Big News Redux

Suzanne kinda buried the lede in her post yesterday, so here's the big news up front:

We're moving to California!

Silicon Valley to be specific. We're excited for the adventure, and we really feel like this is the best move for us, in both senses of the word. I start a new job September 19.

However, we could use your help if you know the area or know someone who does. We're aiming for the Menlo Park/Palo Alto area because I firmly believe that I'll be happier by paying more for an apartment to be close to work and saving gas/car insurance/sanity on the 1-2 hour commute that's the norm for so many there. And of course, Suzanne would love to live in a safe (which translates to "not cheap") neighborhood.

Before you say it: We know, it's ridiculously expensive over there. We're currently weathering the third wave of sticker shock during our apartment hunt. Nearly everyone we talk to immediately brings up the cost of living when we mention the move, and it's giving us a neurosis. We're so grateful that you want to help us stay informed, but on this particular issue we are keenly -- nay, painfully -- aware that prices are astronomical over there. So please don't be offended if you bring up cost of living and we roll our eyes or go into paroxysms.

So, if you have any leads on apartments in the southeastern bay area (approximately Redwood City to Sunnyvale), or have relatives in the area, we'd sure appreciate a kind inquiry into open housing options, especially if they know of a deal.

Regardless, we're excited to share news with you, and we are super excited about this opportunity. We'll be sure to keep you informed as the process progresses.

updates and some big news!

blogging clearly isn't a priority right now for me. clearly. but i'll give it an update anyway. july started with the celebration of our nation--we celebrated in jerome. a morning run, breakfast, games, hike, nap, fireworks and family.























next up, the celebration of my birth. it was such a sweet day with the people i love the most. and dan successfully surprised me with an awesome gift that i did not anticipate. (i ALWAYS can guess what he has up his sleeve no matter how hard he tries to fool me.....but this year i was fooled....and it was fun!)


















then it was our little nova's birthday. 3! how did that happen?!?!?! she had fun and kept saying it was the best day ever. she made her own low-protein cake, went swimming with her best friend sam and we had a barb-q.


































girls camp! i have crappy pictures, but it was SO much fun. i love these girls like crazy and it was the best week. here is the hike with my 4 years. we zip-lined, hiked, ate, sang, did NOT sleep and danced. AND, we created a flash mob choreographed by yours truly. 300 people participated and it was so awesome!





































then, we had a family camp out. nova was OVER. THE. MOON. the tent was "so beautiful" and "the best tent ever" and we were the "best mom and dad" and "i can't wait to go to bed".....but didn't......sweet, sweet camping.

















and then nova wanted to take some pics of me and dan




































and then it just got crazy...


































like i said......over. the. moon.


and finally, our anniversary. 6 years.




















we even got a profesh photographer:


















and then, we celebrated in family fashion. we figured 6 years ago we started a family for eternity and we wanted to hang out with that family, even if we are still small in numbers.























and FINALLY, FINALLY, the big news.....dan got a new job in CALIFORNIA. he starts september 19th. we are excited and nervous, but definitely feel we are going where we are supposed to. nova swam in our stream to celebrate....ok, it was just really really hot today.....but it seemed fitting.....sorta. and if any of you have relatives in the san fransicso bay area, who have a sweet rental they want to rent to a small family......let us know! :)