After a bunch of last minute details we found ourselves in a whirlwind finding a job, renting a house, and getting ready to head back to Eugene. 
How do I explain my feelings?
I am so relieved and excited to return to the place that has become our home but every time it is so hard to leave the home that has always been. 
Goodbye summer. 
I will miss the ice cream, eating fresh veggies and fruit picked straight from the garden, hours spent with family and friends, watching the kids jump on the trampoline, fireworks, shorts, watermelon, sleeping in, and all the other lovely things about being home.  I was a big whiny baby almost all summer and my parents took me in and cared for me in a way that was lovely and delightful.  I know that I need to grow up and be an adult, but it was nice to have the reprieve for a few months. 

 We miss our cousins and our siblings and grandparents and friends when we don't get to see them as often, but there is always next summer, right?

 Our drive back to Eugene was so smokey because of all the forest fires.  Despite the haze it still seemed kind of special because when we left in July I didn't know if we would ever be back.  And now we are.

More Reunions

 It is always hard to be split up as a family, but it made it worse that while Brandon was gone we did so many things that he loves. 
We attended the Weber State alumni game and watched as they retired Damien Lillard's jersey.  There were so many of our old friends there and lots of basketball players that we cheered for back in our young college student days. 

 Ike wouldn't sit by me.  He just wanted his own space I guess.  I kept thinking that it should make me sad but I was just so glad to have my lap free.

 My mom was so happy because she loves Damien so much.  She has good reason because not only is he an incredible player for Portland, he is so kind and loyal to Ogden.  He does a ton of service and never forgets how much the people from Weber supported him.  I even got a little teary eyed when he was talking about how much he loves the school, mostly because I feel the same way.

Still not too cool to sit with Oma.

Pollyanna again?

 First try at a cool braid.  It might be my last too.

 Proving that I still went to church even when Brandon wasn't around.  Or I could just be dressed up as a scam, you decide.

This poor baby gets woken up almost every time he naps.

 Hayden did a great job speaking at church and we had so much fun hanging out with all our favorite Rigbys, and Jolleys.

Piano Lessons with Eric

I found Ike sneaking under the curtains so he could watch Opa mow the lawn.  We got him a better viewing spot.

 Jill won the coolest gift prize when she showed up with Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site for Ike.  It is the only contender in his esteem with Pollyanna.

 During this summer we all ate our weight in ice cream.  I don't regret it.

 Rosy was the only kid that wanted to come to Savers with the adults and for that she was richly rewarded with a new purse and an orange skull, two necessities for an almost 5-year-old.

Street Tacos!!!!

 This is a problem that seems to happen way too often.

 Salsa making:  The spiciest time of the year.

 Ike got into the spirit of school too.  His scribbles didn't make much sense to me, but he sure looked like he knew what he was doing.

Can I speak to Isaac?

 The girls all got to dance at my alma mater, Bonneville.  It was basically a high school reunion because so many of my schoolmates had their kids signed up for Little Lakettes.  It was a beautiful night and a blast from the past. I found myself simultaneously missing and not missing my teenage years.  I loved high school and definitely reflected fondly as I walked through the building and sat in the stands.  But I sure don't miss being a teenager.

 There were so many kids it was hard to find mine.  I'm sure they did really well though. 

 And when we got back from the game there was Daddy waiting for us. 

Sweet Reunion

Garbage Truck Watchin' and Other Highlights

 Hayden returned from his mission in the Philippines and is just as cute and as kind as ever.  It was fun to see the Rigbys together again but Brandon and Derek were missing.

 Rosy and Quincy don't have qualms about personal space.  They are attached together physically almost any time they are within sight of each other.  This includes when they are trying to climb onto the roof and also when they think they are big enough to walk down the street to the gas station to buy a soda.  They are living out a long held tradition of Rigbys inspiring mischief in each other when they are together.

Good Morning!

 Daisy and Rocky started school at Burch Creek Elementary.  At that point we thought we would probably be living with my parents for several more months and the girls didn't take any time falling in love with their new school.

 They loved walking to and home from school.  They loved the food in the cafeteria.  They loved the kids, the teachers, the principal and the beautiful building.  The only regret I have about Burch Creek is that we had to leave it so quickly.

 Opa and Ike love to watch the garbage truck go by.  This was one of my favorite parts of the summer.

 Another was Oma and Rosy doing home school.  That girl was so serious about her studies and her schedule.  The older she gets the more I realize that she is a person who loves structure.  Oma was the best teacher and watching the two of them working together was one of those simple joys of life.  Same deal with the sisters...I only regret that home school had to also be left behind so soon.

 During a 'recess' break I took Rosy to Shopko so that she could check out toys and we could give Oma some ideas for birthday presents.  Once again, she was hilarious.
She loved this Baby Alive doll until I explained that her main skill was drinking water and 'peeing' her diaper.  Rosy was completely disgusted.  She wanted me to delete the photo immediately and later emphasized several times that this was not a toy she was interested in.

 I was surprised at how weird some of the newer toys are, and the connection between how weird it was, and how much Rosy wanted it.

 The Barbie Jeep wasn't on Rosy's wish list but it did happen to be the one toy in the 'girls' aisle that caught Ike's attention.

 This little bird was the winner.  Who wouldn't want an electronic bird that you can tell all your secrets to?  She will tell your secret right back if you push the right button, which doesn't seem like much of a secret keeper.  Oh, and she will randomly sing when you are least expecting it.

 Brandon contributed an essay to this book and it was published.  You can have your own copy for $99.  His chapter is about the Dirty War in Argentina and is amazing.

 I consider myself so lucky that even though I didn't get to have my own garden I got to enjoy the harvest of my Mom's.  What a gorgeous chance for my kids to watch fresh produce grow and to smell the smell of a freshly picked tomato.

 We made a few trips to Macy's Grocery and someone let these to jokers drive.

Where's Ike?

Ice Cream, Popcorn, Jilly and a movie.  Heaven.