Washington D.C.

Well, the decision has been made. Scott has accepted a position at Ernst and Young, the public accounting firm, in Washington D.C. It was a difficult decision since Portland, Oregon would have put us a lot closer to family. But after fasting and prayer and some words of encouragement we took the plunge. We know it is the right decision for our family right now.

It is a little crazy. When I left D.C. the first time I really felt like I was closing a chapter in my life and leaving a part of me behind a little bit. I definitely never thought I would be going back there, even though it is my favorite place ever. I am excited to go and experience it all over again with my little family. It is also comforting to already have a little bit of an idea of what we are going into.

We'll be heading there next fall. So it is a way off, but feel free to start planning your vacations to come and visit. Hint Hint!!! I promise I'll be a great tour guide.

Happy Thanksgiving

We spent our first big holiday away from family this year. THANKSGIVING! It was much better than I could have imagined. Our friends Brock and McKenzie and little Crue came from Bloomington for a couple of days to be with us. It was so much fun having them here. It really made us feel like we weren't alone. We also had some friends here in Columbus, the Nelson's, come over for dinner as well.

Scott and I cooked our first Thanksgiving turkey complete with stuffing. It turned out so much better than I expected. I had to call my Grandma Erickson a few times to know exactly what to buy, but it all worked out. We had quite a feast!! Scott even looked up how to carve a turkey and did a fantastic job.

McKenzie and I ventured out around 7:30 am to go shopping (we are so hardcore) just to say we went on the day after Thanksgiving. It wasn't crazy at all. We either missed the madness or it just doen't happen here. Either way we both scored a couple good deals and felt like we were being true to our traditions!

It was a great time. Thanks to Stoddard's for making the trip!

Kayt's Turns Three

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYT!!!!

I am doing this post in all pink just for Kayt, our beautiful princess. Kayt's birthday actually began a few days early when Em and Baron surprised her with a princess barbie with brown hair and eyes and a cheerleader dress up costume complete with pom poms. Kayt was in heaven. That night she asked to watch a football game and cheered alone in the room for like 30 minutes. It was hilarious. The only team she really knows is Ohio State. So even though it wasn't them, all we heard was "go O-Hi-O", and "I know you can do it", "run, Run", "go boys". It was hilarious!!! She was waving her pom poms and jumping up and down. I am afraid it is just in her. Scott and I are slowly starting to wrap our mind around the idea of having a dancer and or cheerleader in the family. My sister Sarah says it's okay as long as she catches the ball coming towards her instead of screaming and running away! We'll see. Scott isn't sure how he would feel about his little waif being held 10 feet in the air by other little waifs. I think I have to agree.

On her actual birthday she woke to find her ultimate dream fulfilled. In the family room was a new bike!!! She can't ride it but she sure loves to sit on it. All we have heard for two months is, "I want a bike with a helmet so I can ride on the path like daddy." We see people riding bikes all day long because we live right on a bike path. Kayt is ready to be one of them. Hopefully by spring her legs will be long enough to really peddle, otherwise, Scott has a lot of work ahead of him.

Kayt got a helmet from Grandma and Grandpa Smith, plus some fun and desperately needed clothes one item was a princess night gown. I pried it a way to wash it the other day, finally. She got the beloved princess chair with the Little Miss and Mr. books that I loved growing up from Grandma and Grandpa Erickson. I didn't think they existed anymore but my mom found them. We have already read them several times. Ella completed the gifts with some princess bath bubbles that the two have enjoyed immensely already.

Per Kayt's request and some inspiration from my cousin Staci, I took on the task of creating a princess castle birthday cake. I have to say, it turned out much better than I expected. Kayt loved it. We had the missionaries and a couple of friends over to help us eat it all. I am always surprised at how fast three hours of work can be undone. But, it was fun while it lasted right.

Kayt is our bright spot in the day. She is becoming quite the jokester these days. She has so much fun playing with Ella and us. She definitely keeps us on our toes. I can't believe how big she is getting. Sometimes I just watch and get little glimpses of who she is becoming. It is exciting and overwhelming all at once. We are so lucky to have Kayt, our sweet little princess. We love you sweet pea!!

