We're here!

Things have been  just a bit crazy here as you can imagine.

Moving out of state is no easy task.

But we're here and totally loving it.

We are so grateful to my mom and grandpa who both loaded up trailers to the tip top and made the 10 hour drive down here with us.

(It ended up being like 13 hrs with the stops and the usual problems that come with pulling trailers).

My grandpa left that next day but my mom stayed for another 5 days helping us get everything situated.

I am so grateful because we were completely moved in just 1 1/2 days later.

That left time for some play.

Which included spending a lot of time at the pool, driving around and getting comfortable with where everything is, and finally taking a little day trip to the Santa Monica Pier.

For those of you that know me, know that for months I have been ranting and raving about getting to live by the beach.

So to finally get there was just wonderful.

It wasn't as warm as I thought it would be so I definitely did not enter the water.

But I kept reminding myself that it is only April.

So without a doubt that beach will be visited quite often, it just needs to warm up a bit:)

Sunday morning came, and it was time to say goodbye.

I hate goodbyes so much.

And I hate change.

So of course I bawled like a baby for 2 straight days.

The stuffy nose, larger than life new zits, constant headache and swollen eyes were (and still sometimes are) my new look.

But I honestly didn't care.

And I think that's okay.

Don't get me wrong, I am so very excited to be here and to have our very own place and all that fun stuff, but it's been hard to leave the very place I grew up, and the place that holds so many dear memories.

Everyone has there own comfort zone and I went a head and ventured out of mine a bit.

 I'm sure it won't last for long, things are already getting better and I am already starting to love where we are.

I still can't listen to any type of soft music.

I know that is weird but seriously every time I do, I burst out bawling.

So for now, we'll stick with the upbeat shake your head around type stuff.

I miss seeing my mom, dad, Sophia, Emerson, Elizabeth, Emmaline, and Harrison every day.

They were such a huge part of mine, Michael, and Olivia's lives.

And I know they still will be despite the fact that we aren't right downstairs.

Thank you facetime. 

(We've been doing it at least once a day, and Olivia loves it!)

I think the thing that I've realized the most since being out here is that Michael and Olivia are my family now.

Just the 3 of us.

And that the little traditions and everyday things we do now will become who we are as a family.

And I'm grateful for that.

Grateful to start our lives together and have so much fun in the process.

I'm thankful for my sweet Michael for holding me while I cry and helping me adjust to this new life.

I couldn't do it without him.

And I couldn't do it without Olivia either.

Her cute laughs, silly words, squishy hugs, and wet kisses make my day every day.

Here's to the next 4 months in Cali!

Here are a few pictures of the past week.

I'm sure there are many to come!

 Michael started work the day after we got here.

11:15am-8:00 pm Monday thru Fridays

9:30am-2:30 pm Saturdays

He loves it.

(I think being a stay at home daddy was making him a bit stir crazy. Which is just fine because I will gladly switch him back places!)

He is still learning the ropes, but is already starting to see a bit of success.

So we'll see what happens.

The others in the group including his former mission companion are hilarious and so very nice.

So we are excited to make some new friends and have some fun despite the long work days!

 Playing at the pool.

 Looking at the potato bug with ma.

I think she got a bit excited and squished it.

Poor bug.

 Eating lunch on the Santa Monica pier.

 Going exploring with mom.

 They have a mini toddler playground just outside our apartment.

Olivia loves it and can do it all by herself!

Watching giggle bellies while mom makes dinner.

Stay tuned for pictures of the apartment!