

Sneak Peek

Here's a little sneak peek at baby Vera! We'll get to kiss those sweet cheeks one month from tomorrow!

Birthday Card

Ayla got a cute card in the mail from Grandma Halladay. It kept her entertained for quite some time! This video isn't very exciting except that at 0:35 I swear she says "Grandma" :)

Thanks for the card, grandma! At the end of the video she is coming to give you a big hug ;)

My Priesthood Heroes

I'm so proud of my Priesthood goers. I can't ever remember a time that Scott has missed a Priesthood meeting. I love these guys!

Trip to the Knolls

Ladder golf. Not many trees to speak of.

Scott and Hunter went with some friends Bryan and Dallin to the Knolls over spring break. They had a great time. (Don't let Hunter's face tell you any different!)

Virginia/Washington DC Trip (1 month later :))

I realized that we never did a post for this trip...so here are some of my fave pics from our Virginia/DC trip. You will notice that a lot of them are out of order. I don't know why, but I don't have time to move them around and put them in the right order. Of course, my favorite part of the trip was the time we spent with the Claytons, hands down!

Apartment For Rent

So... we were told previously that we would have to pay a max two months rent by canceling our contract early, but I guess there was some miscommunication because now they are saying that we have to pay for every month that the apartment is vacant after we have moved out, up to the end of our lease, which is 8 months! 
ANYWAY, that would obviously be pretty terrible... so we have listed the apartment on craigslist, and we're trying to spread the word through Facebook, but any prayers on our behalf would be appreciated! We really need to find someone ASAP!

Thanks. Love you all.

San Francisco

We took a short little family vacation to San Francisco last weekend! The whole story and LOTS of pictures are on our blog: heavandelong.blogspot.com