police chief in two small towns in idaho. then in 2005 anticipating an empty nest and eventual retirement, the halls bought this place back in calamasa. life in the spring of 2007 seemed to have hit a sweet spot and ashton and brianna remember their mother telling them. >> we were laying on the bed with her. she just started talking. she was like, i am just -- i'm so happy that i have you girls and dad. >> it was one of those conversations that you don't have every day. >> still, there was work to be done. it was not a new house. it could use some remodeling. particularly the bathroom. courtney was still living with her parents as the work began. >> they're going to be doing the tile work and stuff. so we wouldn't have a shower for that day. >> so, shower out of commission, they decided to wake up early, put on their bathing suits and rinse off in the outdoor spa before the contractor arrived at 6:45 a.m. it was june 7th, 2007.