A Visit From Em and Baron

Emily and Baron came out to the third week of November and it was fantastic. I am not sure how relaxing it was for Emily but she got a whirlwind tour of Ohio. The Thursday she was here we just kindof hungout and let the kids sleep (there are three of them between us now). It is a little weird to think that we are so grown up. Hanging out isn't quite what it used to be but it was still great. Emily cut my hair which was great. Visit with Emily and changes to my hair seem to go hand in hand. She likes to do, I am too cheap to have it done professionally so it all works out.

Friday we took the day and went up to Kirtland again. Just as before it was a great experience. There is just such a special feeling there. We went inside the Kirtland temple this time too. It was amazing. For so long I have seen the pictures of it and read the about the revelations and the visitations that occured there and it was amazing to actually be in those rooms. I know that it is not a dedicated building but it is still the first Temple of the Lord, his first house on earth and he appeared there. I was so glad we went. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it was for the saints to leave it behind.

The Community of Christ owns the Temple and several homes of the early church leaders. Our guide pointed out Joseph Smith's home and Oliver Cowdrey's home as well. It was so crazy to think that people just live in them like they are normal homes. I thought to myself, do you realize whose home you are living in? If these walls could talk do you have any idea what they would say? It was a very interesting feeling.

On Saturday, Scott stayed home with Kayt and watched the Ohio, Michigan football games while Em, Ella, Baron and I headed to "Amish Country" about two hours away. It was crazy, the closer we got we started seeing Amish buggies riding down the road. You couldn't help but get excited and stare. I know that is awful but it is just so different than what you are used to seeing. It is another one of those things that you hear exists but is hard to wrap your mind around. We walked through an Amish home and sampled some of their delicious treats. It was so fun.

Kayt had a wonderful time playing with Baron, who is the cutest little thing ever. He is getting so big. That boy has no fear. Em is going to have her handsful. Good thing he has the helmet. I think they may leave it on for awhile even though it won't be required. Without it, he may seriously injure himself!!

It was a great weekend. It is so much fun to have family around. Thanks for coming Em.

An update by the Numbers

1.81
The amount of money I paid for a gallon of gas today. Who would have thought we would ever see the day. It has been at least four years since I paid that for a gallon of gas. Total it cost me $37 to fill my gas tank from completely empty to totally full. I was in shock. I know the economy is not so hot but gas prices are helping free up a little money. Who knows why they sky rocketed so high. I think we all have our own little ideas but I am sure grateful for where they are now!!

63
The high temperature for Columbus, Ohio today. It was such a beautiful day. We went to the park to try and soak up as many rays as we could. The weather is still so nice here. We really did time it just right. We had minimal humidity to deal with when we came, the weather hasn't been colder than 45 degrees during the day and the leaves have been beautiful. Kayt and Ella go running with me in the morning and the other day as we were running down the bike path Kayt said, "look mom, it's raining leaves." And it was. It was so fun.

364
The number of electoral votes Barrack Obama won. My feelings on the presidential election are still mixed. I have to be honest I had little confidence in either option for president this election. I don't think either really has what it takes to steer our country in the right direction at this time. That being said, I think we are in for some major reforms. I don't want to align myself with either party, being a government girl I think the two party system is a diservice to the American people forcing them to make a choice between only two candidates when a third party may have been the best option. But alas, here we are. I voted for John McCain in this election not because I thought he was great but because I am against socialism. Yes, I am calling it what it is...a "redistribution of wealth" is just a more American friendly way of saying it. And, I am sorry but entitlement is not the American dream.
I will be honest in saying that I am a little nervous about the role the government is going to be playing in my life. We are living a time when drastic policies can be made and people will accept them because they are desperate. However, the results of those policies will be long lasting. This is what frightens me about President Obama. FDR, one of the most well known and revered presidents, was in a similar situation. Most of the welfare programs we now have came to be because of him. I am not saying they are bad and don't have their place I am just trying to make my point that once we have them they won't go away. I am very opposed to the majority of Obama's domestic policies. I only hope that the branch of the government that does actually make policy, the legislative, will be prudent and responsible and think long term instead of just right now.
That being said, I watched President Obama's acceptance speech and was moved. It has been awhile since a presidential speech has given me goose bumps, brought a tear to my eye, and made me proud to be an American. He is a great leader who inspires people and brings hope. And, I believe that is what America, maybe even the whole world, needs right now. Something or someone to look to for motivation and inspiration. I think Barrack Obama was the man for that job. Washington needs a little shake up, but I still feel that governments role is to provide opportunity, not grant entiltlement.

