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Wednesday

North Carolina!

As you probably know, we started our moving-to-North-Carolina process about a month ago. We left Virginia and moved what could fit into suitcases to move to Daniel's grandparents (Pop & Ranny) house in Mooresville, NC. Sienna has had a little bit of difficulty adapting to so much, but for the most part, all is well.

We arrived in town on Mother's Day Weekend. We had a delicious brunch at a local diner, but these photos are taken before the meal. This is Sienna hanging out in the parking lot (with Mommy, of course!) when I saw some signs of tantrum-ness brewing and I suggested taking a walk before all broke loose.

In her defense, the food took over an hour after we ordered it. We were trying to cover up our DC attitude and not notice the food was taking forever, but the North Carolina group we were with commented on the long wait so it was ok for us to agree.

The first week we were here, we found a great park. It is only about 10 minutes away and it is perfect for Sienna. When it isn't too crowded, I get to sit on a bench and watch her since I can keep her in my view wherever she is on the playground. Let's be honest, though - Sienna rarely lets me sit, but I am grateful for those infrequent times when I can. (These pics were taken with my iPhone which explains the quality...)

Ranny & Pop have a boat and we have all enjoyed taking rides on Lake Norman. It starts to thunderstorm pretty much every time we get on the boat, but it's still fun...

She's spoiled wherever she goes. Here is her new pool for the backyard. Thank you Ranny & Pop!

Tuesday

Sienna's First Popsicle ;0)

Thursday

Lil Miss Personality

Sienna has such a big personality all of a sudden. She is so much fun. She loves playing with her little friends and loves being outside. She loves blowing bubbles, going "in park" (going to a playground) playing with dolls, building towers, having her fingernails painted, going on a walk, jumping, running and dancing. She tries to pose for pictures but they are adorably awkward. She learned her name is Sienna Layne Wright and she pronounces her middle name "Wayne." She thought that her parents names were Mommy Layne Wright and Daddy Layne Wright. Now she knows are names are Daniel John Wright and Lauren Elizabeth (pronounced "beth beth")Wright so she now calls us by our first names. She loves being tickled and she likes for Daddy to tickle Mommy which she doesn't like but is a good sport anyway. She uses funny phrases like "Certainly, Mommy" and "Sorry, Guys!" and she makes up words if she doesn't know the word that fits in a sentence. She loves to sing (still Mamma Mia, mostly) and other songs that no one knows except for herself. I could go on and on, but I will let some pictures speak for themselves :)

Tuesday

Ciao, Great Falls VA

As usual, I am behind on the blog. And as usual, it's because we have been crazy busy - again. We put our house on the market about 3 weeks ago. It was on the market for approximately 6 hours when a family came to see the house and they had a contract on it about the next day. It was a huge blessing for sure. Now we have to move out this weekend without purchasing another house (we're working on it) but whatever. We are good at created complication situations for ourselves. Sheesh.

In the meantime, Grandma and Pop Pop are letting us stay with them. Someday they will experience Empty Nest Syndrome, but not quite yet. This week I have been busy packing up the house with a little one who is really good at unpacking what I have already packed. We have a system down.

So we say goodbye to our Great Falls house. In some ways, it is sad to leave. In other ways, it is more like "good riddance " - especially to the mortgage and the stink bugs that have taken up permanent residence and wake us as they flying around our heads at night.

Check out a few pictures of the before & after process in remodeling the house. I highly recommend the contractor - Daniel Wright, New Leaf Construction :) Some of the pictures aren't the same angle but hopefully you can see the room in general.

(PS - The previous homeowner was moving out as we were moving in, but you can get the gist. PSS - The "after" pictures are a little dark but I don't have time to lighten them at the moment.)

Kitchen before...