Well, we made it (whew)

We've been in our Colorado house a little over a week now. We're all out of boxes and starting to hang accouterments on the walls. And, it's starting to feel like home. There is much to be missed in Utah, but we are really enjoying Colorado. Some dear friends have welcomed us with open arms and we are excited to be meeting neighbors and in a few months other parents from the schools.
Sorry for the lag in keeping the site updated (I'm sure you've been waiting with bated breath), but we've had a few items on our plate that took precedence (you know, like finding our underwear).
Here's where we are calling home these days.

If these walls could speak...

Last night I lay in bed, exhausted from packing and kids and work and life, blah, blah, blah and I started to really think about leaving our house. I've been thinking about leaving Salt Lake, our neighborhood, our friends, the beautiful canyons that surround us, our favorite haunts and my office mates. But, I hadn't really thought about leaving our house much. We're so excited about moving into our house in Littleton that I had neglected to think about our Lonsdale Drive house.
I remember so distinctly finding that house and just knowing that it was the place for our family. On moving day we were sure that it was the place where we would raise our kids - funny house things change.
That home is the place where Connor started sleeping through the night (bless), where we brought Quinn home from the hospital, where Connor first rode a bike, where we hosted many Thanksgiving dinners and numerous visits from family and friends and where Preston and I really learned what it was like to have a family of our own. We have enjoyed countless evenings on the deck, breakfasts at the counter and movie nights in the basement. So, thank you house.
I wonder are you sad to see us go as we are, but also excited to meet your new family? Take good care.

More, more, more, ketchup

Just short of 11 years

Almost 11 years ago, Preston and I drove the Explorer pulling a small Uhaul trailer full of wedding gifts and hand-me-down furniture to the Bee Hive State. We were newly married (a little over a week) and fresh off our honeymoon in Key West. We were ready to utilize our sparkling Marketing degrees from Kansas State and tackle the working, married world. In one word, we were YOUNG. We took a huge leap and flew from the nest, just the two of us.
It's been a hell of a ride Salt Lake City. We have seen friends and family come and go, welcomed 2 beautiful children into the world, lived at 4 addresses, explored much of this state on numerous vacations and built friendships that we'll never forget.
We are so excited for this new adventure and thrilled to be closer to family and friends, but Salt Lake City was where we became a family and a little less young.
Look out Denver because the Barton 4 are coming and you may never be the same!

Yeah, so?

Vocabulary Explosion!

These days Quinn is saying new words every minute and she has become quite the little parrot - able to repeat most of what we say with great excitement! A couple of mornings ago Quinn and I arose early to a beautiful morning. She went right to the sliding door to the deck and said, "See birdies." So, without delay we head out to the deck with our breakfast. Connor soon joined us and we enjoyed the morning light and the birdies. The steaming cup of coffee in my hand was the icing on the cake.

More than neighbors

Across the street and 3 houses down live an amazing family. We have become dear friends and so have our children. Their backyard is the perfect spot to enjoy beers and burgers while the kids play and play and play.
The Demeos have 3 children and they have completely taken our 2 in as part of the pack. We were there on Sunday enjoying a chill night with delicious food and even better conversation. Tracy captured the kids enjoying their dinner (amongst countless "poop" jokes between Joey and Connor, endless laughter and a bit of wrestling).
There aren't words for how much we will miss living up the street from this family. Quinn says it well when she says, "My Tessa."