Midwest Living

What are we up to since the big move? How are we liking it? What's going on?? What is Auralia up to these days???? Easy now, I'm going to give you an update and answer all of your pressing questions (don't you love how I create an eager audience so that I'm motivated to write this post!)...

Our drive here took about 18 hours of pure driving. We broke it up over 3 days which was perfect. We stopped in to see Tyron's cousin & his wife (Darren & Me) in Columbus, OH and then stayed with his Aunt Reva & Uncle Justin and their family in Indianapolis. When we got here we stayed with a friend from Tyron's mission in Cedar Rapids (Claudia). We are so grateful for everyone's hospitality and kindness. We then spent 2 solid days driving around Iowa City area looking for an apartment. Most area's with available housing were kind of sketch, but as we were driving to another apartment on our list, we drove past a 'for rent' sign at a condo. We looked at it and loved it so we applied and got it that same day! Since it's a college area, it's difficult to find housing outside of the summer. So we were so blessed to find such a great place! It's 2b 2 1/2 ba with a screened in sunroom/porch which I'm super excited about for the summer! And we have an attached garage, dishwasher, and washer & dryer!! Are we in heaven? No, we're in Iowa!!

We moved in on Oct 29th (has it been that long already?!?!) and so we didn't have any plans for Halloween. Auralia had thrown up the 2 previous nights, so we didn't want to over do it. But we did at least put on the costumes that I spent a few hours making and took her to a few of the condo's in the area (Mom stayed at the condo to pass candy out to the 12 trick or treaters that we got). We came home and then pigged out on the costco sized candy bag that we bought! We froze a bunch but ended up eating that up slowly over a couple of weeks. Ya, not good. Anyways, here's some pics from Halloween:

Cutest little Pebbles ever!

For Thanksgiving we went to Des Moines and spent it with a family from Tyron's mission- the Andersons. The food was super yummy! We contributed by making the stuffing, pomegranate salad, green bean casseroles, and 3 homemade pies! We skipped out on black Friday since we are currently unemployed and then spent the weekend in my hometown of Osceola! We had dinner with a few of my old high school friends; so great to get together and catch up on 7 years.We stayed with Cinda -a previous YW leader- and went to church on Sunday. I have greatly missed Cinda and the Osceola ward. They are such amazing people and so kind and friendly.  I'm sad we didn't take any pictures of Thanksgiving or Osceola :(

We are loving being back in Iowa! It's so clean, the people are super friendly, and Iowa City/Coralville is very family oriented. We have a pass to the children's museum which is a 10 minute walk and attached to the mall and there are lots of play groups and story times that we are loving. Auralia is becoming much more social than when we were in NY. We are attending the married student ward and loving it as well. We've met lots of really great young families and look forward to the next few years here!

We found this little princess table & chair at a consignment store. Auralia loves having furniture her height. It's her favorite thing to find at stores. We ditched the highchair and now she eats here :)

Yesterday we switched to a forward facing carseat! She loves being able to look out all windows and likes that she can see mom & dad. Seeing her fall asleep is unpleasant though as her head drops forward.

Did NOT like Santa

Daddy to the rescue!

She's still wondering why she's near the creepy bearded guy...

Daddy had to cuddle with her to calm her down after the Santa fiasco

After Santa we went to a toy store where she was much happier! There were these puppies in a purse that she LOVED to pull down and kiss.

We will be in Utah for Christmas from the 15th-31st! We are excited to see family and friends!

A quick Auralia update: she went to nursery in our new ward and did great today! So glad to have her in class so we can actually listen and participate in lessons! She is saying several words and signing several words. She eats and sleeps like a champ and is doing great!!