Life Update in AZ

So, I have promised people to stay up to date with at least some social media since we just moved across the country again. I would love to be better at instagram/facebook/etc but I don't see it happening frequently. So big bursts like this are the result, but know that I love and miss all my people in the Midwest! And Idaho and Dallas and anywhere in between!

To begin, Salva and I are now in Mesa, Arizona because he just started his MBA program at ASU. We have been blessed with an incredible opportunity here and it was just too sweet to pass up. I'm so proud of Salva for all his hard work in preparing for this moment, and finding a way to always provide for our little family.

The most bittersweet part of it all is leaving behind the people of Omaha. The "family" I found there is hard to beat. I will miss you all dearly. Not to mention all the other friends, neighbors, book clubbers, YMCA die-hards, and co-workers. It is a nice feeling to know you just belong somewhere. So thank you to all the people that helped Salva, Calvin, and I find a place to call home for those 4 years.

Okay enough emotional stuff (as I wipe away a tear). Here is the new stuff. Spoken in pictures because that is easier. We traveled for several weeks and it was chaotic and wonderful at the same time.

Bear Lake with the Cami and Holli (Nicole in spirit). Such a cathartic weekend! These girls just get me in a way that I can only imagine is similar to having sisters (but maybe better since we don't fight?? I'll never know). Anyways, love these ladies forever and ever!

Next stop, Idaho for a few family reunions.  I also have a pretty great family, and I don't get to see them nearly enough. So a few weeks "home" was much needed!

Island Park family reunion:

 Calvin loves 4-wheelers! 

"Grandma's going to get you!" These cousins are so cute.

 Bear World was a huge hit! Calvin is a little daredevil. I think having all the cousins there helped him feel brave.

Sun Valley: Cole and Val treated us like royalty for our trip to Sun Valley! Gondola ride up Bald Mountain and mountain lake hike made for a beautiful day.

Paris ID campground for the big family reunion:

 I cannot get enough of these cute cousins!

 Salva saw his first moose (it is in the background!).

Polar bear club was the coldest yet as the spring is just a little walk further up. Here is dad and Salva getting ready to take the plunge.

Hawaii with my mom! For my mom's 60th birthday, she treated me to a Hawaii vacation! Salva and I went in March, and so I had a good knowledge of how to get around the island (Oahu). And we immensely enjoyed our lazy, lush week of tropical life.

 Shark's Cove for the BEST snorkeling! 

 Our trendy jackets are for the rain that was pouring down.

Laie Hawaii temple.

Dallas con la familia Romero: These in-laws of mine are gems. I always feel so spoiled when we go to Dallas and Calvin gets doted on like a king. He loves being with his weitos (abuelitos).

 Pollo Regio is kinda the best food. This place has won all our hearts. I'm hopeful to find something as good here in Mesa!

 Abuelita is so much fun!

All that in a few weeks. With just one carry-on size luggage. Pretty chaotic right? Oh, but I left out the detail that I am also pregnant! That is not a surprise to many, but I hope I get you here....I'm pregnant with twins! One boy and one girl. Yup, two babies coming in January. All that traveling while nauseous and emotional from this double pregnancy really had me going sometimes. I know people saw hangry Paige and she isn't the most pleasant person.

In reality we are now so excited! Terrified, but excited. I've had lots of moments where it has felt way too overwhelming, but now that I have them growing with me, I cannot imagine anything different. Salva is so thrilled too and is already amazingly supportive (he calms those hormones right down by reminding me everything is going to be okay). Calvin is excited too....most of the time. When we say prayers he always wants to say it and blesses the babies. If he forgets to bless the babies, he has to repeat the prayer so he can include them. He loves to give my belly kisses. Overall, I think he is starting to understand. However, sometimes he says there are "lobos" (wolves) in my belly and from him that is a big insult because lobos are his biggest fear right now.

The only bump photo I have right now (and this was at 12 weeks...sooooo much bigger now).

Now we are in Arizona. We won't be going anywhere for a  LONG time! The babies are coming, and I think we will be in survival mode for a bit. It is a good thing I like this place already. There is a lot to do all really close, and it is a lot more scenic and beautiful that I realized. Plus Salva is enjoying school a lot so that is kinda a big deal. It is definitely feeling like we made the right decision.

I'm still getting use to the bugs, but I didn't really like the bugs in Omaha either...these ones just seem a little more, um, dangerous. And cockroach-y. Yuck. I'm already getting over it, though, just knowing that winter is going to be ah-may-zing!

I haven't met a lot of people yet, but I'm sure they will come. If they don't, people please come visit! We have a room for you and lots of baby snuggles on their way!

Moving to Omaha

Salva and I are now in Omaha Nebraska. Who knew we'd end up here? Good news though, we are actually really liking it. Tornado, hail, humidity and all. Since we've been here, record breaking twin tornados have touched down about an hour away, cars are driving around without windows due to baseball sized hail, and my exercise tolerance has greatly decreased due to hot humidity. Sounds terrible, but it is rather nice here.

Also, Salva is liking his new job, but if feeling frustrated often. Comes with starting a new job I believe, but I can tell he is getting more comfortable with the job. Also, he has some freedom to come up with his own ideas, which I think makes work more exciting for him. It is a good place for him and will get better as he gets more familiar. I like his job because it comes with built in friends. I hang out with other U.P. wives at Village Green pretty often (well, often for me). That is awesome. They are super nice.

I am currently a stay at home wife. You wouldn't know that looking at our bare walls, but it is true. I took the NCLEX on Saturday July 12th and am waiting to here. Actually, I could know right now if I pay $8, but I have to wait a bit more until I find my wallet with the credit card. UGH I WANNA KNOW! Oh well. Hopefully I have some good news here in about 2 hours. I need good news because I have a job that I am supposed to start on July 28th on a med/surg floor in the Nebraska Medical Center. I'm excited about the job, so hopefully it all works out!

A few pictures....

So, Salva and I recently graduated from BYU. Wahoo! Bachelors in Nursing and Finance. We couldn't have been more excited to finally move on from our 492 sq foot apartment in Wymount.

Leaving the testing center for the LAST time!

Salva right after his last exam. I waited a solid hour for him to come out so I could congratulate the free man with a glamorous photo. We had plans to meet Mati and Nathan at a spring fest, so luckily he finished just in time.

At the spring fest we had to take a picture with our favorite chipmunk - after all, nothing says spring like a chipmunk.

Salva is really trying to like this puppy (but he can hardly touch it). I have a long ways to go!

So cute with the puppy!

Well this is my first official post, and I'm a little frustrated. Let's see how it looks.