The Best Day EVER!

Yesterday was a great day.
Kat helped me pick out a new washer/dryer. (And thanks dad for all your help.)
Then we shopped. (she usually hates shopping)
Then she wanted to take me to dinner...and suggested Panda Express (in the mall).
Then when we got home, G had left us some cake...and she cut and served it to me.
It was like a day at the spa!

Next weekend we are off to celebrate Mother's Day/Kat's birthday at Yosemite. Can't wait! I'll be sure to post pictures.

We are slowly getting into a rountine. We wake everyday and walk to the park. This is a picture of what she does everyday for an hour. It's exhausting just watching her.

First Day at a New School

Today was K's first day of school here in California. In WI she attended the before school program, full day Kindergarten and the afterschool program. Here she only attends afternoon Kindergarten for a few hours each day.

This morning she woke up early...a bit nervous about her first day. It felt a little strange...we are used to a little more hectic morning routine before school. Today went a little something like this: Go brush your teeth and brush your hair...you have to leave for school...in three hours.

Her day went very smoothly. She said her teacher is very nice and she made a few friends today. She promised them that they could come over for a swim.

The weather has been sizzling here these past few days. It was up to 95 degrees! Tomorrow, they think that the "valley" (that's us!) may even surpass 100! Yikes. Thank goodness we have the pool. Then it is going to get a little chilly (California translation: in the high 60's, low 70's).

It's 81 degrees right now and it's 11:30pm. I love it!

Home

We are home. Our truck arrives on Sunday. G is back to work. K and I have spent our days cleaning, exploring Oakdale, and sitting out by the pool. We are excited to get our furniture. Here are some pictures of our new place.

CalifornIA

We arrived in Santa Barbara late last night. It was a bit chilly, but today the sun is out and it's warm (by our standards). We plan to take our time and ride up the coast to San Fran. We have to pick up G's car in Pleasanton then we are off to Oakdale. We should arrive this evening.

It's been a great trip. I think that our dog is really enjoying this trip. Car rides, driving with the windows down and sleeping in four star hotels on the beach. Not too bad for a farm dog.

Here are some pictures of what was going on in the back seat while driving. The dog and Kat kept each other company...and thank goodness for glowsticks = hours of fun!

Arizona and Grand Canyon

Today we are waking refreshed and ready to go site seeing. We are in Flagstaff, AZ heading to the Grand Canyon. We departed IL Saturday night, and drove straight through to AZ. We didn't see much of MO, but the sun came up in New Mexico and AZ. Great driving scenery. Today, after the canyon, we are off to find a beach, and a dog friendly hotel. Then on Tuesday we will be headed home. By the way, the Easter Bunny did find us....somewhere in New Mexico. Yeah! Everyone is good (and clean) and ready to hit the road.

We are off to reload the car. Just wanted to say thanks to MMarks for meeting us for coffee. Flagstaff is a beautiful place.

Illinois

We had a great send off from IL. Friday night we went to Dave and Busters and stayed very late. K was very lucky and hit a few jackpots...she left with a lot of goodies. It was a gathering of friends, family and their kids. Thanks to everyone that came. We hope to see you in Cali sometime. (D&C and girls!)

On Saturday, we met at LePeeps in Chicago for brunch. We met with MY & B, and very pregnant M. It was so great to see them. Thanks for coming. After eating in the city, we went to Aunt M's to get the dog and say goodbye. We had "beef" and some great pasta from Kenny. (Thanks John).

Then, left for AZ.