"City of Joseph"

So, now Josh is graduated, we had some serious vacation time on our hands. We took advantage of every minute and started off to Nauvoo. We got there Sunday and walked around the temple and looked out over the landscape. It was absolutely beautiful! We went to as many historical sites on Sunday as we could and were able to attend a choral concert by the Sister missionaries. We decided to try and save a few bucks and camp...that was our first mistake. It was 90+ degrees and felt like 100% humidity! Josh set up the tent as the kids and I sweltered in the sun and fought off the mosquitos (do I have your sympathy yet?) We settled into bed, and no sooner had I fallen asleep did I hear Gabe coughing followed by vomit. I rolled off the partially deflated air mattress to discover Gabe covered in throw up (which he did a few more times). I went searching for the flashlight, only to realize, we didn't bring a blasted flashlight!! I used my cell phone and tried to clean Gabe and the mess up by the light of my cell phone. We got things cleaned up and settled back down when Bailee starts crying and complaining about the smell (just thinking about it now gets my stomach turnin). But, that's okay because as soon as I convinced her to relax and go back to sleep, the heavens opened and it started to thunder, lightning and rain (I have never been so happy to be in a thunderstorm). It is now we realize, it probably wasn't the best idea to camp and we are willing to spend a few bucks on a hotel. It was the best 100 bucks I've spent in a long time! Gabe decided he wasn't finished with his antics and threw up once in the hotel and in the car on the way home. Can I just say that throwing up in the car...especially in a car seat should never be allowed to happen!! Anyhow, we managed to do some fun things and see all that we (or the kids) could handle. I highly recommend visiting the church history sites as every time I have gone my testimony has been strengthened and I have a greater appreciation for the early Saints. It builds faith and helps to better understand and visualize history as it was. It wasn't the ideal vacation, but we definitely made some lasting memories. ;)

Rewind!!!

Okay, so back up about three months, when we were still in Ohio and life was crazy. We were getting ready to move, looking for a place in TX to live, squeezing in every last minute with friends, and gearing up for graduation! It seems like forever ago, but it was a special day. Along with Josh's family, Bailee and I attended the hooding ceremony for Josh's Dental class. There was a nice reception following, and it was a little bittersweet knowing we were seeing some of our friends and accquaintances for probably the last time. Josh didn't really want to go the the actual graduation (for all OSU students) but I talked him into it, telling him "You only graduate from Dental school once." Mama Dean and I went in the blazing heat and watched Josh, along with 8,000 other students walk into the "Horseshoe". I have to admit, I was (and still am) so proud of him, I even got a little teary eyed. Throughout all four years of Dental school Josh consciously made the decision to not overstress (easier said than done). He was an amazing husband and father through it all, and in notorious Josh fashion, managed to have lots of fun and adventures along the way! Those four years in Ohio were definitely some of the best years of our lives. We already miss it, but we are looking forward to what our future life has to offer...