My new doctor

This weekend Jim, Sam and I went back to New York for Jim's doctoral defense. I was looking forward to it for many reasons...

one of a kind food
some culture :)
i love the city at Christmas time
seeing old friends
taking Samantha back to see her friends
Jim misses the city
and of course to see Jim finish what he has worked so hard on!

We had a great time. It was freezing, but I have to say I honestly enjoyed every minute. I was so proud when Jim was congratulated on passing his defense and becoming an Ed.D in Education.
As I sit here in the sunshine now back in our new home town, I am very grateful that I got to see everyone and in a sense get it out of my system. I am moving forward and excited to do so!

tis the season

This is my favorite time of the year. It seems as though everyone around me changes in one way or another. The kids start making lists and talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are finally old enough to understand the true meaning of these holidays so it is even sweeter. I find myself being a little more patient and a lot more loving. With all these thoughts running rampant I realized that it doesn't need to be November or December to see the best in people, especially the ones closest to me.The generosity and kindness that Christmas brings to me and others is something I need year round.
I am so thankful to be with my family during this time. The last 9 years of being away have helped me realize what is truly important.
I am not sure what brought on this explosion of sentiment, but I am just so grateful for the people around me. In two weeks we are going back to NY for the first time since we have been gone. I can't wait to share our move with good friends, do some shopping, and watch proudly as my husband defends his dissertation...
Cheers and see you soon :)

November already?

When did it become November? I have found lately that the days and nights bleed into each other and before I know it... Trey's foot grows two sizes, my daughter is asking me to explain the Trinity, and Logan is yelling momma from his crib at night ( you know how you wait for them to talk and then they start and you tell them to be quiet :)
Anyway, a couple weeks back my bro and his family were here from Texas. What a wonderful week we had! So I want to share some pics because sadly by the time we see our precious Savonas again, all the kids may be voting.

On and yea, 4 weeks and counting until we go East for our first return trip to NYC. SO EXCITED!!!

Fall

After getting tired of missing the New York fall weather, I decided to take the boys to a So Cal pumpkin patch. Yes, this one was great, even though it was in a mall parking lot :) I threw on their sweatshirts and we ventured out. After 15 minutes we were burning hot in our jeans and sweaters, it was a bit loud because of the freeway right behind us...but we had fun with our new friends Jill, Matthew and Jack. I won't complain anymore, we did spot A tree that was changing colors :)

so long

well between our crazy weekly schedule, the computer not working, and just plain tiredness I have neglected my blog.
I think partly also do to the fact that our NYC condo has not closed and it feels like forever. We are just waiting and waiting hoping in this market that it doesn't fall out of escrow. But the fact that we are not there makes it frustrating...
On the bright side school is going well for the kids, the sun and heat the last couple of days (that everyone here seems to hate) feels good to me and we push through because that's what you do.
I am so thankful to my family here, it seems like every time I miss New york something happens reminding me why we are here.
The past weekend the fog here was unbelievable. I would wake up in the morning and not be able to see out the window. I realized that's how I feel some mornings in my head. But with God's gracious help (and coffee) I realize by bedtime what a wonderful life I have and how thankful I am for the man lying beside me and the kids snug in their bed...

I am including a few pics of the last couple weeks...
the group pic is my new mom's group gang Trey in the middle Logan on the far left next to cousin Jack:)

soccer fun

Yesterday we had our first big day of soccer. Samantha and Trey had their first games of the season. It was a beautiful morning, nice and cool to start with a nice breeze. Sam did a great job, she worked hard to keep up with the older girls and this was her first time playing on a full field. We were so proud of course, she had an assist and I really think she was proving herself to her new team :)
Then Trey's game came upon us right in the middle of the day, pretty hot, and we were not to sure what would happen. Then our shy boy rocked the soccer field with 5 goals and some pretty intense falls. It was awesome. We know that this season will be chalk full of funny and proud moments, but there is nothing like that first Saturday. The anticipation from the kids and from us...Plus the extra bonus of moving here and have BOTH sets of grandparents along for the ride. Here's to an adventurous season!!!!

The weekend and more...

This weekend Jim and I along with his brother and wife and mom and dad went to Colorado Springs for a good friends wedding. We had a great time with a couple of hang ups here and there (missing our flight!). Since the bros were in the wedding, my sis-in-law and I basically had a date weekend. So fun!
Now school has started and we are off and running, activities, driving like crazy, but also some free time and a feeling that we have settled a bit and the kids are enjoying their new school. I am so thankful and proud.

countdown

Since last Sunday the kids and I have been counting down until school starts. I don't know who is more excited me or them!
We visited both schools this week, met the teachers, walked around the campuses and at last all my fears were put to rest. I can confidently say that both Trey and Sam will be so happy and I can't wait for them to start. (and yes in the pic, that is her playground ON THE BEACH!)
Also I got to have a night out with Jim :), between his schedule and the commute we haven't hooked up much. So last night we went to his Faculty/Staff kickoff reception. It was fun. Jim was asked to do the opening prayer...it was a large crowd and for as they said "the new kid on the block" he spoke from his heart and I was proud of "Dr. Daichendt" :) (that's him on the large screen in the pic)
As for the house hunting we are still looking. We have bid on a few but they haven't been the right deals for us. So onward we press

