Good-bye, house!

Well, it's official: my parents moved into their new house today.

It was the first time they've moved since buying their previous house in 1979. Before that, my grandparents owned the house. They bought it in 1967 when my dad was still in school!

 It was the house my brothers and I grew up in for 20+ years, and the one we always came back to as adults.

 This is what my house looked like growing up

 A more recent shot, after renovations

 The front porch, where all major holidays, gatherings, and occasions were documented via photos.

It is so odd to think that I'll never have a reason to drive past my high school again. Or my old dance studio, or mall, or even the neighbors' houses.

Unless it's to check up on the new owners. You know, just to make sure they're treating our old house right. :)

Congratulations Mom and Dad! I'm so excited you have a beautiful new house to call home!

Cody's wedding

Last weekend our family got to go on a mini-vacation thanks to my good friend and college roommate Cody. She and Alex got married in a beautiful seaside ceremony. We made the most of the weekend by renting a beach condo and introducing Riley to the wonder of the Central Coast!

We began by making a pit stop at Debra and Tim's house (college friends) to eat lunch and have the girls play. Thanks for the  yummy meal Debra!

Riley and Mia were born one year apart.

What nice guys--Daddies playing with the girls while Debra and I catch up!

Next, we headed down to the Welcome BBQ for all out-of-town guests. It stopped pouring rain the minute we got there!

Some of the girls with Cody in the middle

Riley loved exploring!

Riley and Bennett (college friend Kelly's son) playing at the BBQ. They are ten days apart in age.

We finally arrived at the beach. Too bad it was freezing! Riley loved it anyway.

Pretty good self-portrait!!

Wedding time!

Riley kept busy during the ceremony

The stunning bride and her new husband!

Me, Monique, Debra, Cody, Becky, Christa, and Kristen (where are you Kelly??)

Riley was in good company at the table with Becky's daughter, cutie pie Kylie

After a fun night of dinner and dancing, we headed back to the beach the next day. Luckily it was gorgeous weather.

We ran into the Smarts there. Pictured is Becky holding Kylie.

Finally, we rounded out our trip with a stop at my favorite tri-tip place of all time: Firestone in San Luis Obispo!

What a great weekend. Congrats to Cody and Alex!

Easter, Part 2

The fun continued over Easter weekend. 

My mom's group had a park playdate and egg hunt for the kids.

 Riley with her friend James. We usually meet up with him and his mom about once a week.

Partaking in some crafts at the table

On Saturday we had an egg hunt for Riley in our backyard. Finally Daddy could participate! Yea! (Don't judge us on the grass .. our lawn mower broke.)

We enjoyed Easter brunch with the fam at Zach and Amber's house.

Happy Easter everyone!

Easter, Part 1

Celebrating holidays is a ton of fun now that Riley understands so much, and this Easter is no exception. Riley was looking forward to the Easter Bunny coming for weeks before the big day, and luckily we had many opportunities to see him.

We started off the festivities with a fun-filled morning at the mall back in March. They had storytime, crafts, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and a modified egg hunt.

Riley donning her craft: a bunny hat

She was a little nervous to approach the Easter Bunny alone, so they let me sit with her to take the picture. Maybe she was confused by the train conductor/Bunny bodyguard next to us.

 Checking out her loot from the three eggs she got (from stores handing them out.)

 Next, we attended a local Park & Rec event called the Grand Egg Roll over Spring break. My brothers and I used to go with my grandparents to this event every year when we were growing up. It was only fitting that my mom and grandma accompanied Riley to her first Grand Egg Roll. We arranged to meet my best friend Becca and her parents & family there as well.

 Ready for the fun!

 "Come on you guys!"

 Playing one of the carnival-like games

 Becca's three precious kids 

 Riley's favorite part: petting a live bunny. In fact, she had been quiet and a little timid up until this point, and she just came alive upon spotting the bunnies!

 "I'm a pro at this now!"

 Participating in her first egg hunt. It was so cute; the volunteers would walk around during the hunt and toss down more eggs, especially to the toddlers.

"This is the life!"


:Later in the week we decorated Easter eggs at home. (Well, she mostly watched Mommy do it.)

Stay tuned for more Easter fun ...