Enough on the presidential election!

52
The percentage that Proposition 8 passed by. This has been on my mind almost constantly this last week. I have been trying to come up with a confident answer I can give to people as to why I supported Prop 8 that they would understand without the religious doctrine behind it that I believe. Scott and I have been reading articles from the leaders of our faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and also from political perspectives. The fact is, my entire feelings on the matter stem from my belief that the traditional family is an institution created and ordained by God for the purposes of brining the greatest short term and eternal happiness to his children on this Earth. Without going deeper into our doctrine than that, I think we have finally nailed down our feelings on the matter that everyone, not just those that share our faith, can understand. So here it is...

It seems so much of the debate is focused on civil vs. religious liberties. I don't see it as such. The real issue is the impact that changing the definition of marriage would have on children and society as a whole. Since the beginning of time and across all cultures, marriage between a man and a woman has been society’s way of creating the next generation and providing the best environment for its success (because it is God's way). The wisdom of ages and modern studies conclude that the best environment for children is a home with a mother and father in a low conflict relationship where both are committed to each other and the success of the child. Marriage in the traditional sense guarantees children the right of being raised in this environment and grants them the greatest chance at leading healthy productive fulfilling lives. I feel children are entitled to this opportunity. Changing the definition of marriage to include that of same sex couples undermines this right because it weakens the institution of marriage. The definition of marriage for some has come to mean society’s stamp of approval on a sexual relationship rather than the institution by which children are brought into this world and provided with an environment for success. Allowing same sex marriage would cement the new definition thus undermining the old, traditional, correct definition. I understand and recognize that not all children are born into an ideal family/marriage. There are many that have succeeded against the odds. I also recognize the feelings and commitment that same sex couples share and respect that. However, the right of a child to have the chance at being born into the ideal environment should be protected above the right of adults to choose something to the contrary. Marriage has been the avenue for men and women to bring children into this world, children to be raised and nurtured and for society to continue to renew itself. I feel it, the institution of marriage, should be reserved for that purpose. Period.

Denying the certificate of marriage to same sex couples only denies them of society’s moral stamp of approval on something the majority of our society disagrees. I support proposition 8 because it protects marriage, children and our society.

18 and 27.5
Ella's height and weight at her six month check up.

18 and 30
Kayt's height and weight at one year old.

25
Kayt's current weight. Ellas going to catch her soon!!

Well there is it, my post by the numbers. I hope it wasn't too political. It is a crazy time that we are living in. It has been interesting to read some of the talks by general authorities and to see the fulfillment of prophecy. Thankgoodness for Propehts and Apostles in our modern day that lead and guide us. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's restored church on the Earth today. I am grateful for it everyday in such a confusing time.

Love to all

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Halloween was a great time this year. We all put on our witch costumes and off we went, Cassi came as a Hawaiian dancer. I took the girls to a highly recommended street in Upper Arlington. I just didn't feel good going to our neighborhood. There are plenty of nice people, it just is very non-traditional and I didn't know the ins and outs of trick or treating here. It is not as simple as in the 'Burg. There are rules for trick or treating. 1. it is only from 6-8 pm. 2. the people sit on their front porch, if they are not there don't knock.

We had a great time. The neighborhood we went to was mostly older couples who had great decorations and good candy. They were so nice to Kayt and she loved the goods she brought home. She was a little offended when someone called her and ballerina witch and not a princess witch. But, other than that it was great.