Summer Lovin

SO with 12 days to go until school starts we are taking advantage of time and weather. What a blessing it has been to be able to share this time off with our family and friends.
Our NYC condo is in escrow and as long as there our no problems we will close in four weeks. Yea! And on this side we have put a bid on a house that we love and are patiently waiting for a counter. I know that whatever happens is meant to be. I have found a peace about our transition here and as I sit now looking at the ocean and the horizon I feel so lucky :)

Miley Kate Beshore

Sunday afternoon Miley joined this crazy family. Our new niece came in at 7 pounds 5 ounces, 19 inches and as cute as can be. Samantha and I once again (Ollie is two weeks old) sat at the hospital and waited...but this time we had Miley's big brother Jack to keep busy and we HAD to stand at the door and hear the first cry.
Once again thankful to be here...

First cut

Logan had his first haircut this week and at 16 months it was definitely time.
He wasn't liking it at first, but give a kid his first sucker and snip snip old hair gone, new big boy cut here!

Balboa Island

One exciting thing about living in So Cal now is sharing with my kids the places I went as a kid. One very special place to me is Balboa Island. I grew up going in the summers and for many years have enjoyed time with our families. The kids have not been for awhile, so the four of us ventured out...and we had a blast!!!
They rode their scooters around the island, we went on the Ferris wheel (Logan's first time:), many arcade games...but the best was the rock climbing. I was so proud when they tried their hardest to reach the top and ring the bell. I didn't know they were so agile.
Good times make for a faster summer break

Quick Update

It was a crazy weekend and Monday...
Over the weekend we had a couple offers on our house and decided to accept one.
So we are in the process of doing the paperwork and praying that all goes smoothly.
This is obviously a huge relief and I can't get over the timing that God has. If this works out we can try to find a new house of our own right in time for Samantha to start school.
And...just a few short hours after all of this was going down my baby brother welcomed his first child into the world. Oliver Walden Savona was born yesterday July 28 at 12:14 YEA! Samantha and I were there when they announced it was a boy and his stately name :) Just another wonderful feeling and confirmation that we are suppose to be here.
We are settling in sort of, our belongings arrived last Thursday and we started to unpack, but now we are in stall mode. Living amongst boxes is not new to us so we will take it one day at a time. The kids have become themselves again and have enjoyed their new room and more importantly the beach! I love summer!

It's all about family

Since we have been away from California and specifically family for 9 years these past two weeks have been soaked with catching up. I feel like I want to be with people whenever and wherever...and it wasn't until last night that I realized not only am I not leaving and that we will be seeing people all of the time, but I also remembered that it is nice to have routine and consistency for the kids!
Other than maybe two days, we have been leaving in the morning and carrying them in sleeping at night. Our days have been filled with pools, beaches, church, cousins, friends, house hunting...all things that are exciting.
Now I am ready to settle down, relax, and enjoy what is around me. I think the hustle and bustle of New York still is roaring inside me and here it is definitely more calm and mellow.

I have two very pregnant sisters-in-law and I am waiting for the excitement of having even more family close :)
See Jonathan and Quinn's blog left below for baby bump comparisons
Can't wait to see their faces

Transitioning

Well we moved to California on Tuesday and it has been an adventure ever since. It was so exciting at first to get off the plane see my dad and father-in-law, sun shining, energy up...
We went to our new place and the kids jumped around we unpacked a little then my parents took the kids for a couple days as I got the place ready.
This was before jet lag, organizing, grocery store, buying a car, exhausted kids, time change and just general moving craziness.
Don't get me wrong we have family here and without them the stress would have built up, but I never quite expect the emotions that arise whenever we move and reality sets in.
I am so thankful to be here and yet the "newness" of it all sets in and I find that I miss what I had a week ago (or month ago) the familiarity of life.
So I am adjusting along with the kids and with the help of wonderful parents, brothers, sisters, and nephews :) (and our view of course) we will settle in.

Miss you NYC friends, more to share later!

countdown

It's official it is our last weekend as residents of New York.
Wow
Not to be melodramatic but is is hard to believe that we will be leaving Tuesday morning on a one way to Southern California.
So this week we have enjoyed the weather and my mom's help and company by breaking up the packing with trips around the city.
We spent a day downtown at the South Street Seaport, we awed the waterfall installations and had some pizza on the pier...we even took a quick peek at the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park. (which we hadn't done since our first month here :)
We also ventured to Central Park for a fun day at the fair, a wonderful dinner at the Boathouse and a leisurely walk home. All of the things you take for granted become strangely exciting.
Can't wait to see family and friends next week