We made it!

We made it to Iowa! Actually, we've been here about 2 1/2 weeks already! Between sickness (all of us got sick on the drive out here), lack of AC in scorching hot weather, and trying to get school schedules figured out, things have been a little crazy. But we are finally starting to settle in and feel like we belong here.

Bryan survived his first week of grad school this week. He has really enjoyed being with classmates who are really dedicated to the work and don't leave him hanging to do all the group work. He calls it his "grown up school". I'm so happy for him to be able to not only enjoy his schooling, but also because he's not working yet, we've been able to enjoy a lot of family time. He will start interviewing for his GA placement next week, but whether or not he gets placed yet he will get paid. No complaints here! (GA = Graduate Assistant: A sweet gig for anyone considering grad school!)

Weston will be starting preschool this Tuesday! He has been on the waiting list for months for this preschool that is very popular in town. It came at the recommendation of one of the other guys in Bryan's program, who's daughter will also be attending. We just found out after we got here that Wes had gotten in and we're so glad. It is a Lutheran preschool, so there will be Bible stories included with the teachings. We went this week and met his new teachers, saw his very own cubby, and even got to play with the neat toys they have there. I am a huge fan of the school already. The teachers told me that they believe that kids should learn through play, and 3-4 years old is not the time for having to sit down and do homework. They will work with the kids on having some structured time, but if they don't finish all the worksheets and stuff it's not a big deal. They seem like great people who will give Wes the love he needs. It will be hard for me to be away from him (2 days a week for 3 hours) but I think this will absolutely be a blessing for all of us.

Our new apartment is great. It is old and needs some TLC, but it's great for me to have a project! The owner of the place has given us permission to do cosmetic things like paint, put hardware on cabinets, update brass doorknobs, etc and even says if we will do the work she'll reimburse us for materials. It has needed work on a lot of things we couldn't do (a broken stair, broken AC twice, dishwasher, etc etc) so I'm grateful that even after all that she is willing to pay for things that are not at all a necessity. We have met a couple of our neighbors, and they have been really nice. The lady next door is very friendly. She is also going to UI, but for her PhD. She has an 18 year old son who is a senior in high school. He plays a couple of musical instruments, so we made a deal that I wouldn't complain about his music practice if they wouldn't complain about mine. :)

Our new ward has welcomed us with open arms. Before we even got here people were in contact with us and several guys from the Elders quorum helped us move in. We got here 3 days before our stuff did (long story short, I don't like ABF), and a ward member, who is also in Bryan's program, lent us some blankets so we didn't have to spend the 3rd night in a hotel. AND they made us cookies. We were sick the first Sunday here (still), but last Sunday we made it to church and it was great. It is very different from our last ward, in that there are a TON of young families in our ward now. I don't have to fret as much if my kids are a little noisy, because so are everyone else's kids. One thing that didn't change though, the need for a primary pianist. Neither Bryan or I have callings yet, but our very first Sunday in the ward I was asked to play the piano in primary. THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT. I was in Sunday School all of 5 minutes before I realized it would be hard to not be in primary any more. Let's face it, primary is more fun. And I've been in primary or nursery since we were married, so adult classes, unless they're going to sing "Book of Mormon Stories" with the actions, might just bore me.

The primary is GINORMOUS. 3 classes of sunbeams alone! Wes is lucky to be in the same class as his new friend, John. John's dad is also in Bryan's program, and our kids have really hit it off. John also has a younger brother, who is just a few months younger than Ethan. Talk about perfect!

It was REALLY hard to say goodbye to our family and friends in Idaho. But we feel like we are absolutely where we are supposed to be, and we are loving it here. I can't get over how much I love having my husband home every single night, instead of worrying he's been mugged or worse in the cow-spotted truck somewhere. The boys love having their daddy here too. It's true what they say, when one door closes another opens. And MAN. We got a great door.