Big Girl Bed

 These first two pictures were attempt #1. We gave up after she kept getting out and put her back in the crib.

 This was the second night, attempt #2 was a success. 

This last picture was before we moved. She was "going potty" in her doll houses toilet... She cracks me up. I guess potty training is next on our list.

Where is our church?

After orientation week was over I was looking forward to going to church and meeting my new ward members. That morning I got all ready and even had to wake Emma up from her nap early. We plugged the address into the gps and headed south into Kansas City. The whole 20 minutes of driving I just couldn't believe there wasn't a closer church. As we got closer we were in a really sketchy part of town. There were punk kids walking up the streets with a knife, people out smoking, we passed about 8 other churches of other beliefs. We drove around for 20 more minutes looking for an LDS chapel. It was very disappointing that we couldn't find our church. We drove another 20 minutes back home, and then after talking to our neighbors we realized that church was about 10 minutes away.
Since then we have been able to go to church twice. Our ward isn't real big, but it is super nice and there are some great members there.

I had to throw in at least one picture. I love these two kids so much!

Orientation Week

Three days after we moved to Missouri, Landon had to start Orientation for medical school. It was a packed four days. They gave him his new IPad, he purchased his medical supplies, did a service project, and learned the ins and outs of how the school is going to run. On Wednesday Landon's parents stayed home to watch the kids while we went to the tailgate party and then to a Royals game. Most of the parents who were visiting their medical students ended up being babysitters that night for grand kids :)  

 

 Thursday night was the White Coat Ceremony. They had several speakers and then had the medical students go up on stage holding their white coat and then have one the professors (who are doctors themselves) place the coat on them. Landon's was one of the few who had it ironed :)

It was such a relief to have his mom and dad their to help out with the kids. After the ceremony they took the kids back home to bed. Landon and I went to the Reception that took place at a Marriott hotel. It was super nice, tons of food and a band playing. We were really able to enjoy ourselves with some new friends one last time before he started school.

(This was the only picture that somewhat turned out)
In case I have not mentioned, the name of the school Landon is going to it is: KCUMB, Kansas City University of Medicine and Bio-sciences.  

Bye Utah.....Hello Missouri

This was our Ogden Apt. We have many good memories here and this is where we met the Fosters, Quists, and Boltons. Best 4-plex ever....until everyone started moving away. We are the last ones to move out.

 

Landon and I are so grateful for all the friends and family who helped us with our move.

 August 1, 2013 The start of the REAL Adventures.... Landon and my Dad pulling out of the driveway at 6:00 am.

August 2, 2013.....Move in day! Landon and my dad drove for 2 days. When they arrived to our home they unloaded the truck with the help of our new friends (Rustchke's). Dropped off our u-haul, picked up our other car, started setting up beds and then came to the airport to pick me, mom, and the kids up. 

EVERYTHING went as planned... From having Cooper early, having his blessing and pictures then having the flights, u-haul and apartment all ready. We were so blessed with how it all actually turned out. To top it all off, Emma took a nap on the plane and both kids were great.      
                                
 Both my parents and Landon's parents were LIFESAVERS! They both helped us unpack, clean, hang pictures on walls, and most of all watch Emma.
                                     

 Welcome to Missouri!

Coopers Blessing and Saying Goodbye

July 28th we had Coopers Blessing at the Deru's home in Mountain Green. He was only 10 days old. It was such a neat experience to have the closest people to us in one room and to be able to hear the testimonies of parents and grandparents.

 After the blessing we headed over to the park where all our extended family and friends came to say good-bye. This is my cousin Doug's wife Amanda. I loved living by her and getting to become such great friends with her. Emma still talks about "Wa Wa" (Walker).

 My Sisters! Oh how I miss them already. Two Babies born and two more to come.

 Emma and her Deru Cousins. She loves all her cousins and knows them ALL by name.

Welcome Cooper Scott Deru

July 19th, 2013 at 2:50 a.m. I brought the sweetest little boy into this world. I was so blessed to have the best parents at my side. Throughout the day I was having contractions and they started getting worse around 7:00 (while having dinner with our friends the Quists). Braydon and Allie stayed the night at our house to watch Emma while Landon and I went to the hosiptal. We got there around 10:30, I got my epidural a bit late (nearly ready to deliver). Pushed for 3 minutes and Landon was right there with the Dr. and delivered Cooper. Spending 3 days in the hospital with Landon and Cooper was so nice and relaxing. Both Grandparents watched Emma for us, we couldn't thank them enough.

 Big sister Emma Loves "Coo Coo" (that is how she says his name) and loves to give him kisses.

7lb 13oz. 20 inches