time flies

yesterday marked our six month move-i-versary to orange county.

is that possible?

six months!

i remember before we left, 

several wise people told me it would take at least six months,

if not a year,

for our new life to feel like home.

at the time, that overwhelmed me.

six months. a year.

that seemed like such a long time!

but how quickly those six months have gone.

and it is incredible that after six months, this is home.

god has poured out his mercies upon us.

wonderful new friends.

a thriving church.

an awesome life group.

play dates for our children.  

that doesn't mean i do not miss fresno.

miss my family.

miss my friends there.

miss my house.

(i'm just being honest.  i loved that house)

but there is no place i'd rather be than right in the center of god's will.

and time & time again, 

he shows us that this is right for us.

we are where he wants us to be.

it takes time for a new life to become regular life.

and there are still things that just need more time.

but i think we're off to a pretty amazing start.

we thought it would be fun to celebrate with a family day.

it had been SO beautiful here lately-

weather in the 70s!-

that the beach seemed like a perfect idea.

(although it was definitely NOT 70 yesterday... a bit colder & windier than we hoped!  

but that didn't stop these little ones!)

this sassy little girl was excited to rock her new bathing suit and play in the water.

charlotte loved playing in sand with daddy

our little dreamer was happy to explore the shore...

and then chase some birds

daddy dug a big hole- 

perfect to sit in!

bella discovered the fun of collecting shells.

and jackson wrote his name in the sand

(along with his coming-up-soon birthday)

cheesy smiles abounded

bella discovered some ladybugs that had obviously gotten lost

jackson napped in the sun

and daddy (once again) proved to be the best daddy ever

life is good.

and we love our home.

and i had to share this one...

when did my 4-year-old turn 16?

this makes me a little nervous for our future... ;)