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).

Santa Cruz

Yesterday we set off for Santa Cruz with our friends. It was a beautiful sunshine-y day and we were excited for a drive through the mountains that would end at the beach. The day didn't disappoint as we enjoyed sand, sun, saltwater and strolling through the downtown.

Big Basin State Park

On Saturday we woke up ready for an adventure. We had a few places in mind that ended up being too far for a quick day trip, so we settled on Big Basin which ended up being perfect. It was a long, mountainous, windy drive with great views. By the end I was a bit carsick, but the beauty was worth it.

Big Basin is another forest of redwood trees. much like Muir Woods, but less busy and a bit more wild feeling. We took a short trail and let Meredith roam about, which made it slow going, but really fun.

This outing was yet another reminder that we've moved to a truly, incredibly beautiful state.

Rancho San Antonio

This weekend we were feeling the need to get out and explore but also get some exercise. We had heard about Rancho San Antonio Open Space Reserve, so we decided to check it out. We will certainly go back. It was a gorgeous spot with endless opportunity for exploring. There are loads of trails for pedestrians, bikers and even horses. About a mile into the trail there is also a little farm with chickens, ducks, sheep, a cow, a goat, a rabbit and a kitten. It was the perfect chance to let Meredith stretch her legs in the middle of our hike.

A Month.

We've been here a month. A little more, actually. Most days it feels like much longer and I mean that in a good way. Our house is pretty settled and we're getting to know the area. I can get to the grocery store, Target and various other shopping destinations without any trouble. I'm even starting to have a pretty good feel for how the towns and roads relate to one another. Just this week Meredith and I have started to find a new routine with going to parks, going on walks, visiting the library and doing things around the house.

The other thing that has made this transition smoother is the people we've met. I have met a few other moms that have quickly allowed me to feel like I am creating new friendships. We've had several park & library playdates already. We even bumped into a friend at the park yesterday, which is one of the things I was scared about missing when leaving a place we were so familiar with.

Almost everyday, at least once, I am stopped in my tracks at the beauty of where we live. The sun shines brightly and more warmly here. The cold weather is coming, but the days have been perfect for the most part. The views of mountains keep surprising me. The different plant life fascinates me- from citrus trees, to succulents, to trees with the biggest leaves I've ever seen, to palm trees.

I just can't keep thinking how perfect of a fit this place seems. Things have gone so smoothly. We love our house, neighborhood and are finding friends. What more could we ask for? We are feeling so thankful for our new home and the blessings that have come with this move.

A park, pizza and falling in love with a city.

On Sunday, after a few days of fighting colds, stuffing our faces with turkey and saying goodbye to my parents and sister, my brother, Chris, Meredith and I headed into the city to have ourselves a perfectly touristy day. It did not disappoint. We started by picking up pizza from Pizzeria Delfina in Pacific Heights. We then drove over the Alamo Square Park, parked the car and braved the hills to find the perfect picnic spot.The perfect spot? A sunny, grassy spot overlooking the Painted Ladies.


Of course all we talked about was Full House. Right? Can you think of anything else when you see those houses? As we debated filming our own intro video (we didn't) we enjoyed the best pizza I've ever had (for real!). I had the prosciutto pie and it was seriously delicious.






After lunch, we drove to the actual Full House home not to far away. 1709 Broderick St, in case you were wondering. We snapped a few pictures and headed toward the crookedest street in the world, Lombard St between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. It was great, though I find going down the hill at the intersection of Divisadero and Broadway to be even crazier.


After our crazy drive, we headed for Ghiradelli Square. We weren't quite ready for ice cream and chocolate so we roamed about, eventually walking out on Fort Mason pier which had amazing views of the bay and Alcatraz. After our long walk, we had worked up an appetite and headed for Ghiradelli Square for ice cream.







Tired and full, we returned to our car to head home a little more in love with this fantastic city.