On Saturday, March 12th we moved into our new home. The packing had gone smoothly and lots of people showed up to help load yet another U-Haul truck, the fifth U-haul truck rental in our 7 1/2 years of marriage. It is such a relief to know that this really could have been our last U-haul truck rental ever- we are so happy in our new home (well new to us).
The home is located in a community that has all of the ammenities that you could want close by- good grocery stores, post office, library etc... yet has a very rural feel to it. The area is covered in trees. Birds can be heard and seen all the time and not just crows, in fact I don't think I have even seen a crow yet. There are a lot of bluebirds here. Just over a small bridge that goes over a lake is where Sam works (about a 10 minute drive). In the area around the lake are some campgrounds that we already have booked for 2 weekends this summer. We'll let you know how they are after the camping trips. There is also a bike trail that goes along the river all the way to Sacramento. You c an hop on the trail right by our house. Hiking trails are also within walking distance of our home. We have already tested one out and enjoyed that. I feel so blessed to be in this area.
The actual home sits on just under 1/4 acre so that backyard is an amazing place to be. With the way that the home is set up mixed with California weather it feels like the yard is another room in the house and so far has proved to be the most used one. Sam got the kids' swing set up this past weekend. There is a large cement patio in which the kids can ride their bikes. And of course the girls have found dirt to dig in and have spent quite a bit of time digging up worms. This weekend we also found a great deal on Craig's List for a used outdoor patio table with 6 chairs. So, we have been eating outside a lot. It helps that there is a sliding glass door off the kitchen/dining area that leads right to the table.
The home I think is a little under 1600 square feet and has a living room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen/dining area and laundry room. It is a simple set up and it works perfectly for us. Leila and Mia will share one bedroom and Lucy and baby girl will share another. The small bedroom which is right off from the kitchen/dining is our family office/library. This is the first time that we have had an office and it is definitely a perk. Our master bedroom has become a sanctuary for us. We are enjoying the extra space and privacy that it provides.
This week has definitely been one of the harder weeks for me, but as we slowly get unpacked the home becomes more and more our dream home. We have been surprised at how quickly the girls have adjusted to being here as well. They tell us that they love the new home. They spend their days outdoors, which I am very happy about too. After church on Sunday the girls were glowing with happiness and all loved the new Primary and Nursery. They also enjoyed a visit from Uncle Matt, Aunt Amy and cousin Todd as we celebrated with a grilled lobster tail dinner (cooked by Sam), fancy soda and cheese cake.
Leila started at her new elementary school today. We did a week of homeschool while we waited for a space to open up at our neighborhood school. And yesterday a space became available. Her teacher seems nice. And there is a little girl that lives across the street that is in her class. It was so nice for me as a parent to see how well she was welcomed this morning by the office staff, the principal, her teacher and her classmates. And I love that we don't even need to get in the car to drop her off or pick her up. The school is just 3 blocks away. We'll see how the first day went in about a half an hour.
Anyway, we are doing alright. We have gotten through the first week of unpacking and still have a bit to go, but as I take in the nature and remember to take deep breaths we will get this home in order and it will continue to be our little piece of paradise. Sorry, no pics. Haven't unpacked the camera yet.
