Our Apartment

 A few weeks ago we moved back to our old city.  I had not been back since the day of the earthquake.
It has been a blessing to be back in the city that is familiar to us and where we have a lot of memories.  But it also has been a really difficult few weeks.  I think I'm dealing with some post traumatic stress issues, as many memories have returned, especially since we have experienced several small earthquakes since returning.

Here is a picture of our new apartment.  We live on the very top on the right side of the building.  We really like our place, but it has been a challenge on my nerves as I struggle to not fear another earthquake.  Though the earthquakes have been quite small, I am hyper sensitive to them right now, and they probably feel worse than they are.  Though I have to say, being on the top floor feels a lot different than being on the 2nd floor when one occurs.  The building feels like it sways a lot more on top.

We have a nice little park for the boys to play outside.

Before you get too excited about our building I should show you the front.  This was the front after the earthquake.  It is currently being fixed and will be pink like the rest.  You can see the first several floors received the most damage.  Our building was inspected and given a report of being safe and just having cosmetic damage.  With that news, we felt  like we could move in, knowing the cosmetic work is superficial and will get fixed.  But I will say, with the current state I am in, it is hard to look at the front of my building as I enter and feel comforted.  I still struggle with the 'what ifs' of another large quake and what this building can withstand.  But in the end, I'm reminded that God is in control and lead us to this place.  So with that we choose to trust Him.  I am looking forward to having this front complete though.  :)

On a different note, below is a picture of our apartment complex that we lived in when the earthquake occurred.  Reed took this picture today as he drove by.  The whole complex is in the process of being torn down.  You can see they are taking walls out right now.  This picture makes me really sad.  In some ways, I am sad because this place held memories of our first home in Turkey.  In other ways, it is a reminder of the day last fall when I see the damage.  The building was only 2 years old, but was not deemed structurally fit to still stand.  

Urban's Party

We had a little birthday party with some friends today for Urban's birthday.  It was a construction-themed birthday party.  Urban was a pro today, since this was our second time celebrating.  He knew just what to do when it was time to blow out the candles.

Urban is 2!

Urban is 2 today!  Hard to believe 2 years have gone by already.  We enjoyed a small family party today.  Urban will have a bigger party this weekend with some of our friends.  We are so thankful for our sweet boy!

Lake Superior Vacation

In May, Reed and I enjoyed a week getaway up to Northern Minnesota.  We stayed at a resort right along Lake Superior.  It was a real treat to have time to ourselves and enjoy the outdoors.  Because it was still 'off season' we got really good rates and it was not very crowded with people.  We enjoyed a week full of biking, hiking, eating out, and relaxing.  My parents took the boys for the week and they did great!

A view of our resort overlooking Lake Superior.  

We hiked to the top of a peak.  The weather and view was beautiful!

 Enjoying the lake.  

We hiked to many different water falls.  

The resort lent out bikes for free, so we enjoyed a couple full days for biking.  

We had a great week together!

Time with Nana

Nana came and stayed with us in April in our 'Mason City house' for a few days.  We enjoyed having her and the boys kept her busy with lots of playing.

Nana and Asher reading stories.

We went to Clear Lake and enjoyed some beach time there.  

Asher enjoyed the playing in the water behind the house we stayed in.  

Enjoying the water with Nana.

Reed and the boys

Day at the Hospital

In April, Urban had an MRI on the base of his spine.  Everything checked out great, but because he is little and doesn't lay still he had to be put under.  So this simple procedure took most of the day.  He did great as long as he could suck his thumb and hold his blanket.  He had this pretty serious look of concern on his face the whole time, but didn't cry too much at all.  He was a trooper!

Easter

We enjoyed dying Easter eggs again this year.  We also got the rare treat of being with my Grandma.  It was a blessing to be with her and she loved spending time with her great grandchildren.

Mall of America

We enjoyed an afternoon at Mall of America with some of our Wessman Family.  Asher, Urban, Bekah, and Joey enjoyed going on rides in the amusement park.

The boys loved the trucks!

Cousins:  Bekah and Joey

Daddy and Asher on Blue

The kiddos riding Diego's Bus.  This was actually a bit much for my stomach, but the kids loved it.  

Wessman Family Get-Together

In late March, we enjoyed time with the Wessman Clan in Wisconsin.  The weather was unusually warm for March so we got in some rare beach time.  We had a blast spending time together and the cousins enjoyed playing together.

The kids enjoyed blowing bubbles with Nana.

 Easter egg hunt

The kids love Popi's Ranger

A rare opportunity to jet ski in March!

Playing on the beach

 Playing tea party and dress up....the boys were invited this time!

Reed (oh, the drama) and Urban at a water park.

This is where Urban remained most of the time.

Asher loved the water!

Enjoying pizza after swimming.

Asher trying on Reed's old football uniform.

It was a fun several days together and lots of special memories were made.  

Enjoying the Lake

For about 2 months of our time in the States we were blessed to get to stay in a friend's home that was sitting empty while it was on the market.  It was a huge blessing to be able to have a 'home' again for a short time and the boys loved playing by the lake in the back.

The boys loved to throw rocks and sticks in the water.