The latest

Wednesday was Match Day for Pediatric Critical Care. Our plan this whole time has been to stay here in Arkansas since we are settled and love it, or go home to Utah and be close to family. Aaron applied and interviewed here, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Vanderbilt in Nashville, Primary Children's on Utah, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital. (actually he applied to several others, but we cancelled those interviews). The interviews all went well. And with every interview we would pray that we would know where we were supposed to go.

Aaron had a few interviews back to back and was gone for a week. So, I took time after the kids went to bed to jump on line and do my "homework" on Utah. I was looking at the housing market in Salt Lake and surrounding areas, schools, etc. Each night I would walk away feeling very uneasy and almost sick, not excited and happy how I thought I should be feeling. I was very discouraged with my feelings. This is what we wanted, this is what we have planned! However, that's not what the Spirit was telling me.

Aaron called after he interviewed in Cincinnati. All I remember was, "We need to talk about Cincinnati when I get home." I knew it. I knew the second he interviewed there that was where were were supposed to be. The program is fantastic, one of the top in the country. He met several LDS doctors while there, the Church is strong. The city is extremely family oriented. The schools are great. All equal answers to our prayers.

So with blind faith, we listed Cincinnati as our top choice and were happy to have it granted!

The Gardner Adventures in Medicine continues...taking us to our 4th state (but not until June). That makes 3 countries and 4 states. Lots of great adventures, wonderful friends along the way. Of course we will be very sad to leave. These 4 years have been wonderful, we have lived here longer than anywhere. We are attached to our house, our neighbors, our ward, and our friends. But we know it's time to move on. Good things are waiting for us in Cincinnati. So once again, we will faithfully follow God's not so gentle nudge, because we know He knows what's best for our family.

San Antonio Thanksgiving

Somewhere we got the idea of taking the kids to Sea World in San Antonio for Thanksgiving. The idea kept rolling and we extended an invite to Nana and Papa, who gladly accepted. Very nontraditional, but very fun.

Sea World 2010

We loved how it was all decorated for Christmas. All the shows were put to Christmas music. We walked around listening to and occasionally singing Christmas music.
Shamu was a big hit. Even as an adult I find it fascinating.

We watched Polar Express in 4D. Nothing to do with Sea World, but it was fun.

Uncle Max and the sea lions were among the favorites.

Halle and Papa. We had "buddy" on Halle, but she preferred to be carried.

The gang with Penny the Penguin

Feeding the Dolphins, another highlight for Isaac and Caite. The little kids didn't want to get that close.The Sharks! One of Hayden's favorites

Day 2: Thanksgiving Day

The Alamo

Riverwalk

Awesome place to walk around and see. We took a guided boat ride on the river and had a little history lesson. Very neat place! Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures, I was too busy keeping Halle from going overboard.

We had Thanksgiving Dinner at Marie Calendars...our first Thanksgiving at a restaurant. It tasted great and was nice not to have to cook and clean up. Once again no pictures.

Day 3: San Jose Mission (or something of the kind)

While we weren't looking Isaac scaled the wall and was sitting on the second story. He got in trouble. but was too proud of himself to care.

The Tower of the Americas. Very similar to the Space Needle in Seattle. The kids thought it was awesome being up so high. You could see everything...Texas is pretty flat.Ice cream break

Dinner on the Riverwalk at Zuni Grill. Waiting for the big Light Parade on the River. Very Cool. If you ever get a chance to do this, DO IT! You have to make reservations for a restaurant on the river. It's kind of pricey, but way worth it.

We had a great weekend. Very much worth the 10 hour drive. Thank you Papa and Nana for joining us. Memories were made!

Found it! love it!

My girls room is pink, purple, and yellow. I have never liked it, but that's what Caite wanted when she was three and we move to Arkansas. 4 years later...we are in need of a change.

Assuming that we will be moving in June, I have anticipated a bedroom makeover for the girls in our new house. I have looked and looked for different bedding ideas. I know Caite wants black and white with accents of bright green and blue. I haven't found the bedding until now. I saw this blog and fell in love with it. Even better, she has a tutorial on how to make it!!! So, once we know what our future will bring, I will get to work.Doesn't it make your heart sing? Mine just skipped a beat when I saw this picture!

Anticipation

I have that butterfly-excited feeling in my tummy. We have some fun and exciting things happening over the next month.

Tickets to Wicked this Friday night. Thanks to my awesome husband (and great babysitters)!
A trip to San Antonio for a Sea World Thanksgiving
"The Match" (Dec. 1). Where will be living 7 months from now?
Miami Beach: just me and my man, no kids allowed! Is it warm enough in December in Miami to lay around the pool or a beach and eat good food?

What I did this weekend

Times two. Caite got one also.

(not the greatest picture of a cute outfit, my model was kind of busy)

Gratitude

Tis the season to show our gratitude and reflect on what we are blessed with. There are so many things.

smiles

laughter

my family

my husband

my cute little house

my children's health

good school teachers

the Gospel of Jesus Christ

the comfort of the Holy Ghost

power of prayer

peace

good friends

my "job" that lets me stay home

modern conveniences

That's just a few, the list really can go on and on. Today I am thankful for my washer and dryer (seriously!)...they aren't the fancy kind, but they work great. I have done 14 loads of laundry in 3 days. Can you imagine how long that would take if I had to do it by hand!

Halloween 2010

The Fairy

The Gypsy

The Pirate

The Trunk-or-treat Carnival

The Camouflaged Ninja (without his ninja stuff on for the slide)

it's the only picture I have of Isaac this year.

The Tobler/Holman Halloween Party
no pictures. but fun decor. yummy, creative food. lots of good friends, with lots of kids.