Moving, Moving

Lots has happened in the last few weeks.  Mainly, we finally moved into our own place. When we came out to California things didn't go exactly as we had planned and Lane didn't actually start working until March. Did I mention we moved in May??

Thank goodness for family, we have been staying with Uncle Nate for the last year. They have been wonderful, but every one's ready for their own space after a year, right?

So when I got the okay to look for an apartment, Gabriela and I went searching like crazy. That little trooper. She and I would view at least an apartment a day for about 2 weeks. It didn't take us long to realize that we wanted to be in Alameda instead of Oakland or Berkeley.

Some friends of ours already live here and we loved the cute downtown (even though I'd never actually gone to any of the stores or restaurants), the fact that it's a super pedestrian friendly town, and it seemed so much safer and family friendly.

Well, so far Alameda is living up to its reputation. Our first night here, the next door neighbors invited us over for dinner. Gabriela and their 6 year old son played and played.  The next day, our landlord, who lives above us, had a giant barbecue. She insisted on feeding us.  The following day was the Fourth and our neighbors invited us to a giant block party, complete with band, bounce house, and like 7 kiddie pools for the kids to splash in.  That evening, our landlord had yet another barbecue and again, made sure we ate our share.  This resulted in us not having to buy any groceries until Tuesday. I knew this place was family friendly, but this was beyond our expectations. It might have helped that it was a holiday weekend.  Gabriela is convinced now that any sounds from outside means a barbecue is happening outside.

There are lots of kids in the neighborhood and Gabriela is already playing lots with them.  She is signed up for pre-school starting in September. We are a few blocks away from a nice park and just a few doors down from a really sweet independent grocery store, which is going to be a real life saver once Baby Brother makes his appearance.

We still have lots of boxes (empty and full) taking up space inside. Once we get rid of those, hang things up on the walls, remove the mini-blinds and make some curtains, it's going to feel even cozier and more like home. 

pics coming soon.