The Casita

Here we are!  We have finally settled into the Casita, our temporary home where we will stay until our house is complete.  This magical place sits on gorgeous rural property in the Harmony Grove area of Escondido, and is a welcome retreat from the chaotic month preceding our move. Oozing with Spanish charm, this is the perfect place to spend the next two months relaxing and exploring the area.  Several horses live on the property, in addition to small rabbits and a large variety of birds, and there are miles of trails at our doorstep.

Our bedroom

Happy dogs on their new beds

Harrison enjoying some quality time with his best friends

H's room

Main living space

Looking out from our bedroom

View 

The sweet yard

Our Next Adventure...San Diego Here We Come!

After spending the past month in endless discussions about an opportunity to move to San Diego, Andy and I both feel the energy and movement under our feet and have decided to jump at the adventure. It is not without heavy hearts however that we came to this decision as there are so many things we already miss about our life in the Northwest ... family, friends, foggy mornings and great coffee shops.  

We do feel this is the right time in our life to embark as a family on a new journey, and look forward to the opportunity to live in a new place. The unknown is scary and yet compelling...

In all of the chaotic planning and packing, Harrison continues to be an amazing help!

Packing the family

 

 Putting himself in a box

 Running away with Mom's packed hat

Gigi and Harrison taking a break

Mmmm...there is nothing like good take-out to complete the packing process...and it is especially delicious if put on one's head

Christmas

Christmas was a beautiful blur of family and friends, and we enjoyed just being home for the holiday.  Here are a few photos of our day...

"Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things..." 

Dad helping H open presents (and the last day of Harrison's amazing hockey hair)

Little super hero

Reading with Nana

Exhausted

Harrison's first haircut - only accomplished while fully asleep

Nana working her magic with Gramps' supervision

New man, new bike

Vrrooooooommmmm

Tree Hunting

We set out on a bright sun drenched day in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Sauvie's Island seemed like a wonderful place to spend our afternoon, and our search began and ended at a very small tree farm tucked back on the windy roads of the island. Thanks to Harrison's distinguishing eye, we walked away with a beautiful tree to ring in the holiday.

Soaking in the delicious smells of baby Nobel Firs

Hunting on foot

Success

Hidden among the fir

Thanksgiving Adventures

The Arctic Explorer

It's a rainy day in San Diego and I'm taking the opportunity to finally update our blog after the whirlwind of the past two months preparing for our move.

Here are photos highlighting our wonderful week-long getaway to Bend over Thanksgiving. We were fortunate to have both sides of the family join in the merriment of the holidays!

The weather was sunny and frigid which proved to be rather conducive for both outside and inside adventures. Harrison enjoyed his romps in the snow, marveling at the temperature and texture of the fluffy white stuff at our doorstep.

Snow dance

Enjoying a warm fire at Ten Barrel Brewery

Harrison and his friend Tyne spending quality time together with the watchful Max

Gorgeous ice crystals on the windshield...baby it's cold outside

Andy and Brody enjoying one of our Thanksgiving activities decorating Christmas ornaments

Diaper change with Gigi

Playing with citrus

Nana busy at work

Gramps and Harrison checking out the park from a cozy, warm house

Piano time

A gorgeous day for a hike along the Deschutes River

I love winter

Holding up a very heavy rock

Tree Huggers

Family shot - thanks for the backside Blue

Harrison, Blue and Max looking for early signs of Santa

Family time in the snow