New Beginnings

It seems strange that July--the middle of summer--would be a time for new beginnings. But for some reason, this July has been full of change and open doors of new opportunities. See for yourself...

It all started when we got back to NC after our trip to Utah. We needed to be together as a little family again. Out of the past 6 months, Mark and I (and the kids) have lived apart for 3 of them. So coming home to Mark and knowing that neither of us have any looming travels on the horizon felt really good. 

After a fun family outing to Cheesecake Factory

July 1st Mark started in his new position as chief resident. His days are full of administrative things he doesn't love so much (like emails, meetings, paperwork, teaching lectures, etc) as well as surgeries and eye exams and people interactions that he does love. He's enjoying working with the residents and faculty. The scariest thing for him as chief resident so far has been assisting/training the residents while they perform surgeries. He says it's one thing to do the surgery himself and a completely different experience to try to direct someone else while they do the surgery. Mark does work at the VA and the Eye Center, and once a week he is assigned to work at the state prison.  He has had a lot of stress and long days as chief resident, but so far so good. 

Kimball turned 9 years old and started 4th grade. Eliza started 1st grade and today is turning 6 years old. Poor Grant doesn't have a birthday this month and isn't starting his preschool yet, so he has felt kind of left out. (At least he got a new Avengers lunch box during one of our school-supply shopping trips.) Kimball and Eliza both lucked out and got really good teachers this year. Both kids seem happy and excited about the new school year.

First day of school!

Breakfast in bed for the birthday boy

For Kimball's birthday party, he asked to have two friends over for pizza and a movie.
We went to "Despicable Me 2." It was a super easy, fun party. 

Breakfast in bed for the birthday girl

Liza decided she wanted to decorate her own cake this year. She had me help her cut out two flower shapes and then she pretty much did the rest. Sometimes I'm not sure if she's 6 or 16. 

Our cute, spunky 6 year old

Kimball is in a summer basketball league, and Mark is the assistant coach for his team. We're not winning many games, but we're improving. :)

Devin and Kimball: serious body-boarders

This past weekend we got to drive up to Virginia Beach to spend a couple of days with the Driskills. Amazing scenery, awesome family, good times. I wish it was a new beginning of having family closer, but they've already gone back to far-away Minnesota. 

Cute Zach and Grant

Me and my awesome sister Andrea

The girls, Liza and Amanda

Fun night out on the beach all together
   

As for me, my first Sunday back from Utah I found out I was getting released from my primary chorister calling and getting 3 new callings instead. I am so sad to leave my job in the primary. I have loved teaching the kids and singing with them every week for 3 years now. But I guess I have to let someone else have a turn at the best calling in the church. So now I have to move on and turn into an adult. My new callings are ward chorister, ward choir director, and Relief Society teacher. Yikes. I am nervous about all 3 of them but willing to give it all a go. Another new beginning for me is having to make new friends again since so many of my friends have recently moved far away. Life was getting too comfortable, I guess, so I should have just expected the change to come. :)

So many new beginnings. So many new things to adjust to and enjoy. We are looking forward with faith and hope.