Settling in

California is feeling like home. We have quickly settled into our new routine. Alexa has school just two days a week and then gymnastics, swimming & Cubbies one day a week. She keeps pretty busy but still has plenty of down time to run around and play with Addison. Alexa has quickly taken to the beach. The first time we went she just wanted to play in the sand. Now she jumps in the water and really enjoys herself. She asks us every day to go to the beach. We go 2-3 times a week for some short play time. We are becoming "regulars" and already know when to avoid the touristy times and spots. Alexa has even asked why so many people where then when we went on a weekend. Haha! Overall I think Alexa is feeling right at home. The move was an easy transition for her.

Addison is growing into a little toddler. I cannot believe how much she has grown physically and developmentally in the last few months. She is pushing 22 lbs and looking as old as ever. People are generally surprised to hear she is only 17 months old. Most assume she is 2! I am guessing it's the hair and beautifully large head. Addison talks up a storm. Of course most of what she says is just gibberish but we enjoy listening to her baby voice. She does still squeal like a pig. I am hoping some toddler etsy will help her out grow it. My ears can only take so much. Just two months ago Addison was afraid of the sand even while wearing shoes. Now she walks and plays in the sand barefoot. She also LOVES outside time. I am hoping to get her to the pool in the next few weeks to see how she does.

Both of the girls went to the dentist this last week. Alexa has been 4-5 times already but she was getting x-rays for the first time. They let her sit in my lap during the x-rays. She said her favorite part was getting to bite the paper (the x-ray paper). Her gag reflex had some issues but we were able to help her through it. She has no cavities. She was very proud. Her cleaning was a bit of an ordeal. After figuring out how the suction worked she had more fun.  Since Addison is only 1 years old she didn't have quite as exciting of a visit. She did enjoy looking at the really cool puff fish and running around the waiting room. The dentist counted her teeth and that was about it. They wont try x-rays or cleaning her teeth until she is 3-4. We will bring her back once a year and Alexa twice a year.

California!!!

The day after Christmas the movers arrived to pack up the house. We stayed at a hotel to give everyone a safe environment. The next day they came back and loaded the truck. It ended up lasting until 10pm. The girls and I drove the three and a half hours to the hotel late in the afternoon. We stopped at an IHop and had our first sit down meal with just the three of us. It went sooo well. Once we got to the hotel we called it an early night and then waited for Justin. Justin arrived just after 1am with the cats in tow. After a short night we were on our way to our new home. The next few days are a blur. We unpacked, organized, unpacked, organized... for about 3 days straight. By December 31st the house was set up and functional. Donna & David came for a short visit for a few days. The girls enjoyed seeing them and it gave us all a much needed break from the craziness. Once they left we went back to getting the house in order and enjoying our first full week together in 4 months.

Alexa has already started Awana, swimming & gymnastics here in California. She is enjoying all three but asks me everyday when she can go to school. Unfortunately all the good schools are wait listed. We are hoping something opens up soon or we will put her in a church preschool for the rest of the school year. We are already applying for schools for next year and it looks like she will be able to go attend our first choice school.

Since we have been here we have been to the coast half a dozen times and the zoo twice. San Diego is a dream come true for us & we plan to make the most of it. We are all looking forward to things slowing down soon. The family time is much needed for us but we will be back to traveling in no time.