Zoo

It's pretty random to have a lone "Zoo" post, but when the Ballard family moves to a city with one of the world's coolest Zoos thirty minutes away, I can guarantee you at least a dozen random Zoo posts throughout the year.

Moving And Memories

A few days after my last post on this blog our family had a major shift take place in our lives. For nearly five years we made wonderful memories in Fayetteville, NC and met some of the best people we'll ever have the good fortune to encounter. Our chance to head West and live closer to family didn't come at the most opportune time possible, but we knew it was the right decision and would offer each of us a chance to stretch ourselves and rely on Heavenly Father for assistance and comfort. They packed us up on November 11th which is Ryley's birthday. We celebrated as the house got boxed and placed onto a truck. The next morning we all headed for Colorado Springs, stopping along the way to enjoy one of our favorite museums from our time living in St. Louis. We arrived in the Springs four days later safe and sound, grateful we had been watched over every step of the way. My oldest sister just happens to live in Denver so we were able to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with her awesome family. Some of our very best friends from med. school days also happen to live just one mile from our new home. Amazing family and friends already "built in" as we adapt to our new lives here in beautiful Colorado. Tender mercies.

                                      

Haley's Baptism

Haley J was baptized this past month on Oct. 15th. It was such a wonderful day. She had Sister Mooring and Leadbetter give talks and her favorite past primary teachers gave the opening and closing prayer. Since Hurricane Matthew had recently hit our area, the water in the font happened to be freezing cold. As always, Haley handled it like a trooper and had a huge smile the entire time. We are so happy for the choice she made to be baptized and grateful for the wonderful example she is to our family and all those around her.

Fall Happenings '16

Fall here in beautiful NC has been packed with some pretty wild experiences. We've enjoyed time at our favorite park, which is about an hours drive but well worth the effort. We've spent time with friends at various events including Honeycutt's Boo Bingo and our church Trunk or Treat. Halloween was enjoyed by all with large amounts of pizza, donuts, and of course candy. Kadyn ventured off with friends this year but made it back in time for the traditional Ballard kiddo candy trade. With that being said, here is where the "wild" comes in. About a month ago our Fayetteville area experienced Hurricane Matthew. It left hundreds of families with damaged homes from flooding and fallen trees. Church was cancelled and for the past four weekends we have spent the entirety of our Saturdays and Sundays "mucking out" homes and dragging trees to the curb for the city to clean up. It's been a humbling, emotional experience. It's also been an amazing one as these families embrace you and weep in gratitude for coming to help them. Our prayers and hearts continue to go out to these families who have lost everything they know. May we remember that no matter what is happening in our lives, Heavenly Father is always there and waiting to lift and comfort us through our wild times.