Bitter~Sweet

 When we moved to Iowa about 2 years ago, we expected to be here in the middle of nowhere alone, that is without family near by.  Crazy, yet wonderful, our "lone" expectations only lasted a year.  About a year ago my sister (Alexis) and her family moved to Davenport Iowa , about 2 1/2 hours away, and Ted's brother (Brad) and his family moved to Burlington Iowa, about 2 1/2 hours away.  We have LOVED having our family closer and have loved getting to know their families more intimately. 
We have had visits and have gone visiting on free weekends and even not so free weekends (with family you just have to make the time).  The Holidays were a super special time, as all the families of Iowa (and 2 from Utah) came together for Thanksgiving Dinner: Jim~Nancy, Brand~Tonya Family, Ted~Allie Family, and Alexis~Paul Family.   And then for Christmas Break, we traveled to each families home to visit for a few days. 

Well, this weekend Brad~Tonya~Family stayed with us for the last time as they head west to Utah.  They have stayed with us a number of times through the past year... and I have loved it... { tears trickle with how much I loved having them stay at our home} ... I have loved the closeness and the chaos of it all. 
I had the opportunity to watch their kids for 5 days while they went "dental practice shopping", in which I grew spiritually, and in patience and ooh the love for their kids and my own.  To be trusted with someone's most important gift(s) is pretty amazing, I feel so grateful!

I know they are going to where they need to, but their family in Iowa will miss their presence... A LOT.

Brad, thanks for always trying to make my kids like you the best... you're such a fun uncle!
Tonya, thank you for your love, your confidence, and your hospitality.  You're such an awesome example of how a mother should be.
Branson, Lizzy, Abby, and new little Rockwell, what a joy you all are!

Jim and Nancy, thanks for being here to support Brad~Tonya on their move to Utah, you are such dedicated and loving parents.
We love you all and can't wait to see you when we visit Utah!

(Of all the times we have spent with them I have neglected my better judgment and NOT taken pictures.   So, I took some pics of their last stay here and unfortunately my camera decided to misbehave and take some good and some awful quality pictures... ohh well, what can you do...)

 

No matter if baby Rocko is happy or sad, Chloe ALWAYS loves to hold him.

Such an active and fun family

 

I'm sure I'll never live to see the day that a Butterfield of the male gender will EVER take a serious picture together...seriously, it'll never happen.

 

How Chloe and Porter adore Grandpa Jim and Grandma Nancy!