The funniest moment of the night happened when Kayt took a spill after collecting candy from a nice man. As she tried to get up she seriously windy-poofed, is that a nice way of saying it, like ten times. I was about 10 feet away and could hear it. Cassi was laughing so hard she had a hard time helping her back to her feet. Kayt just kept saying, "I'm okay guys, I'm okay". It was hilarious.

All in all a good Halloween!!

A Visit From Cassi

We were so happy to have Cassi come and visit us this past weekend. It was so great to have family around. You don't really know what you're missing out on until you see them. Kayt was so excited, she could hardly keep herself together all day. She even saved her favorite activity to do with Aunt Cassi, making cupcakes!

We had a great time showing Cassi a little bit of our city. We took her to the zoo on Friday. Kayt got to show her the Lion, Elephants, Kimodo Dragon and the Manatee among other favorites. Cassi was a sport hauling her all over the zoo. That night we loaded the girls up and went trick or treating. I was so glad to have Cassi there. It was just one of those things you don't want to do alone (Scott was at a job interview in Portland).

On Saturday we headed to German Village and the Short North districts of Columbus. They were both very fun. Short North is pretty swanky with lots of boutique clothes stores, art galleries and restaurants. It was a great place to people watch. The German Village was my favorite though. The are still has brick streets and the houses are all originals. They are made of the same red bricks and most have the same style about them. We ate at a fun place called Schmidt's which has been around for over 100 years. It was a beautiful day so we took our time just relaxing outside the fudge and candy shop while Kayt played hide and seek. We all got a kick out her dancing while watching her reflection in the red Jimmy parked nearby.

That night Scott, Cassi and I headed to the Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey game. It was a lot of fun. I have never watched professional hockey (the Jackson Hole Moose don't count anymore). It was fun to hear how upset the crowd gets and how excited everyone in when a fight breaks out. The whole crowd stands up and start cheering. It's almost as important as making an actual goal.

1. Kayt checking herself out in the car 2.Ella 3. Kayt playing hide and seek 4. Ella laughing at Kayt

Anyway, it was great to have Cassi here. The girls loved it, especially Kayt. Back in Rexburg her aunts and uncles were her best friends! We can't wait to see them all at Christmas!

Daddy's Little Buckeyes

O-H-I-O

vs.

Penn State

The Smith family is still trying to recover from a heart breaking loss to Penn State. This game was perhaps the biggest of the season and we were all geared up. ESPN college game day was held just outside the horseshoe stadium. The stadium is only about 2 miles from our house so we ran down to check it out. It was crazy!!!

First off, I think I should say a few words about OHIO state football. It is more than a religion to people out here. You can drive three hours in any given direction and you will see people wearing shirts, hats, socks, jackets you name it on game day! It doesn't matter if you are in a profesional office or sports bar. Two major roads are shut down on home games to make room for all the tail gaters. Parties start at 9 am regardless of when kickoff is, so night games get a little nuts!! Parking lots are lined with RV's (spots go for $1200 a season). Huge jumbotron screens are set up on the streets and the beer and brats are abundent. It is the craziest thing I have ever seen. There is not a single person that is wearing anything other than red or gray, mostly red (oops I mean scarlet!) A single ticket to a home game sold on ebay goes from $250-$500.

On this particular day, it was a night game and we were there 11 hours before kick-off. There was already a crowd of about 400 people gathered. They were all decked out, faces painted, carrying signs and chanting O-H-I-O at the top of their lungs. The grills were just getting fired up and a Bratwurst aroma filled the air. As we stood there shocked more and more people started showing up with their coolers of booz and lawn chairs; they were there for the long haul.

We decided that the stadium was not the place for our family so we had our own little party at home. We all put on our red, and Kayt painted our faces. We even wipped up our favorite supper bowl food. It was a fantastic game until poor Terrell Pryor let his youthfull ambition get the better of him and fumbled the football in the 4th quarter.

Kudos to 80 year old Joe Paterno for beating the Buckeyes, it may be his last chance to go for a championship. We'll get him next year!

A Step Back In Time...

Sarah and Adam Crockett- my running buddies, friends and cider making pals

Ella trying to stay warm.
I think the coat is like 20 yrs. old but I love it!!

