Happiest Baby in the World

Even the Utes outfit can't keep this little one from being adorable.  How can you resist that sweet smile?

Maxwell's Blessing and Saying Goodbye

We blessed Max the day we left Omaha.  We packed up the truck the same weekend as Graduation and Commencement.  Everything was loaded Saturday night.  Sunday morning we woke up and went to church to bless Max.  We went home after Sacrament meeting to pick up the truck and head out.  It was a little crazy, but I'm so glad we did it that way.  Nikki and Spencer blessed Crew the same day.  Max fit in barely fit in his blessing outfit.  Zach did a great job.  I am so grateful he is a worthy priesthood holder and has been able to bless all our boys.

Us and the Andersons

Leaving was hard.  For about two weeks before leaving, my heart just ached.  It sounds dramatic, but that's the best way to describe how I felt before moving.  Moving day was an emotional one.  Village Green was such a wonderful place to live.  I'm so glad we lived there while Zach was going to school.

Saying goodbye to our townhouse

The time during Dental School was such a wonderful chapter in our lives.  We will always look so fondly on that time and are grateful for the lifelong friend we made there.

One Last Time

Before we left Omaha, there were a few things we had to do one last time.  There was this little family bakery called Olsen's near where we lived.  Oh, there croissant doughnut, and french doughnuts were so delicious.  I don't know that we'll find a place in Provo that can compare, but that's probably good for my health :)

The boys still in their pajamas taking a morning run to the bakery

Zach was a part of the Idaho Dental Education program.  We had to have one last IDEP get together.  This was also our last chance to get an Omaha steak.  We went to a place called The Drover and it did not disappoint.

Some of the IDEP group

I was so blessed to have such wonderful friend in Omaha.  We all went out for one last time.  I sure miss these girls!

We had to hit up Stella's, this awesome burger joint, just one last time.  This was Zach's post graduation meal.  I finally tried the peanut butter and jalepenos on the burger, and it was pretty good, but not my favorite burger there.

Papa, Will and Justin

Joe-Joe being silly

One last visit to the Lauritzen Gardens.  Oh how we loved this place.  It's so beautiful.  We walked there nearly every morning when the weather permitted and the model trains were on.  Both the big boys loved it.  The trolley was probably Will's favorite, they would race it back and forth.  I think I enjoyed these walks at least as much as the boys.

Joe and one of his best friends, Anthony

If you are ever entering Omaha via I-80 you will see two big engines on the hill, that's Kenefick park.  It shared a parking lot with the gardens and was another favorite of the boys.

And one last time sleeping in their room.  The beds were all packed up.  Yes, the walls are purple and were the whole time we lived there.

Graduation and Hooding

Zach is not a very ceremonious guy.  He probably would have loved to have skipped out on Graduation and Hooding.  I'm glad he didn't though, because this is a big accomplishment, and one that needed to be recognized.  

Zach with crazy hair from his graduation hat, posing next to my dad's graduation class pic (he's the second one in from the left on the bottom row.)

Zach, Max, and Justin

Me and Zach

Zach with one of his besties, Spence

Hooding

Commencement

Hooding was the night before Commencement.  I took of one of my neighbors last minute to watch the boys so I could enjoy being there without chasing them around (or having uncle Justin chase them around who came to help us move.)  Hooding was just with the Dental school, which was nice because it made it a little more personal.  When I saw Zach sitting up there with his class I got a little emotional.  I'm so proud of him for fulfilling this goal.  He has worked so hard, and done a really good job balancing school and our family these last four years.  I'm so grateful for the priority he put on our family, even with the stresses of going to school.  He has managed to be an amazing father and great student simultaneously.

Commencement was the next day.  Rob and Justin were both there.  Will came with us a did surprisingly well.  After the ceremony the Dental school (the medical, nursing, and pharmacy graduating classes were present as well) sprayed everyone with silly string.  I made the comment to Zach's dad that I was sure that was Zach's favorite part.  Sure enough, when we met up with him afterward the first thing he said was that was the best part.

Max

Max is possibly the happiest baby on the planet.  He is so smiley and content.  I consider these traits in him such a blessing, with him being kid number three.

The Box Slide

My friend's sweet mom gave us all her moving boxes after she moved to Omaha, just in time for us to use them when we move.  The boys favorite is this mattress box that kept them entertained for over an hour the other day!

Ready, set, GO!

Joe discovered riding on the plastic plates made him go even faster

Omaha Children's Museum

If I have one regret while in Omaha it's that I didn't buy a pass to the Children's Museum and take the boys all the time.  It is such a fun place!  We had to hit it up before we move.

Joe got wet in this area where you get to play with water, he's trying to dry his pants

Pop Rocks

Will's first Pop Rocks experience, in pictures.