Arizona Adventures

Shortly after graduation, we loaded up our ABF U-Pack Relocubes and sent them on their way to Ohio. (On a side note, we thoroughly enjoyed this way of moving and would highly recommend it to anyone, with gas prices it was cheaper than a U-Haul and much more convenient). Once our stuff was in route to Ohio, we headed down to Arizona to visit my extended family.

Arizona was just what we needed. We didn't really have many "adventures", but we had plenty of time to relax and refuel. We stayed at my grandparents house, and I think for 3 days or so we didn't move off the couch unless we had to eat or chase Jay. Between finals, graduation, and moving, we were worn out!

After a few days, we regained our energy and started doing things. We cooked dinners for my grandparents (my grandma works way too hard and needs a break every now and then), fed the horse, and hung out with family and friends for the rest of the week.

Chad and Jay watching Coco eat

I got adventurous and started a quilt for "baby sister" with my Grandma's help. Every time we visit my grandma talks us into using some of her mounds of fabric to make a quilt, and this time was no different. Usually we all tie the quilt together, but this time Grandma started teaching me how to quilt by hand. I have a whole new appreciation for all the hand quilted quilts she's made for me throughout my life. Quilting takes forever! I'm still working on the quilt I started in Arizona, but hopefully it's finished by August! I'll be sure to post pictures of it when it gets done.

We were glad to get to visit the Lewis family again and Jay loved hanging out with their kids. We even got to see all kinds of Arizona wildlife. Rachael's parents found (and squished) and scorpion for us to check out, and little Hunter picked up a lizard/gecko type thing to show us. I'm so glad the Lewis family lives so close to my family so we can continue to visit them regularly over the years!

Jay, Hunter, and the Gecko creature

We had a fabulous Baker family gathering and ate way too much (a frequent occurrence when we have these family parties) and got to catch up with everyone. Uncle Randy was kind enough to check out our car and make sure it was safe enough to make it to Ohio. He's the smartest cookie when it comes to cars. Last time he told us we had about 10,000 miles left on our front tires, and sure enough, after a little over 10,000 miles a front tire blew out in rural Oklahoma. Ever since we take what he tells us very seriously.

We took Grandpa's advice and stopped by the Mesa Temple visitors center on our way out of town with my cousin and her husband. They had a display of photographs taken with characters from the pageant put in poses to show different parts of Christ's life. I was skeptical at first, it sounded kind of weird to me, but these photographs were amazing! I wish I could remember the photographer's name so I could search for prints in the future. Does anyone know his name? If you get a chance to see the exhibit at the Mesa Temple visitor's center, don't miss it!

Jay and Evan

Jay and Paula

Jay and Grandma Baker

Next Adventure: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Graduation

Alright, it's been an interesting month, to say the least, and I know you've all been checking the blog daily in hopes we will update you on these past few weeks. We've now safely arrived, with all our stuff, in Copley, OH and have moved into our new apartment we will call home for the next year. Getting to our destination was a month long journey, so we'll start at the very beginning (it's a very good place to start).

After 3 long years, Chad has finally graduated from law school! In some ways the past 3 years have flown by, but after looking at the coat rack in our apartment, I'm pretty sure we've been in Provo way too long! I had to wonder how long our coat rack has looked like this without me noticing...we look slightly obsessed...but let's face it, we probably are. After all, Jay does practice singing the BYU fight song when he's alone in his crib.

The commencement ceremony went long (don't they always), but we all stayed awake long enough for them to call Chad's name all the way at the end of the alphabet. We're so proud of him! Here are a million pictures:

And that was graduation. Next up: A month of moving and traveling adventures.