Kayt picking apples

Sarah's dad and step mom doing the hard work

Cider Making

A Friend of mine decided to be really ambitious and make cider. A community center down the street has one you could borrow for free! We picked a tree of apples that her neighbor wasn't going to use and went to town. I was lucky because her dad and step mom came for the occasion so my job was mostly to cut apples and watch kids. Not do that actually grinding.

It was super cool. Kayt loved picking the apples and couldn't help sampling some. I think we ended up making like 5 gallons of cider in three hours, start to finish. We enjoyed our labor with a nice pumpkin donut! It was sooo good. I now understand the difference between juice and cider. There really is no comparison, especially fresh cider. It was a fantastic fall activity.

Witch Costumes

So, I got very ambitious this year and decided to make the girls Halloween costumes. I had looked at the costumes at the stores and they were just so cheap looking I couldn't bring myself to buy one. I let Kayt pick out the fabric for her very first witch costume. I wasn't sure how I was going to make them but I had a vision in my head.

It was a couple of late nights but I did it. I made the cutest witch costumes you have ever seen. I was so proud of myself. I kept saying it over and over again to Scott. I had to call my mom for a few little tricks (like why the elastic wouldn't work) but it was the biggest sewing feat I have accomplished. The largest jewel in my new crafters crown was the hats however, Ella's especially. I made it with no pattern on the first attempt!!!!! For any who know me this is a big deal. I usually botch all crafting project at least once before they turn out alright.

I guess I learned what my mom has told me I would all along, "when I am not here to save you, you will be able to do it". My mom still saved me but I was able to do most of it on my own. Yea!!

The ward trunk of treat was the official unveiling and it was great. Trunk or Treat are the most efficient was of getting candy I have yet to see. 10 minutes and your bag is full.

A Hiking We Will Go...

Hocking Hills State Park

It had been a long week here in Ohio, Scott had been slammed with school and job interviews, so we decided to go hiking. Our destination was Hocking Hills state park. We read some reviews and this was a very popular place especially the "Old Man's Cave" trail. We were shocked when popular meant people wise. There were peopl swarming everywhere. It wasn't so much of a hike as a nice dirt path courtesty of the public works division during the depression era and the beautiful waterfall was not flowing. However, it was still very cool to see.

The story goes that an old hermit made the cave area his home for several years around the turn of the century. It reall would have been a great place to live. We decided to take a road less travled so we could get the solace we were seeking by going hiking. We ventured down a trail headed for Cedar Falls, again no waterfall but it was beautiful. The tree canopy was changing colors and the ground was covered with all kinds of fun things for Kayt to explore. She walked almost the entire time, singing about anything she saw or did. She jumped off rocks, picked up sticks and climbed up "mountains." She loves the details of nature just like her dad. Ella even enjoyed the trip.

It was a great day trip for us. The hills on the drive there and back were covered in fall colors and the temperature was just right. Scott and I just kept saying, it is not the Mountains but is really is pretty.

