October - Our New Stomping Grounds

In October, we finally completed our move from Missouri to Tennessee. It was not an easy one to say the least. After many hours of back breaking labor, unpacking boxes, and reassembling furniture, we vowed to never do this again without professionals.

5 1/2 years later...Goodbye, Washington MO!

Re-creation of "welcome home" photo fail miserably when you add a cranky two year old into the mix

The Chicken Palace

When we moved we from Missouri to Tennessee, we decided to downgrade our living quarters. The chickens, on the other hand, received a well deserved upgrade. When Bruce and Patty graciously volunteered their time and talents to building our chickens a new home, we happily accepted. We had no idea that three weeks later, it would result in one of the most beautifully made chicken palaces we had ever seen. I should have expected nothing less, as Bruce had previously built his entire house in Hawaii by hand. So, there you have it. I know all chickens everywhere are jealous, and they have every right to be. What other chickens do you know have a home equipped with a solar powered automatic coop door opener?!?

The Obed

Shortly after we moved to Knoxville, our wonderful friends from St. Louis paid us a quick weekend visit to go climbing at the Obed. We were so excited to see some familiar faces! Micah loved playing with his buddies Tommy and Peter. The highlight of the weekend was having the privilege and honor of witnessing Chuck (aka the Man), complete his 70th 5.11 for the year, his ultimate goal. Congrats! You are an inspiration to so many!

Chuck cruising up for the flash of #70 "Whippersnapper, 5.11a"

The next generation, watching Chuck with admiration and wonder! 

The Pumpkin Patch and Halloween with the Princess and the Frog

September - A Month with Family and Friends

It's amazing how some people can come into your life for such a short moment but make such an deep impression on your heart. The last five years in Missouri have been filled with those moments. We have met an incredible number of amazing people whom we have had the privilege of calling our friends. As we prepare to move on to the next chapter of our lives in Knoxville, TN, we spent September surrounded by the people who have touched our lives in so many ways. My younger and much wiser brother once said, "Embrace the future, but never forget the past." We won't forget Missouri.

September 12 weekend (My birthday weekend!) - Jackson Falls

Our last climbing and camping weekend with the gang.

September 21 - A long overdue dinner at the Crombie Farm

Rita, my coworker, nurse, and friend, graciously invited our family out to her beautiful estate and farm in Marthasville, MO. From the moment you meet Rita and her husband Paul, you will see what an incredible couple they are. They are people whom I can sit around and chat with for hours and hours and never be bored. Their daughter, Kate and son, Grant are no exception. We were so lucky to have all of them in our lives. 

September 23 - Chelsea's Birthday

There are not too many people on this earth that Micah loves more than his nanny, Chelsea, and her parents, Nana and Papa. They have been such an important part of Micah's life and it just breaks my heart that Micah won't grow up with them close by. We love you guys!

And lastly, we say goodbye to my coworkers, my patients, Micah's teachers and friends, and our good friends in St. Louis...who we know we will see often because we will be living near some of the best climbing in the country! 

Then there was moving day...

Summary: After 1 week of packing our container, we were 1000 lbs over the weight limit and had to unpack the extra weight. 

Very valuable and difficult lesson learned = hire movers next time. 

Having strong and generous friends = priceless