*nueva casa

You probably know we were finally able to buy a house and move out of the dorm?  We've been here about two weeks now and are finally starting to have some normalcy... not a lot as there is still a lot of boxes and couches in odd spots and walls to be painted etc., but a little. This morning was one of the first that I didn't have to rush off somewhere or get something done quick before some deadline [birthday party, visiting family, school starting...] and so I cleaned and organized and emptied a couple boxes while Edie watched cartoons and then played. So lovely.

Tonight Ben was at a lecture at Harvard [not a common occurrence, but pretty cool, right??] and so we girls made dinner here and just had a *regular* school night. I loved it.

Edie was so cute helping me with dinner, singing little helping songs and sneaking pinches of salt and soy sauce. This is her silly face for the picture:

Dinner at our new [craigslist] table!  In our newly-painted dining room which I love. I still can't believe I get to live in such a pretty house.

First "dance show" in our new house.  Ah girls - what will life be like if we have a boy??

Anyway, I just wanted to post some daily life...  

In the busyness of the last few weeks it is something I crave!

*never posted: Vera cumple 5!

Vera's birthday party last year was at an incredibly busy time - just as we returned from Tahoe, listed our house and were preparing to move to Nevada. I can't believe this was a year ago!! We sure missed all her birthday party regulars this year :(

*Vera cumple 6!

We celebrated Vera's 6th birthday in California!  This has been saved on my computer for a couple weeks now... it's been busy to say the least.

She was kind of a grump in the morning - disillusioned because her birthday felt like a "normal day" - thankfully she mustered up some excitement and gratitude and the day improved :)

homemade corndogs and mac and cheese - enjoyed by kids and adults alike :)

these brothers... read their cupcake flags.

I am caving in more and more to the princessy wishes of this girl.

Grandpop and Lola took all of us to Disneyland the next day for her birthday and we had a fantastic time. It wasn't too hot and for some reason the lines weren't really that bad.  It is such a happy place :)

I love Edie's expressions :)

Can't believe I was already showing.

Just after Pirates of the Caribbean - they were pretty spooked during the ride but love to remember it :)

*summer trip part 3

The last part of our trip we spent down in Orange County.  In case you're wondering, we flew into OC, drove to Tahoe the next day in Ben's parents' minivan [flight went well, drive was AWful], from there drove to Rock Creek and from there back down to OC.  Another great time of hanging out with family and friends, Vera's birthday, lots of beach time, good food [ie. Mexican], etc.  I didn't get a ton of pictures because I kept having to delete to take more!

Matty bought a big kiddie pool for the backyard, it was so much fun!! 

Granny is doing well at 101.5!

We left the girls with Mike and Rosie and had a fun night out to dinner and playing cards at Melissa's place in Long Beach:

We met up with a bunch of friends at San Onofre State Park. Vera borrowed Nate's wetsuit and had so much fun riding the waves in with her daddy!

These two get along so well!

Melissa gave Vera pink and teal hair chalk.. I probably don't have to tell you that it is in her top gifts of all time!  This was when she was just getting started...

I have a wonderful new friend out in MA who I met through my good friend Megan from Point Loma - she's from San Clemente and was home so we all met up one day! It was so much fun and the little ones got along really well.  The picture of us moms turned out terribly :(

Vera and Eden really clicked this time, it was awesome!  Eden is an amazing little girl - Vera was inspired by her to really start swimming and also to get up on a paddle board.

We met up with them again at this amazing little beach in Dana Point - I want to go here every time we are in California!!

 

Girls went out for corndogs and chowda when we were up in Long Beach...

Met up with Heather in Santa Monica - goodness, I love my friends and am so glad we've remained close for so many years!

Tia came out for a quick visit from Utah.  Oh Tia, we love her so so much.  Seriously, talking to her on the phone or even talking about her I get tears in my eyes. Such a special time that was living next to her in SLC. She's selling her house there and while I'm glad for her, it breaks my heart to think we can't go back and see her there in her house, her yard.

One more post coming!  Who's still watching?