It's getting hot in here....

Well, we are finally getting settled here in Arizona. The trip out occurred without a hitch, despite having to stop a couple times to give the girls a break. Karen's mom came out with us to help unpack and get settled, and she was extremely helpful keeping the girls occupied on the way out. We decided to have movers take our stuff out to AZ due to the fact that Joe's back is not fit for heavy lifting, and more importantly, who wants to unload a U-Haul truck in 110 degree temperatures? We sure didn't. It was nice to be able to start getting unpacked while the movers brought everything in. We made sure to stock pile them with lots of bottled water and doughnuts.

The first couple nights here went well. We had to wait two days for all of our junk...er..stuff to arrive from CA so we had lots of fast food and early wake ups from the kids. Overall, the girls did good exploring their new home and Ryan had fun with the rocks...er..i mean "desert landscape". When our stuff got here on the 21st, we had help from Karen's mom, Karen's brother and his wife, and also help from church. With so many helping hands, the kids were happy and we got so much accomplished. It took them about 4-5 hrs to unload everything and then we were left with sorting through all of it. You really don't realize how much stuff you have until you need to move. If any pack rats are reading this blog, start de-cluttering now! Over the next few days, we were able to get all the boxes empty and it started to feel like home. Thanks to all those who helped us keep sane through it all.

The girls are growing by leaps and bounds. They are now 7 months old and have been eating rice cereal and some veggies for a month now. We've been slowly introducing them to some new foods and we haven't found anything they don't like except oatmeal. We think that they are finally outgrowing their reflux and will hopefully be off the medication soon. Within the last couple weeks, the girls have also started on their way to crawling. Renee was first to take a few steps, with Kaylee just a few days behind. They both don't crawl all the time, but do a little more each day. Renee was even starting to pull herself up on the couch a couple times. It will be crazy when they fully mobile, but are excited to see them grow and learn from each other.

Karen attended an orientation at one of the local hospitals and will start working within the next week or so. Joe starts school on August 22 and is enjoying his last month of freedom. We've only been here for a little over a week but find that we are really happy. We really feel blessed for Joe to have been accepted to Pharmacy school here and are looking forward to the next three years of being close to family and Arizona living. All of you should have gotten our address via email. If for some reason you didn't, please email us and we will send it to you. Our camera hasn't been as active lately with the chaos of moving, but here are some pictures that we've taken lately. Enjoy!

Ryan: "Tickle, Tickle, Tickle"

I am really starting to understand what Sigmund Freud meant by the "oral stage"

The girls enjoying what few toys we had unpacked at the time.

Which way is up?

Ryan getting his first experience with the Arizona monsoons along with his cousin Zoey.

Ryan: "Mom! Uncle Spamdrew said it was my turn with the funny hat since he was done washing it in the potty!"

It must not taste good if it doesn't get everywhere.