So--Hunter and I knew it was going to be a long duration of time we'd be apart (8 weeks), but we felt it was the best choice for our family (financially, emotionally, etc.). Fortunately, while the kids and I have been in AZ, we've been able to meet up with some of our family members and friends. This "play-time" has been invaluable!! Of course, there are few adults who would consider running around with 5 kids "play-time", but I've really enjoyed the time we've had together. Natalie (my 9 year old sister) has spent the majority of the last 7 weeks with my 4 kids and I (while my mom works on her Masters Degree at ASU during the weekdays). Natalie and Mariah are best of friends--so it's worked out well.
Sterling (our 3 month old) has acid reflux and didn't sleep much the first 5 weeks we were here, which made the waking hours more difficult to endure, but I'm happy to announce that he's doing MUCH better!! :-) Unfortunately, he is now TEETHING!! Agh! Poor babies! That's all I've got to say! I'm glad they don't remember all the pain of "babyhood". You can see from the pictures that he's NOT missing any meals, though. :-)
Thanks to my Aunt Diana, Hunter flew to AZ see us this last weekend. We have had such a blast!! WE MISSED HIM SOOOOO MUCH!! We spent a lot of time w/ our families during the July 4th celebration...check out the pics below :-). He flew back to MN on Monday.
GREAT NEWS: Hunter found a perfect home for us to rent in Chaska, MN!!! It's big and beautiful--right in front of a forest! It's a 4 bd/2ba home and was previously owned by good friends of the Heywoods (some of our favorite people in the world!--also in the pics below). We'll be about 1o minutes from Hunter's work. Everyone is invited to come visit! Hunter will move our stuff in on July 19th. Then, the kids & I will fly to MN on the 20th. Exciting times!!
Hunter doesn't have school anymore, but he'll have to take the bar soon--which requires more studying than all the years of school put together! During that time, I'm planning to teach dance & show choir from my home.
Anyway--the kids need me. LOTS OF LUV. Jules
Here lies my Ganddad Amberson. He was an amazing violinist!
Grandmother Amberson was a Hatch before she married my grandfather. She is the most animated story-teller! She went from site to site taking us around Taylor, AZ--explaining the events that occured for our ancestors a century ago. What a rich heritage!!!!
Jeremy & Kendra
My Little Man--Sterling
Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Kendra
Poppy Keith and Cody
My sister-in-law, Kendra, and her son, Isaac, have spent many fabulous hours with Sterling and I. We've had amazing discussions about substantive issues and circumstances. I love her depth of character and intelligence. I admire her prudence and optimism. She and Jeremy (my brother) are a great couple--and I love them soooooo much!!
YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! The Johnston family drove from Missouri to see us all during the July 24th celebration in Snowflake! WE'VE MISSED YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH! It is always sweet to have time with such great people!
Sterling (or "Little Doobee") is such a sweet boy. "The Apple Of My Eye."
His smiles brighten my days.
Jeff has been Cody's playmate--we are so grateful he has "played" with us over the past two months. He is such a great Uncle for my kids. THANX JEFF!
Pool time in Holbrook, AZ
Hangin' with my boys... :-)
Spending invaluable time with the Reid family. WE LOVE YOU ALL!
Amber Goose
Natalie and Mariah
As Dad, Cindy and Emily were driving from Kansas City to the AZ Valley, they stopped by the mud house to say, "HELLO!" We had fun gabbing and catching up. They have their new home now--and are moving in this week. We're very happy for them.
Poppy Moore, Nanna and Sterling 
Uncle Jeremy (my brother) and Aunt Kendra
This conoe ride was the first "date" we've had in a very long time!!
Poppy Keith, Granny Jo, Aunt Kendra and Isaac
Grandmother Amberson
Nanna and Poppy Moore 
