Been a little busy...isn't that always my excuse?

I have had a very busy August.  My Brother Ryan Graduated From Purdue with His PhD in June (yes it requires the capitals because it is a big deal).  He got a job teaching at Ohio University in Athens Ohio.  He and his family (Risa, his wonderful wife, and 4 of the cutest kids ever - Makenna (11), Garrison(9), Alyson (8), and Abbey(almost 2)) have spent the summer here in AZ with the families, waiting patiently for a teaching position.  Here it is August and finally Ryan is offered a good job....in Ohio.  Luckily they left all of their stuff in storage in Indiana.  But have no place to live in Ohio.  So a plan hatches.  Mom, Risa and the baby flew to Indiana, picked up Ryan's car and drove to Ohio to find a house in 2 days.  Ryan, Dad, Karen and 3 kids loaded in the mini van and DROVE 30 hours to Indiana. 

Actually it was a really fun trip.  Fun to spend time with Ryan and his kids and my Dad.  We drove lots of miles, listened to the Lightning Thief and Sea of Monsters on the way.  Ryan has the best kids!  3 days in the car and not one fight.  I would say 'stepford' but they are just really great kids!

We get to Indiana and Ryan has some great friends who hosted us for dinner for 2 nights and Ry and the girls stayed with them.  Dad and I stayed in a hotel so he could get some good rest.  We helped another of his friends pack for their move to Oregon and loaded the Penske truck.  Seriously, I am a great packer the front of the truck was tight and organized, but then the humidity got to me and I had to rest.  Really, I can take 110 degrees easier than the 85% humidity!!  I looked like I had just gotten out of the swimming pool!

We go up the next morning and Dad and I drove the big truck (which is only slightly bigger than the one I drive normally), Ryan drove the van and we drove 6 hours to Athens Ohio.

Mom and Risa found a nice house (one of only 3 they could even find to rent at this late date)

Front

Back

We are blessed to belong to a church dedicated to helping people move!  The Elders quorum showed up in Indiana and again in Athens to help us unload the truck! 

We spent the next few days putting away and putting together furniture.

See this bed...Risa and I put it together.  It took forever!!  I can't believe how many pieces were involved.  It took us a good 3 hours.  It does have shelves in the headboard and drawers underneath!

Makenna's room

Abbey Ann - she loves shoes!

My cutie girl!!

I was not expecting to go on this trip, it was kind of a spur of the moment thing.  I also thought Brenn would be here to take care of Grandma but Brenn moved out while I was gone.  So a big

THANKS

To my SIL Kirsten and My Aunt Linda for helping out with Grandma so I could go.

I was gone for a little more than a week and while I was gone Logan started High School.  I did check with him before I agreed to go to make sure he didn't need his mom and he just looked at me funny and said.

"Why would I need you to be here?"

So I don't really think they missed me at all.  I called and texted several times and was rarely answered by my boys.  Ken and I had nice talks though they were short due to the

VERY HARD WORK!!!

But I did get a few 1st day of school pictures!

So far 10th grade has been good!

And just to catch up.....Brenn and Dallin both started school this week too.  Both are at MCC.  I signed them up for the same institute class.  Yes, I am sneeky.  Hopefully all will go well this semester (meaning Brenn will attend 98% of her classes and Dallin will do ALL of his homework and get good grades)

A mother can hope!

Dallin's first day of College!!