Taken by gypsies

Okay- Yesterday Kayt, Ella and I made our first trip to one of the many malls here in Columbus. Kayt and Ella have no winter clothes and Scott needed a pair of jeans without holes for a recruiting event this week. It was also a great way to waste the day. I was a bit nervous about taking this trip alone because it required using multiple highways/ freeways / interstates/ "routes" what ever they are. I am proud to announce that I did it! All by myself, the first try!!! I even turned the right direction off the exit to get to the mall. I was so proud of myself. Kayt was my cheerleader the whole way and was very proud of me too.
We finished our shopping and we were headed back toward the play land area, (see pictures) when all of the sudden I found myself being draped with fragrant smelling shoulder pad things; strapped up with another herb back thing and this women with a heavy accent is asking me if I have any of the ailments on this plastic list???!!!! I'm sitting there thinking what the heck just happened. Apparently a look in the general direction of the island store means "hey I am interested!" So these things on me are packed full of herbs and when heated and placed on certain spots of the body will heal you. Maybe they will maybe they won't but I was not about to buy any. Next thing I know I am surround by like 5 people who work at this station thing (those stores stands in the middle of the mall). They all had the same thick accent and a look like they from the Balkans or something and they just kept appearing and tickling Ella and what not. After the girl had done her little "demonstration" the "closer" came in and tried to wheel and deal me. Eventually I got out of there with only a thirty dollar (they settled for ten) mint pillow thing that really did clear my sinuses.
I was feeling a little overwhelmed at this point, Kayt wanted to get to the toys and Ella was crying when suddenly I am being coaxed into some red, swanky chair-stool and this man is running a straightener through my hair. I instantly noticed a similarity in his accent and dress with the troupe I had just escaped. As I am sitting there trying to kindly get the heck out of there, so I could take care of my girls, the phone starts ringing. Guess who hurries over to pick it up? The deal closer from two stations down!!!!! It all came together. All these middle mallers were together and I am thinking there was some sort of "take her for all she's worth signal" given behind my back as I was walking down the mall!!! This is horrible I know but the first thing that came to my mind after I escaped was...I was just taken by gypsies!
I couldn't help but laugh and call Scott to tell him all about it. I learned my lesson though. JUST SAY NO.
Anyway, Kayt enjoyed playing on the foam/rubber solar system that we eventually made it to. It was so fun to watch her interact with other kids she didn't even know. She joined in with them as they played tag and pretended they were being chased by aliens. She even got them to do some of the techniques used to help "rocket" blast off in Little Einsteins on the pretend U.S. space shuttle. It was so great to watch. She really is growing up.
Oh, and on the way home she posed the question..."who is Santa Clause's father?" How do you answer that?

Kayt on a Moon Kayt on an astroid

Kayt is Growing Up

Today was one of those days were you have ten million things to do and you wake up praying that your children will be troopers through it all and then your dreams come crashing down and you find yourself in a mommy time out. I don't know how many of you have experienced these kinds of days but they are horrible and seem to be coming more and more often. I think it may have something to do with Kayt growing up.

My little baby girl, which she is still called quite often, is not a baby anymore. If you happen to question, she lets you know rather forcefully, "I am a big girl and a noodle (the nick name her Uncle Will gave her)." She is bound and determined to do everything all by herself all the time. She does pretty good with most things but there are somethings she just can't quite get; like combing the back of her hair where her hands won't reach yet. Or, brushing the teeth in the back part of her mouth. So everymorning we battle about me helping her. I have to catch her at just the right moment as to avoid a total "big girl" melt down.

The first thing Kayt wants to do in the morning is get dressed. "Mom I need to be pretty" she tells me and goes to her closet and picks out an outfit complete with shoes and jewelry. She gets herself dressed with little help from me, (I have to lay the clothes out so she gets the tags in the back and the buttons in the front) she then combs her hair and runs downstairs to Scott and asks, "Do I look pretty daddy?" or "How do I look?" or "Tadaa!"

Kayt has also become the worlds best helper in the kitchen. Whether it is doing dishes or cooking she is there. SHe is getting really good at cupcakes! She loves to mix and scoop and taste. We have a cooler in our kitchen from the power outage that she has adopted as her stool. (I have got to get something to replace it.) She drags it to wherever the action in the kitchen is and starts grabbing, chopping, dumping, mixing, washing it doesn't matter just as long as she is doing something. She always sings the song, as best as she can, "when we are helping were happy and we sing as we go." That's about all she knows. Or she'll just make up her own song and sing.

She loves to push Ella in her stroller, make her laugh, give her the binky, sing to her, read to her, give her toys. She is her little mommy. Consequently Kayt is Ella's favorite person.

Kayt also loves to shop, everyday she asks if she can go shopping. We went to Old Navey the other day and she picked out an entire outfit for herself and was crushed when she could only have the shirt because it wasn't as cute without the pants and socks that matched.

She loves to dance and sing and make up stories and play with princeses. She is getting so good at coloring and drawing. She draws pictures of people based off of their eye color. For example, she is always drawn in brown, Ella in blue, me in green ect. She draws faces and hair, and hands and feet. I am going to take a picture of one of her drawings and post it on here because it is great. I was so shocked when I first noticed it. I just thought to myself, "you drew a person, not just a scribble wow!!"

