We're still here!

Betcha thought the new house was holding me hostage, huh?  While it has been taking a good amount of my time & energy lately, there have been a few other things going on this past month.  I thought I'd share a few pictures to kind of catch up - although a bit too much time has passed and I haven't taken enough pictures to really capture it all.  It's been busy 'round these parts!  Here's a brief recap:

 My wonderful Mom & Aunt Linda came in a couple of days before the move, which literally set everything in motion.  They were a 2-woman cleaning/packing/unpacking/organizing force of nature.  Seriously.  I think I'd still be cleaning my other house if they hadn't been here.  Pathetically, this is the only picture I got of the two of them - out in our new front "yard" (culd-a-sac) with Caroline and her new friends.  Mom & Aunt Linda - THANK YOU!!!!  We really couldn't have done it without you.   Also, please come again and I promise I won't make you work the whole time you're here.

Caroline has been getting acquainted with lots of new friends in the neighborhood these last few weeks, and she has been quite the little socialite.  We are thrilled to be surrounded by lots of kids and sweet families who all like to hang out outside, and Caroline is nearly convinced that the "tids" (kids) actually live out on the pavement of the cul-da-sac.  We just can't convince her that inside the house is just as much fun as outside :)

She's also become a big fan of sidewalk chalk.

Inside, she has become quite the little Mama lately, diapering, swaddling, feeding, rocking, and dragging baby around everywhere she goes.  It's pretty cute, and it makes this Mama hopeful that she'll be eager for her role of big sister come August.

I've been breaking in my new kitchen (which I LOVE), and Caroline is my ever-present (except during blessed naptimes) sidekick.  She's quite the little baker!

One of our recent creations - yummy cupcakes!

Last week (well, a week and a half ago now), we headed back to Missouri for Paige's high school graduation.  I know, I know - I can't believe it either.  But it happened.  She's become quite the young lady, and I was very grateful to be a part of her big day.  I told her that she is officially the first graduate to make me feel old (it was one of those "but-I-rocked-you-as-a-baby-and-you-can't-possibly-be-this-old!" moments for me).

Me and the beautiful grad - and my 6-month baby bump!

Paige's lovely sister, Torri.  While I was there, I also got to watch her qualify for state track in 3 different events -- which she went on to medal in 2 of this past weekend!  No big deal - she's just a stud like that.

Caroline also enjoyed LOTS of time outdoors.  Here she is feeding the birds at Great-Grandpa & Grandma's house.

4 Generations (minus the 3rd generation, who was taking the picture) - Great-Grandpa AJ, Great Grandma Ann, Papa & Caroline.

Great-Grandpa AJ, Papa & Caroline roaming around in the beautiful weather - it was PERFECT while we were there.

Love this picture - Great Grandpa & Caroline throwing rocks in the pond.  This just makes my heart happy.

Of course, we also spent lots of time with Nana, Aunt Kelsey, Uncle Brent, and even Daddy got to come along this time!  I just didn't take very many pictures, unfortunately.

So there is a quick recap, with lots of missing pieces.  Whew.  Now that I'm a bit caught up, I'll try not to stay away so long!