it's official

the powers family has MOVED!

We closed on our new home last Thursday, June 13 and started the moving process right away.  We decided to send Adilyn to the General Mills back-up daycare center for the day so she wouldn't have to sit through an hour of document signing, followed by hours of packing and unpacking truckloads of our stuff! Claire came with us to the closing and did very well (didn't cry or have any huge blow-outs), so that's a win in my book. 
We managed to have everything ready to go by Thursday AM, so the loading process was relatively smooth.  It's amazing how much 'stuff' you accumulate in 6 years - and even more surprising how much stuff just can't be packed (mostly baby/kid stuff).  I spent time driving Claire with car loads to the new house - which was thankfully left VERY clean.  It took from about 10:30am-8pm, but we moved EVERYTHING out of the old house (including Dan's significant garage stash of tools and other 'man things'), leaving only a small storage unit of other stuff to get at a later time. It was a long, full day - but it was so exciting to think of the new memories and adventures to come in our new home.
Friday was a busy day too - we managed to get most of the boxes unpacked and start getting settled.  We also tore out the carpet from the basement (which we planned on replacing right away) and painted the girls' room to freshen it up/match their decor.  We had our first 'dinner party' that night with some good friends from Church and ventured out to the 'backyard' park with our friends.  The girls were exhausted by Friday evening and thankfully slept in until almost 9am on Saturday!
Meanwhile, Dan wrapped up inspection stuff and final fixes for the old house - ensuring that our 'sold' sign is accurate.  We are thrilled that the process went so smoothly and quickly (relative to what we were anticipating/prepared to face)!

living room in shambles 

dining room turned into 'holding room' for car-bound items 

3 days' work 

"are we going somewhere?" 

adi + claire having some fun amidst the boxes 

maybe adi had more fun than claire 

photo opp in the basement 

dad was getting creative 

loading up the moving truck at 7729 Plymouth Ave 

on our way into the new neighborhood

adi came home from daycare ~3pm

and had a special surprise waiting for her at the new house. every time we've seen people biking this summer, she's turned to us and said "i wish I could ride a bike" 

having/spilling a snack in her new living room 

Claire and cousin Jacob spending some 'quality time' together while Uncle Ben helped us move some furniture (J wasn't so sure) 

we're home! 

adi had fun with the empty truck 

home at last 

In other news, it's almost the end of June and believe it or not, we did have some other happenings not involving house stuff (though definitely not a ton). 
 Grandpa Powers graduated from Seminary at the beginning of June.  We all attended the ceremony to celebrate his great accomplishment! Dan and I were able to spend the rest of the day without the kiddos - meandering downtown Minneapolis until a friends' 30th birthday celebration that evening. 

Claire & Jacob got their own seats 

adi and I patiently waiting for Grandpa's name to be called 

family photo opp 

well, Claire doesn't quite get the concept... 

June also gave us some hope with some sunny days and warmer temps.  We took advantage when we could by meeting up for park/play dates with friends and taking walks/getting outdoors. There was definitely a fair share of rainy days - which I was actually thankful for, as it allowed me to start the cleaning/patching/packing process at home without feeling too guilty. 
Since house stuff was being finalized, we were finally able to enjoy some project-free weekends as a family and it was glorious! We are definitely looking forward to MANY more of those to come!

Claire-bear enjoying the bumbo chair (at least for about 10 minute increments) 

Claire decided to start rolling over too (back to front first - and now a couple of instances back over) 

Nana and the girls watching all of the happening at the old house (buses are the highlight) 

Adi showing Claire how to ride like a cowgirl 

howdy partner! 

tired girl after Church 

snuggling in bed - Adi crawled in after Dan set Claire down to wash his hands. so sweet: love how they love each other 

picnic lunch with our friends 

Adi the cheerleader - "good job, hooray for you!"

Dan celebrated his 3rd official Father's Day this past weekend.   We had a low key day with G+G Powers, great steaks on Dan's new grill, and some fun at the local Libbs Lake Beach in our new neighborhood.

Adi 'posing' with her sister  

after I told her to relax a little  

Claire's first dip in the water - she seemed to like it, moving her feet around quite a bit and even putting one foot in front of the other with Dad's support

Happy Father with his girls - we love you! 

nothing like some dock jumping (into the shallow water)

the girls and I spent the day at the beach before my return to work the next day

For now - we continue to unpack and organize and re-organize in our new home.  I have also since returned to work full time (as of Tuesday, June 18).  The girls are spending time with Grandparents (for which we are SO thankful) and will be returning to daycare 2 days/week in July.  Claire will be 4 months old tomorrow, so I will be sure to post her updated picture and stats when we have them!

We are excited to officially 'join' summer enjoyment - spending time with friends and family in the sun!