June 15, 2012

first 3 weeks

Been in Cali for a few weeks already and I feel like the time has flown by!

Mom and Dad drove out their car to Austin to help move me back home to SoCal and then we trekked back to Cali. The drive wasn't as bad as I remembered it being, but it was still pretty long. Maybe that's due to this time I discovered Monster drinks. I now know what my stimulant of choice is.

I kept my move date back on the hush-hush as I was trying to surprise my super friend, Erin, for her big 30th birthday. I was at her house when she came home from work, ready to party it up with friends and family for a little birthday celebration, and I think it worked! Had such a blast at my first party back in SoCal.

In continuation of Erin's birthday celebration week (or just more quality time spent with her and her mama), we went to their cabin in the mountains for the weekend. It was JUST what I needed after the exhaustion (emotional, mental, physical) of moving...some chill time in the woods. A little good food, a little hike, a little John Denver cover band, and great company.

One of the hardest things to leave in Austin were the people...and their kids. Within the 4 years of living there I was blessed to see a few great friends bring their firstborns into the world. Knowing that I won't be there to see them grow up (in person), or squeeze them, or smother them with kisses pains me greatly. Thank goodness for blogs, Facebook, and Skype though!

With that said, there are some little stinkers here that I get the chance to love on during my stay. Oh how I love these faces!

Last week I got to play with the Hill boys and their mama, Elaine. So excited to have more play dates with them as they're staying in Cali for the summer!

Last weekend, Erin and I road tripped north up the coast for a bit to spend time with our good friend Robin and her growing family. They just welcomed sweet little Olivia into their family a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait any longer to go see her and spend time with them all. All I have to say is this family rocks! They're a team and it was so awesome to share their family for the weekend. And these girls...oh my heart! So full of life, spunk, personality, and joy! I miss them so.

If this is what the first few weeks of being home has brought, I can't WAIT to see what the next few months will bring!

Sidenote: As you can see, I haven't used a real camera in ages and instead have relied on the accessibility of my iPhone camera. I will make it a goal to use more of a real camera. Darn you, Instagram, and your awesome effects.