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."

Friday Night Performance

Connor's Montessori Schools puts on an annual Spring Performance and Art Show. Last year Connor was shy about his on-stage skills and stayed to the back...not so this year. He was proud to be a sheep, telling me mid-week, "I was going to be a frog, but now I'm a sheep."
I am amazed and incredibly appreciative of the talent that all of Connor's teachers display. His Art and Dance teachers did an especially wonderful job putting all of the evening together.
Quinn was excited to watch Connor perform and yelled, "Nonner" from the back nothing short of 50 times. That was only until she realized Preston was close to the stage taking pictures, at which time she began yelling, "Dada! Dada!"
After the performance we joined some other classmates and their families for gelato. It was a delicious ending to a wonderful Friday night.
Knowing Connor's personality, I take great relief in the fact that it is the first and LAST time that Connor will be a "sheep".