With all these amazing new feats of independence Kayt has started testing limits and I just don't know what to do. I feel so disrespected and unloved some days. I know it is all just a part of the process but it is such an overnight transistion it seemed from "I need my mom for everything and she is the best", to "let me do what I want all by myself." Like I said I know it is good but it has been tough to actually have to argue with Kayt and set some rules and really have to discipline my sweet baby girl. A mean look doesn't do a whole lot anymore. BTW disciplining bites because it makes me realize she is doing something wrong which I never thought would happen.

But Kayt is still my little Kayters and after we battle it out she always gives me a great big love and tells me she's so proud of me and that I look really pretty. All wounds are healed until the next round.

Today we battled and tonight we made up and all was right in the Smith house.

The Modern Conveniences

The tree laying on the line infront of our house, for a week!!!

Well, our power came back on Saturday at 10:30 am. six day after it went out. Yes, that is right we were without power for six days!! Apparently hurricanes hit Ohio. They say that Hurricane Ike traveled across the Midwest and ended up in Ohio Sunday afternoon. It was quite an adventure. There were trees being blown over, power lines snapping, it was nuts. Scott and I weren't quite sure what to think about it. We were sitting in church when the lights went out and everybody just continues as normal. When church was over, one of the members had a tree sitting on his broken windshield and everybody acted like it was normal. We watched outside our window as people rode their bikes and walked their dogs and Scott and wondered "what in the world have we moved in to?!" Three days later when most of the city was still without power I think they finally realized it was a little bigger deal than anyone have thought. As for us, we busted out the camping equipment and weathered the storm.

We took advantage of the power being off to go the Kirtland, OH and the John Johnson farm. It was amazing. I think that Kirtland is the most overlooked church history site we have. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared four times in Kirtland and we were able to sit in two of the places that it occurred. There was such a special feeling there. It was almost overwhelming. We were able to go to the Newel K. Whitney store and sit in the room of the School of the Prophets, and we saw his home where the prophet stayed. The John Johnson home was the most amazing to me though. It is where the plan of salvation was revealed. It is also the location where one of the most tragic stories in my mind of persecution occurred. It is the place where Joseph Smith was taken in the middle of the night and tarred and feathered while his baby was sick. And his son died five days later form exposure to the cold. There is a powerful spirit there. It was such a faith building, rejuvenating trip for both me and Scott. I came away with a stronger testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that he was the first prophet of this dispensation, that he had been chosen by God to restore the gospel for our time. I know that he saw and spoke to God and Jesus Christ. I know that his life was spared many times so he could complete the work that the Lord had sent him here to do. His life is an example of faith, perseverance and love and I am so grateful to him for never shrinking from his task, even when his life and the life of those he loved was at stake.

We got to stop off at Aunt Lynn and Uncle Wayne's house on our way home. It was so nice to be with family. They were so kind to let us hang out for a bit and they equipped up with a cooler and some ice to serve as our fridge for the next couple of days. It is nice to be close to someone.

I am also proud to announce that we got our final room unpacked and we are officially moved in. It feels so nice. Home is good place to be now. It came just in time. Scott starts school tomorrow and we are off and running. He is really excited to get started.

My lovely Ella

I just wanted to say a few words about my beautiful Ella. She is a shining light. I have never seen a baby who can light up a room with a smile like Ella can. Her whole face sparkles. She loves to play, love to make noise and loves to attack anything within her reach. Everything goes strait to her mouth and there is usually an audible grunt as she tries to stuff it in. She is a hardheaded as Scott and I combined but is so sweet and cuddly as well. She is never content to just sit. She always has to be exploring something. This could explain why she rolled over front to back and back to front all of the sudden on the same day. She is eating cereal now, which breaks my heart. I am not ready for her to be getting bigger yet. She needs to stay my little snuggle bug, but there's not much I can do about that I guess. Oh, and she suddenly stopped taking a bottle this week so if anyone has suggestions, send them my way.
Anyway, I just had her on my mind.

