Walk along the pier.

On Saturday, we ventured into San Francisco. It was another perfect California day. I can't quite believe how many perfect days we've had since moving here two months ago. I think it's been an extra kind winter, but I like to think it will always be this wonderful.

We started at the Ferry Building and made our way up to Ghiradhelli Square with the promise of delicious sundaes keeping us going. We got to see the sea lions at Pier 39, the tackiness of Fisherman's Wharf and beauty of the ocean and grass a little further north. Meredith was a champ while we strolled, soaked up and sun and got our first glimpse of real life nudists (yuck).

Stanford

Yesterday morning we decided to take some time off from unpacking and go enjoy our new neighborhood. Chris found a Brooklyn style bagel shop near Standford so we headed out for a quick drive west for bagels. After breakfast we decided to drive around Standford. It is a stunning campus. I was so intrigued we decided to stroll around for a while, soaking up the sun and beauty. Meredith loved having yet another new place to explore and we enjoyed being out of the house and resting our muscles.

so many bikes! everyone bikes around to class!

the drive into the campus

home style.

One of the things I am most excited about with our move is getting to redecorate. Since we've gotten married, we always rented our homes, so I've never gotten into the mindset of making our house a home in terms of decorations. I've decided it's time to finally commit the time and resources to making our house the way I'd like it to be, rental and all. I think it will be really important for us to feel really happy in our new home because we won't have lots of other familiar things around us. Right now I'm thinking I'd like a teal, red and yellow color scheme, but who knows!? I could definitely change my mind. What color combinations have you been loving lately? I'm also hoping to incorporate multiple textures & patterns which is a big deal for me. I'm usually fixated on perfect matching.

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See this guy? He is the best. The absolute best. The past three weeks have felt so insane, overwhelming, emotional and stressful. And if I'm being honest with myself, none of that is going to change anytime soon. We are busy getting estimates on our move. Chris is actually starting his new job in a week. We are trying to figure out how to rent an apartment/house from so stinkin' far away. I am starting to pack some boxes. We want to be sure to see all of our friends and maintain some sort of semblance of normalcy. We want to still be attentive parents. It feels like a whole lot. A whole, whole lot.

And yet, we've hardly fought. Like not at all. Our communication has been better than ever. We are learning quickly that we process things like this big move very differently. He wants to talk, talk, talk. I want to think, think, think. Normally, we'd fight over this issue of differences, but instead we've figured out how to allow both of us to have our needs met.

I've never felt so tired. Well, that might not be true considering I had a baby a year ago, but I am seriously tired. All the emotion (and allergies) are wearing me out. Chris is in the exact same boat (obviously) but he got up with Meredith this morning and took her for a walk so I could sleep an extra hour.

I just had to put it out in the universe. My husband is incredible. The fact that I get to go on this adventure with him and have my best friend by my side every step of the way makes it a whole lot less scary. I love you, baby.

Boston Bucket List

Now that our news is out, I thought I'd share my Boston bucket list. It's not terribly long because we don't have a terribly long amount of time to get it all done. Hopefully this will get your mind turning to think of things you might want to do this autumn.

1. Apple picking at Honey Pot Hill
2. Pumpkin patch (maybe just for pictures? Bringing home a pumpkin might be pointless)
3. Parker's Maple Barn
4. Mike's Pastries for cannolis
5. Dinner at the Harborside Legal Seafood
6. Live it up at our friends' wedding!
7. Dinner/lunch/coffee/something with each of the friends/couples we'd like to see before leaving.
8. Drive along Memorial Drive an sunset or once it's dark. This view can't be beat.
9. Take lots of walks on the bike path, kicking up crunchy leaves & breathing in the perfect crisp fall air.
10. One last stroll around the Reflecting Pool, the spot where we got engaged.

Anything I should add? What would you want to do in your own town if you were about to move?

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BIG NEWS.

People, we are moving. And not just down the street. Far. Far. Away. San Francisco far. 3,000 miles far.



Why? Because my husband got an amazing job opportunity that simply could not be turned down.

To say this process has been a whirlwind would be the understatement of the century.  Less than two weeks between the first time Chris talked with the company and the time he accepted their job offer. We took a crazy, last minute trip to visit San Francisco over Labor Day weekend. I was there for 23 hours. Chris was there for 58 hours. We saw what we could see of our (then-maybe) new city and said lots and lots of prayers.

Ultimately, it seemed like the right thing to do. The company (Evernote) moved quickly and smoothly.  It is a great fit for Chris. We liked the feel of the suburbs and felt excited about the chance to more thoroughly explore San Francisco. Meredith is at an extremely flexible age for moving. The thought of not shoveling snow for a six month long winter made us giddy like children on Christmas morning. It's an adventure.

So we have 7 weeks to pack up our lives here in Boston and head out west. How am I feeling? Like a rollercoaster. Sad, overwhelmed, thrilled, guilty, excited, anxious, happy all within minutes of each other, all throughout the day.

Boston has gradually over time started to feel like home. We have some truly amazing friends here. We have a great support system from Chris's family. It will be hard to leave the ones we love.

But we are excited. Our little family of three is setting out into the unknown (to us) hoping to make new friends, learn new things and grow closer to one another.

If you think of it, say a prayer as we prepare for this most excellent adventure. I will (obviously) be keeping you updated throughout this journey.

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