We are buying our first home!

Zoo Keeper Dad got a promotion at the beginning of December, and since then, we have been looking for a home. Well, we finally found the one that feels right! It is in Layton, and will allow Monkey to have his own room, plus a great yard to play in. (fully fenced in! swing set and "fort" platform! garden area! Two nice big storage sheds!) It has a kitchen with gorgeous tile countertops and flooring, lovely hardwood flooring in the living room and hall, and a good sized room for the twins, as well as a roomy place for the zoo keepers to hide once in a while!

We are so excited.... except for when we think about bidding farewell to all of the wonderful friends we have made in our current ward. We have babysat each other's kids in a free exchange of services, had a blast playing sports at the church on thursday nights, kids all playing together in a side room while we ran around the gym after volleyballs and basketballs.. (just not at the same time!)

I admire so many sweet sisters here.. do you know who you are? Tami, I loved you from the first day I met you. I remember you coming over to my house to talk about my new calling as Primary Music leader. I think you are an awesome mother, and such a fun personality ... I love being around you, and have not done it enough! Shelly, I still remember you writing your name and number for me in my church notebook, in crayon, and in parenthesis, writing (Audrey's mom). I could never have known then just how intertwined our lives would become.. what with Monkey choosing Audrey as his best friend, and then being invited to send him to the same preschool - I am grateful for that referral, as it has been a great place for him to start to "grow up". Not to mention our hubby's working together, thanks to Ben's referral! Goodness, we owe your family a lot! We have appreciated the invitations to dinner and game-nights. Appreciation also goes out to Ben for not complaining when you've received a late-night request for assistance with priesthood blessings. Jenny and Joey - you have both been so great to us, and we are glad to call you friends. There are few as thoughtful and giving as you are, Jenny. I know Anthony admires you, Joey, and has loved serving with you in E.Q. (Jenny, be sure to pass that along.) Curtis and Elise, you have been great get to know through church and choir and babysitting and sports. It is so nice to still see you on Thursday nights.. and we are thinking of doing the same!
We have fantastic neighbors in Heather and Josh next door. Monkey loves having Lil over, or getting to go to your house for a while. We have loved the sweet homemade gifts that have come over the years.
Man, we have lived here for almost 4 years! Our hearts have taken root. I hope we can find friendships like these again in a new home.

Zoo Keeper Dad is out of town for business for a week, and here I am , typing out all of my thoughts, and avoiding going to bed. Goes without saying that I miss him. Wherever he goes, my heart goes with him. He won it from me almost 6 years ago, and I never plan on taking it back. In exchange, I carry his. It is worth more to me than all the riches of the world. I cannot believe what cute kids he has given me! Watching them, especially Bug, it is like getting to watch ZKD grow up! (you should see his baby pictures!
Guess I'd better sign out and get some sleep, because the critters will be getting up in the morning whether I feel like it or not!

Hasta la proxima vez,
Zoo Keeper Mom