The long journey 'home'


Audrey in our new front yard...

After much ado (seemingly endless packing of boxes, packing of truck, driving, unpacking of truck, unpacking of boxes....tbc), we are finally getting settled into our new home. And we already L-O-V-E it.

So much has happened along the way so catch-up is definitely in order:

First, MUCHO thanks are in order--

To Mike (my dear friend Deanna's dad) (and his crews), who worked so hard to lug our crap from one state to another. He went WAY above and beyond taking care of us; he even took our roses out for some sunlight and TLC on the journey northbound. THANK YOU!!!!!!! Smooch.


To M's Mom and Dad--for babysitting during critical last days, patch-painting, cleaning, hauling, etc. For your loving support and willingness to lend a hand wherever and whenever possible. And for gourmet cooking ready at 9pm on moving night.



To Kelly- who put together a super-helpful roadtrip planner for us with kid-friendly stops and alternate routes that included organic dairy farm tours, etc. (Unfortunately, because it was going so well with A, we mainly high-tailed it down the road, but are definitely keeping visiting more of the stops on future trips.)

To Audrey--for being such a trooper throughout the entire move and especially on the looong drive. For so happily and trustingly embarking on this adventure with your daddy and mommy.



To Summer, Gigi and Uncle Greg--for a wonderful and relaxing visit in No. CA...much-needed rest, laughs and love. Not having seen each other since returning from Africa, this was a sweet, sweet reunion.



And last, but certainly not least, the TRUE-FRIEND MOVE VIP: Mrs. Denise McCormick. Seriously--how many friends will fly up to help you move in? How many women with Lit. degrees and Chief Editor titles can change diapers, put together tedious Ikea wardrobes, wallpaper and install all manner of fixtures? Oh--and did I mention she did all of this tirelessly for an entire week--day and night? There are absolutely NO words to express how grateful we are, Néné.



Thank you, EVERYONE, for your help. We could not have done it without you.

And one more thing: we are never, ever moving again. When the homeowners we are renting from try to come home in 3 to 5 years, we simply will not let them in.


Deanna and Marilyn noshing some In-n-Out


Audrey hugs her good buddy Maxwell (born only 1 day apart; their mommy's shared a hospital room)


Perspective...if you think that you 'really are moving towards minimalism', moving is a humbling reality check. This truck did contain our other car.


A very cool place for a pit-stop: Bravo Farms Cheese (just south of Visalia) who would have thought you'd find an enchanting dining garden, great food and store right in the middle of nowhere?





Cobblestone Cottages--a very cool B&B we stayed at in Medford. Only a few bucks more than a Ramada and MILES more heavenly. The owners were so gracious and are actually selling the place to retire down the street. M and I agreed that one of our mom's should buy the place. It was charming, impeccable and bordered organic strawberry fields. HELLO!