I've started grabbing my camera again now that the boxes are unpacked

The move to CX went smoother than we could have imagined. Thankful. So, so thankful. The O fam kept our girls the night before our move so Kevin and I could get up early and meet the movers by 7 am. We were completely loaded by 10:30! Originally I thought we were moving 600 miles away, but it was actually more like 800 miles. The guys moving our stuff drove all night and were at our new house by 8:30 the next morning. We could NOT believe it! They were so tired that they didn't want to unload, so they sub-contracted with some of our security guards at our new complex. Not a bad idea. Our furniture took some major hits and bumps on the journey but we were grateful it all arrived. The last 2 weeks have been full of unpacking, settling, being sick, meeting new people, and Kevin traveling. It's been a whirlwind. But this past week we had 2 occasions to get out with the girls and enjoy some sites around town. Our apartment complex has lots of beautiful flowering trees. Let me just say that this picture of Grace below scares me a little. Where did she learn to pose like that?

And Trinity? She's all about accessories right now. Sometimes she even steals some of mine.

We took the girls to "Old Town," the touristy part of our new city. It has lots of restaurants, some rides, games, and shops.

And I like the architecture.

We ate at the Y minority restaurant, and it was a hit with my girls since everyone sits at a kid-sized table with little stools. Grace and Trinity both loved the "gan ba," which is dried beef.

There's also a man who sets up every night and makes various animals out of caramel. Here are the girls waiting for their butterfly they got to share.

They loved it!

Actually, it took all four of us to finish it.

Old Town at night

And on Saturday we went to the local park. We missed parks when we lived in CZ, so this has been a welcome find.

There are even a few swings! Granted they are way too high off the ground and have concrete below, but we'll take them!

Grace, again with the posing. She does this all on her own!

Grace had fun doing some painting. There's also a small bird and flower market attached where you can stare at all kinds of cute animals. We have already puppy-sat for a friend a few times this month, and let me tell you seeing my girls with puppies really makes me want one! But the practical side in me says, "no way!" At least not for now.

Because that same night I cut a few inches off of Grace's hair, and because she was so excited about having "shorter hair," I had to take a picture.

We are settling in well and are thankful for this new city! The girls and I have spent hours outside each day because the weather here really is great for doing so. And the girls have dug right in to play with local kids. That's been fun. We have a guest bedroom, so come visit! Two nights ago Grace and Trinity started sharing a room. THAT'S been funny to listen to. Mostly it's been Trinity yelling, "Grace?! Graaaaace! We go to sleep!?" Grace is learning that if she doesn't talk back to her sister, she won't keep bugging her. It's been going well so far! I hope as they grow up sharing a room they can talk and giggle and share hearts.

What I'll miss

the unique beauty of this province Chillin' in 3-wheeled vehicles

Living close enough to cousins that they can drop on down for a visit

Getting to watch this tiny cutie-pie get bigger

Community with these amazing folks

friends who love our girls enough to always pretend to lose at strength competitions

fun and crazy friends who know how to make us laugh

friends we've spent holidays with

friends who after 3 years feel more like family than friends... Thank you O family for sharing your lives with us, for letting us learn from you and with you, for your friendship, and for your servants' hearts. Thank you for keeping us sane, for seeing us at our worst and still loving us, for giving us a great example in how you parent your kids, and for just being your wonderful selves. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. We will miss you more than you know.

Tonight, I'm a bit melancholy but also extremely thankful for this season in our lives.

• Our big move is on Friday. Lord willing, we'll catch you on the flip side in our new town.

didn't want to miss this

An event we didn't want to miss before moving was the wedding of our sweet friends. Yesterday, they became husband and wife! Actually, in the eyes of the gov't here they were married the moment they registered for their marriage license, but yesterday it became official before God! Here's the bride getting ready for the day. And here's her bouquet, made by my friend Jill! Apparently, Jill went to youtube to find out how to make a bridal bouquet, and voila! Here it is. I thought she did an amazing job.

At the hotel, the groom waited for his bride. Here's his first glimpse of her...

And they are on their way!

It's customary to dress up the bridal car for the couple to drive to the wedding together. Do you recognize that driver?!

The venue

Typically, weddings here only includes a big feast, since the couple is considered married when they register. Most folks don't have the traditional ceremony as we envision, but our friends wanted to be able to share about the Hope that they have and included scripture reading, vows, and music in the ceremony.

Hannah sang at the wedding and did a beautiful job! Her mom and dad also sang and emceed the entire wedding. The O family wore many hats that day!

Just married

There were many wonderful, normal guests there...

and a few crazies, too.

Congratulations, dear friends!!