Washington DC

David had to be in DC for work this week and since the kids are in Minnesota with Grandma and Grandpa I invited myself along! I wasn't able to buy my ticket until Wednesday when David was finally approved. We flew in late Saturday afternoon. Once we were settled in the hotel we went to dinner at a nearby place, Epic. Sunday we headed into the city to meet the Thomas' (wonderful friends that David met in OTS) for brunch and a stroll to the capital. That night it was out to dinner with some of the other guys here for the conference. Monday while David was at work I explored the city with Allyson, who happens to be spending the next year in Livermore too! We met her and Steve back in CA. The guys will be working together. We visited the Natural History Museum and the American History Museum before heading to lunch where my friend I met in Minot met us! After lunch the 3 of us headed to Archieves. When David got back we headed to Georgetown with one  of his good friends at are a Filonena's. It was totally worth the hour and a half wait! Tuesday I ventured out on my own and I did the Big Bus tour. I hopped on and off most of the day. It was exhausting! Tuesday night David I went on date night to the Air and Space Museum, a steak dinner at Social Reform and then walked the sights at night. Wednesday Allyson and I went to the Native American Museum before meeting the guys for lunch. When David got home we took the train our to the Thomas' for a nice, relaxing dinner. I've spent today at the airport waiting on delays, transferring flights and waiting on more delays. I pray I get out of here tonight and home because our household goods are supposed to finally be delivered tomorrow!

Into San Fran

Yesterday we took the BART (public train) into San Fran.  We hopped off and headed on a mile and a half hike to the Haight/Ashbury area.  I took a 60s Honors class in college so I was super excited to get there, unfortunately I was a little disappointed.  But we walked the area (Grateful Dead House included).  When we reached the end at Golden Gate Park we rented some bikes.  We biked the park (got a little lost), along the coast (the hills were killers and I was exhausted and complaining), to the Golden Gate Bridge, by Fort Mason, to Fisherman's Wharf (where we had pasta and pizza for lunch) and through downtown to our final bike drop!  We got a good feel for the city but it was an interesting ride.  We took the BART home tired but feeling more comfortable and at home here!

The Beginning of the Move

Saturday morning David and I began our drive to California.  We left the kids with Josh and Brenda for the weekend (Grandma and Grandpa came home from a camping trip on Sunday and took over) and headed out on our 30+ hour drive.  Boy is it a long drive from MN to CA!  As soon as we pulled into town we began looking at homes to rent.  After day one of house hunting we were wondering if we would be able to find a suitable, affordable place to live.  We spent the entire week trying to find a place, even though we knew which house we wanted.  Tuesday we drove by a house that was listed but not available to been seen because the current tenant was in the process of moving out.  So as we drove by and paused the tenant came over and asked if we'd like to look around.  So he took us around and when we were done I told David to call the landlord and tell her that we wanted it!  Well, emails went back and forth and we were told we would have to wait until the open house on Thursday to submit our application.  So we continued looking at other homes because it is very competitive out here and we feared we wouldn't get it.  Thursday we went to the open house, along with 5 other couples/families/roommates and turned in our application.  We also turned in apps on 2 other properties.  At that point there was nothing let to do but hang out so we headed down to the Farmer's Market and out to dinner downtown.  Friday morning I woke up earlier than David so I got on Pinterest and searched small kitchens because choices #2 and #3 had tiny, tiny kitchens.  When he woke up he asked me what I was doing and when I told him.  He told me to stop because he had received an email from our favorite house and they had chosen us!!!  WooHoo!  So here it is 1600 square feet of living space on a quiet could-de-sac with a huge screened in porch and a backyard that backs up to the community center and bike trail!  All of this and it's less than 5 miles to downtown, wineries and David's work!  At a mere $3100 a month!  Oh, how I miss Bossier prices! But I am so excited to move in! The place is ours and only a 2 1/2 week wait to get our household goods delivered!

Twins Game

Wednesday we took the train into the city for our first Twins game at Target Field! It was a beautiful day and I (Dad and Grandma too) enjoyed the game. Liam, however, was ready to go after the first inning! Anderson had a good interest and listened closely to all the info I was giving him. He also loved the ballpark food!  Callie just chilled. Best news-Twins won!

Pretzels from Scratch