Once Upon A Time The Gutierri Moved From Mayo Rochester To Mayo Scottsdale.

Sometimes we do crazy things for love. Sometimes we move from our home of 20 years to the frigid Midwest so that our husbands can learn to be doctors. And then sometimes we move from our home of 8 years, the place where we raised babies with our friends and learned how to be homemakers and learned about our BFF Jesus, to move back to the desert because that is where your husband's heart is. And sometimes love will make you take 4 days to drive from MN to AZ instead of 2 because your wife likes to take her sweet time. And sometimes it will make you strong enough to work a difficult 12 hours and then come home to cuddle and listen and read and clean. Love is crazy.

My brother Kevin flew from Seattle to MN to help us drive our two vehicles to AZ. It was a ton of fun to have him with us. Ellie was completely obsessed with him from the get go. She kept him up most the night trying to wrestle him, hug him, tickle him. We're pretty sure she took to him so quickly because he looks so much like me and has a very similar personality (read: goofy). I was terribly sad to be leaving MN, but Kevin is a natural comedian and a was a very welcomed distraction. Albert and I were even afforded a mid road trip date in Colorado Springs after a long day of driving. The kids and Kevin stayed back at the hotel while Albert and I feasted on the most delicious Korean BBQ.

That's us up front. Our HE>I bumper sticker kept Kevin's brain busy for a little while. We're just about to hit the Rockies... my favorite part of the drive.

For the record: I DID NOT know he was snapping photos while driving 70mph with my child in the backseat while driving our vehicle. Oh Brother.

We stopped in Colorado Springs for some fun: Focus on the Family's Whit's End. The kiddos love Adventures in Odyssey and Chronicles of Narnia.

Playing Producers

Aslan and the Lamp Post. These kids are out growing our laps! I honestly don't think that's possible.

The funnest part of our trip, by far. Whit's End is completely free of charge and a great place to just roam around and explore.

 Heard about Tim's Place on Facebook and just had to stop for some free hugs. Luckily, it was right on our way to AZ. Tim stops by all the tables to check up on his guests and if you're lucky he'll show you his cup stacking skills.

One of the friendliest people alive. He had shirts and hats for all occasions. Notice he matched Bella in the first photo, then went and changed to match my brother. Everyone leaves this place with a smile.

A quick stop to stretch our legs

YES! We found a Starbucks!

Jacob looks miserable, but I promise he loves a good squeeze.

A look into the future... She's 30 stuck in a 9 year old's body.

The Gnome we bought for our neighbors as a going away gift and then immediately confiscated so that he can join us on our summer adventures. He's about to make his journey back home to MN.

Ellie has done the 1800 mile road trip 5 times now. This was by far the smoothest trip. Partly because she's getting older and partly because we had 3 adults and 2 vehicles. Albert did long stretches of just him and the kids so that Kevin and I could drive in silence or catch up on each others lives. My husband is a saint... must be nice to be born with kindness and patience and good looks and brains.

Messing around with Light Room. I'd really love to know how to use it, but really hate the learning part of it. This sweet girl has my heart.

We are on the outskirts of Denver, but this town will soon be bustling with people. There are houses going up all over the place around here. Of course, you must start with a coffee shop. And a Target.