Two weeks down, way too many to go

It’s been a couple weeks since I've updated the adventures of the Nutt House. We are now two weeks as a family apart with Brent in Phoenix and us not. The first week apart seemed to go by quick as it was full of visiting teaching, household chores and play time. In fact, the first week wasn’t too big of a challenge as Brent in the past has had business trips that have lasted a week, so it wasn’t too new.
The greatest part of the first week was getting our pictures back from JLM Creative Photography from our session in May. Below are a couple of my favorite

The second week though, that was rougher, we’ve never been apart this long, and it saddens my heart to think we aren’t even at the halfway mark for our time apart. Fortunately, to help with this, Kara and I took a road trip to St. George to visit my parents. We’ll stay here for a couple weeks, and then with my mom in tow will head back to Reno to pack up our house and head to our new home in Phoenix.
Where we left early in the morning and made stops at almost every town along the way, the trip down wasn’t too bad. Since being here we’ve had a great time with my parents. We’ve visited my grandparents, gone to church, went shopping, went out to eat, went for a drive over to Panguitch and Panguitch Lake, made cookies, and spent time at the Lang Family Ranch during part of the Lang Reunion. What a busy time we’ve had in less than one week, and yea! no plans insight to slow down!!!
The ranch is a place so dear to my heart, a place that has given me many, many wonderful memories. Now, having the chance to pass this special place on to my family means the world to me. Kara enjoyed the corral area and watching the cows (well, what she could see from her point of view) as long as they weren’t too close. I think for now, we’ll stick with cats and dogs for Kara sized pets.

Watching Kara at the water pump reminded me how big she is getting as she could so easily stand against it on her own. (As her mom – I’m still not ready for her to be this big!!)

Kara loved the swing and may still be swinging if her crazy mom didn’t freak out that she may fall out and ended the swing time before Kara was ready.

The biggest reason that I love the ranch is the memories I have of all the things we’d do up there with family – extended and immediate family. The little bit of time I had to sit, eat dinner, and visit with Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins was wonderful!
The ride to Panguitch was beautiful! I came home that night and thanked the Lord for giving us such a diverse and beautiful planet. In the town of Panguitch they were having a hot air balloon festival and while we arrived after the balloons were down for the morning we were able to enjoy the other festivities. This included allowing Kara to eat her first cotton candy, she was so cute and wanted to keep eating it, even after she’d had enough.

*I had a video to upload, showing this, but my attach a video link seems to be missing*

Kara also had a set of balloon painted on her hand; she was so good while this happened not fussing or even squirming too much. Two of the balloons even lasted until her bath the next day.

After we left the town we went up to the lake and campground to visit with my Uncle, cousin, and her family who were up camping. The dark dirt, pine needle covered ground was such an appealing site to the sugar-high little girl that wanted to just get down and explore. Fortunately, Kara’s grandpa was there to take her for a couple walks keeping her focus away from eating all the pine needles from the ground.
Kara was able to balance up against the wooden fence at the back of the camp site.

One of my favorite pictures though, has to be this next one where she is sitting on the rock.

Though we have many adventures yet to experience while we are in Utah this 2/3rds of the Nutt House cannot wait to be reunited with the other 1/3rd of our Nutt House. In fact, while I enjoy all that we are doing and experiencing in Utah my favorite part of each day is the time that I get to talk to Brent each night before bed.
Brent has been busy in Phoenix having started his new job and all reports are that he is doing an outstanding job! (of course, right?)
Though we may be a Nutt House divided in location – we are closer than ever in thought and heart. My wonderful husband surprised me with two dozen roses delivered to my parents’ house earlier this week and I try to send him pictures or videos of our every adventure. Though it is hard to be apart physically, I know my heart remains with Brent and can’t wait until he can wrap me up in his arms once again (oh and he changes a diaper or two too :-))
As we continue on with our current adventures at the Nutt House we hope you enjoy yours as much as we enjoy ours!