Columbus, Ohio

Our back yard

Well, greetings from Columbus, Ohio. We have been here a week and are finally feeling settled. We got most of our stuff up on the walls last night. It is a bitter sweet feeling for me. It has really made it final, that we are here for at least the next year, which is a little hard to wrap my mind around at times, but it has also made it feel like home a little more.

We live in community called Clintonville that is about a mile north of OSU and about 10 minutes from downtown Columbus. The neighborhood is friendly and we live by a great park and biking path. About a 3 minute walk away there is also a park that we visited several times already. It really is an ideal location for us. We are deffinatley not in Idaho anymore though. As you drive down our street you will see Ohio for Obama signs proudly displayed in every other yard. The one McCain sign is safely displayed in someones front window. That may just be coincidence! There are mostly single people and their dogs!! which go by our house every evening around 5:30 to the big green space next door. We have seen more big dogs in a one week then the whole of Rexburg contains I swear. Scott and I are more and more convinced we will never own a big dog unless it has a place to go to the bathroom that we won't step in it and don't have to pick it up. The comedian Brian Regan hit it on the head when he said something to the effect of, "If aliens come to this planet they would think dogs were the ruling species, they have schedules excercise, lots of toys and someone who picks up their poop!" We see it everyday.

As we talk to people in the neighborhood we get little glimpses of what Clintonville is culturally like. It is very green friendly, excepting of all lifestyles, and very left wing. Today we went to the farmers market, which was fantastic, and really got a feel for the community. We felt a bit out of place but comfortable. On the corner driving home there were groups on each side of the street. One holding Bush War Crimes signs and on the other side of the street was a man with a sign that said, "the left hates America. Honk if you love America". Scott and I took a lap around the block to be the only ones who honked at his sign while a long line of cars kept honking at the other. As if the Idaho liscense plate wasn't a dead give away, we honked. It was a great day!

Last Thursday we went to the Columbus Zoo which was a lot of fun. It is a huge zoo. We were there for 5 hours and still didn't see the whole thing. We bought a pass so we can go back whenever we want. The animals were great. They were all very active. Kayt especially loved watching the Manitee's. They are huge, in the words of Kayt. She even donated some of her potty money to help save them. Another highlight of the day was the gorillas. We though this one resembled our little Ella just a bit, now that she has found her toes, it is a position we find her in often.

All in all, things are going well. We are anxious to get started in school and get more involved in our ward. We went to dinner at a ward members house Thursday night. They live a couple of blocks away. It was a lot of fun. I have to admit, it was nice to get out of the house and socialize some. They were the Curtis's and he is getting a PHD in exotic languages.

The biggest highlight of the week however is Kayt's potty training success. We have only had two accidents since Tuesday morning. Glorious Day!!! We never though it would happen but here we are. Thanks to my cousin Lisa for her potty training advice.

Hope all is well with everyone, we love you all.

moving

Well, I just want to give a little update. I don't have enough time to write all that is on my mind, but I wanted to get something up because I am sure you are all just dieing to know how we are doing? And...I need something to distract me while Scott tries out all the photo templates on his cell phone. So far I have been a pirate, clown, googly glasses girl and floozy mermaid. Wonderful isn't it?
We have officially moved. I never thought is would actually happen but we have successfully gotten through one full day on our own. Scott's parents left yesterday afternoon. It was hard to watch our connection to the 'Burg drive away and realize "this is it". So far though things are good.
We live in a nice neighborhood right by a park and bike path. It's nice to be so close to it and we can get in some good people watching if we really want to. Columbus seems like a pretty great place. The traffic isn't too bad, the noise level is good and the weather is not too hot. We hear we are hitting it at about the right time as far as weather goes. Oh and the grocery store people are friendly. What more could you ask for?
We have started to potty train Kayt also which is a post in and of itself. But lets just say things are getting better.
Well, I have a running date with a few ladies in my ward so I need to get to bed but...we are alive and well and so far enjoying ourselves. Love to all.