Being back means more Grandma time…
Exploring the City…
Living with new, exciting toys for a few weeks at Nana and Papa’s:
Ice cream dates in Berkeley:
And even Mom got a date…by herself, to get a haircut. It had only been….hmmmm, years. A huge Thanks for Katels and my Mom!!!!
And that same day, I got a night out and reunion with the FUNNEST group of women I’ve known since my college roomies.
Oh, it is FABULOUS to be home.
It’s Gus’s birthday, and it also happens to be “move back to California day.” It must be Karma for previously making your 9 months pregnant wife move…twice.
Well, at least the kids are in good spirits for their last day in Texas:
After a not too torturous plane ride, we landed in Oakland to the SWEETEST surprise: A Turner/Van Horn hosted homecoming complete with huge smiles and balloons!
And finally, we celebrated the 32-YEAR-OLD at his favorite Mexican restaurant in his hometown…
Man, it is FABULOUS to be home.
The last adult-only night out before we moved was spent with one of our favorite couples, who drove out to see us off.
This was another fun night, and an even more hilarious next morning. Scrambling around trying to organize my first ever yard sale on just a few hours of sleep, while the whole house was being packed by our movers was too much, and then Suzanne’s keys went missing. A comedy errors that now just reminds me of how much fun with have with these two and just how much we are going to miss our time with them. I guess we will just have to visit them in the “Best City in the US” Charleston. Dang it. : )
Oh, how I will miss thee….
Two amazing friends for Bo and Ace and one amazing running partner and girlfriend for momma = Gregory, Alli, and Jenny, you will sooo be missed.
The beautiful parks, the world-class museums, and one of the country’s best zoo’s all within 4 miles?…I could go on and on and on. All I know is that we EMBRACED THE HELL out of these places. One of the most FUN years I’ve had being a Momma. These pics of our last trips to our favorite spots make me completely emo. Ugh.
The YMCA was my favorite place for “Hannah” time, because it was my one little “break” from my job. The kids loved the creative daycare, and I loved finally getting back into fitness. Plus, the kids’ gymnastics class, outdoor play pools, and classes became a spring staple for us.
Bo’s buddy, Danielle, and her man, Coach Cohen were awesome friends and we wish them the best of luck at Harvard next season! I will never forget this crazy pool party in the rain storm, that ended soaking wet in their apartment : )
I will miss My BYM Mother’s group and especially my friend, Jessica, who I met online and we met up on a blind mommy date at the park!!! LMAO. We still laugh about it. This SAHM crew was sweet, funny, and completely chill; that’s hard to find these days.
So yes, I loved, loved loved living in Houston. Did I say I loved it yet? But of course, life isn’t all butterflies and rainbows as sometimes I pretend…there were definitely things I WILL NOT MISS!
I will not miss my kids literally sweating every ounce of hydration out of their bodies by 10 am:
I won’t miss our darling little home….looks can be deceiving. Now the area and the walkability was IDEAL and picturesque, but our lil’ yellow 1940’s charmer had lots of crooks and nannies that I can live without…especially the FIRE ANTS and COACHROACHES…I DESPISE THEM!
And, finally, I WON’T MISS MY EXTENDED FAMILY; they will now be just a SHORT Drive away in the car back in Cali!
Our last family trip was to Hermann Park and the Zoo. As usual, we had an awesome day together as a family. If this picture could talk, it would say, no matter where we live, no matter how many times we move, home is where we hang our hearts. It’s not about the house, the material things that fill up the house, or even the dream city…it’s about making memories that bond you forever. We can do that anywhere.
I hope the Bay and the BEST COAST is ready for us.
After a tuff interview process, and a grueling wait…Gus got the phone call.
Gus is now officially the Head Men’s Basketball Coach of Cal State East Bay. I cried instantly and took another sip of my wine. Deep down, I knew he would get the job. Everyone thought it was a long shot, but all I kept thinking was…they’d be crazy NOT to hire him. Yes, I’m in love with him, so my opinions of his grandeur might be a bit bias, but still. : )
These two boys were fast asleep; they had no idea that once again, we will be on the move. With West U and Houston being such an awesome place to live for kids, I know Bo will take it hard. Thankfully, Acey is only 2, and will survive if he has a lot of food to eat and a big brother to play with.
I’ve never been so proud and so happy for Gus to get a job; specifically, a job that he has dreamed about. Watch Out Wildcats, we’re coming for you (just give us a few years to get there first)!
