The Move/ Cali

So, Kyle was "supposed" to be back at the end of August. Of course "supposed to" is relative because it always changes. Well, someone decided to change it again and he was extended another month. I already had an apartment and a moving date before the extension. My parents offered to just let me continue staying with them and move to Cali closer to when Kyle would be getting back. Well, there was a problem. Kyle had emailed me dog craigslist posts. He has always wanted a German Shepherd and we knew that was going to be the breed we would get. I had gone to the valley to see one, fell in love, and they said they could hold him til I moved. So, my parents would have had a dog in their yard and I just didn't want to be a hassle. I figured staying with the plan and moving in August would be a good choice. I could get the apartment ready and get Clayton, and the dog (Duke) all settled.

The weekend before the move my dad borrowed a trailer from Mike Hardy (Thanks Mike!!) and a truck from John Dalton (Thanks John!!) and we packed up all my stuff. On August 19th we drove to Phoenix and stayed the night in a suite (Thanks Dad!!). We all had our separate spaces which was fabulous because my child has issues sharing a room. ha The next morning I picked up Duke and we continued our drive to San Diego. Clayton rode with my parents with the truck and trailer (so there were more hands to help with him) and I drove my car with Duke.

We stopped in Yuma (terrible place to stop) for lunch. It was ridiculously hot and we were maneuvering between a new dog and a baby. Fun stuff. I made it to San Diego before my parents, signed papers, got the keys, and took Duke to the dog runs and waited for my parents.

The office told me that I only had one space and that I should try to back the trailer in it. Yeaaaaah right. That wasn't happening. It was a big trailer. We ended up taking up like five parking spaces. My dad said we could get it all out in 30 minutes and he would move the trailer. He was determined. Just in case anyone didn't know, my parents are awesome. I was holding Clayton and taking some things in so I was able to help a bit. My mom was in the trailer pushing things forward and my dad piled boxes onto the dolly and brought them in the house. I was able to get boxes in the right rooms so that there was space to get everything inside. It was seriously incredible how fast my mom and dad got all that stuff inside. I swear it is a world record. I can't thank them enough.

My parents stayed the night that night and left back to AZ the next morning. It was a marathon trip for them.
I really can't thank them enough for all the help they have been during this deployment. Pretty much my parents are the best.

Things have gone really well since we have been back out in Cali awaiting Kyle's return. Clayton adores Duke and they get along really well. Duke has really taken to us and he is a great dog. He is totally different than Lady (our dog we had before Kyle deployed) which is great. Although he has his own little quirks but we like him. I know that Kyle is going to get along great with him, and vice versa.

We do live in a different complex than before, but still minutes away from people I know. It is nice already having friends out here to keep me company and to hang out with. So nice. I have also made friends in the new ward at church! I was really sad when I knew it would be a different ward because it took so long for us to meet people before,but it is going great! Happiness!

We definitely try to keep ourselves busy and I think we are doing a really good job.

Frozen yogurt date with Noel and her girls

hanging out with Bob and Elizabeth's girls

at the beach with Carola

Clayton knows how to stay  busy. Pretty sure I have the busiest kid ever!

He is the best

hanging at the park

pool day

park day

the beautiful park near our apartment

Well I have almost made it 7 months without seeing my husband. He comes home next week!!!!!! Every time I think about it my heart races. It almost seems unreal. I am beyond excited. Bexcited? Sure.I can't wait to have Kyle home!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been a crazy seven months and I can't thank my family and friends enough for being so awesome. Stay posted for "yay the hubby is home" pictures and posts!!

Can't wait for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you all!!!

Our Cutie

On June 1, Corie Green took some pictures of Clayton. We did them at 6:00am (good lighting), but Clayton was teething and just was not having it. She was so very patient and we got some cute pictures even though little Clayton had heck of a time. So, that being said, here ya go.

Big blue eyes just like daddy

 

 

 

I can't wait to print them out and put them all over the wall when we move back to Cali. Not gonna lie, Kyle and I made a dang cute kid. Just saying. ;)

 

Clayton is ONE!!!!!

Ok, so Clayton is one and has been for about a month. Crazy right??!! I figured a late post would be better than not posting at all. This post is all over the place, but oh well. Here we go.

a couple random pictures before church on his birthday

 

Everyone has always told me that my kids will grow up so fast and it is happening! I can't believe I have a one year old. Still weirds me out not gonna lie. Clayton is an absolute joy and I can't imagine life without him. He is a goober and yes, there are times when I get frustrated, but it is honestly worth it when I see him smile, laugh, or pretty much do anything. :)

 

Pics of Clayton's first year

 

Likes:

• pushing the wagon around the backyard, frontyard, and driveway
• giggle and crack up (I swear this kid laughs at everything :) )
• walk everywhere.... I mean EVERYWHERE
• close himself into a room and knock and talk while someone knocks on the other side
• throw food off of his high chair
• babble about anything and everything
• trying to eat rocks
• trying to eat dirt
• ok, he tries to eat everything
• talking to his daddy on FaceTime
• waving
• clapping
• playing outside
• hanging out with Grandpa
• visiting the dogs across the street
• dogs in general (even if they bark at him he laughs it is hilarious)
• being the center of attention
• dancing (anytime he hears music he is moving)
• peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Baby Einsteins

the week after he started walking

 

 

 

hanging out with Grandpa

Clayton has 3 teeth, and a fourth that is just barely coming through the gums. He just recently got teeth and it is so weird seeing him with them. Every time I look at him he looks more grown up.

My dad had a wagon that he painted and said that Clayton could have it. That boy is obsessed with it! Such a fantastic gift.

 

A week after Clayton's birthday we had a family party. It was a lot of fun and Clayton made a mess but he was in a good mood which was great.

Kyle and I love our little man and we are so blessed to be Clayton's parents. We can't wait to see what fun adventures are in our future as Clayton continues to grow.