8.31.15: Take our picture

The girls have started requesting we take their picture when they are all posing, sometimes it is just too hard to resist sharing...even when in the bathroom brushing teeth.

Fiona, Stella, Daphne

8.26.15: First Day of 1st Grade

After a substantial amount of saga (overcrowded school + late enrollment) we magically got into our home school.  Stella, Daphne and Fiona can walk to school everyday in the beautiful weather.  They are even in the same class (our preferred scenario).  Often with multiples, kids are separated into different classes to foster independence.  Thanks to a substantial focus on individualism over the past few years, the girls have their own personalities, friends and styles.  The girls did fantastic in the same kindergarten class so we thought having each other as classmates in a brand new school made sense.  Having three different teachers, sets of field trips, class activities, homework, 75 different sets of friends and parents also seemed a little overwhelming.  We are thrilled and extremely lucky to be able to go to this school.  Already Brant's connections + small city are working to our benefit. 

8.24.15: Natural Bridges

Enjoying a beach just five minutes from our house.  Always finding time to jump over waves.

8.15.15: Making friends

Adventuring to Doug's house with a pool and treehouse...no complaints...not a one.

Stella, Fiona and Daphne enjoying the pool)

A ridiculous treehouse complete with attic and slide

8.14.15: Needed: Bunkbeds

We weren't sure of the exact dimensions of the girls room - yes they are sharing one in our spacious 800 sq. ft apartment.  We assumed we'd have to get bunkbeds but waited to order them, just in case.  Once the three twin beds arrived and we saw that the three beds covered the entire floor in their room, we ordered bunkbeds.  I suppose an entire room of mattresses could have been fun too.

8.10.15: Waiting

Waiting for everything you own to arrive in an empty apartment 1/3 the size of the house you left is tough.  We tried to make the most of it and enjoy the spacious living area (given there was no furniture).

8.9.15: Aquarium

Today we (Stella, Daphne, Fiona) adventured to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the first time.  This aquarium is amazing and coming from desert living - the girls hadn't seen anything like it before.  We found the sea otters especially entrancing. Personally I found the jellyfish area mesmerizing. I am confident we will make many trips to this Aquarium in the next year.

  

8.7.15: We made it!

We finally arrived at our new home in Santa Cruz.  First stops burritos and the beach (Daphne, Stella, Fiona). We accidentally discovered a bakery that had a chair in each of the girls favorite colors...yes, girls approved - this will be our new home.

8.5.15: Phoenix -> LA

We left Phoenix early in the morning - prepared for a long drive

Overall we did really well.  We arrived in LA with enough time to play at a nearby park before enjoying a homemade dinner from Aunt Christina and Uncle Ragan.  Lexi was kept very busy playing with Fiona, Daphne and Stella too.

8.4.15: Moving Day

After our trip from Indianapolis, we left the girls at Nene's house while Brant and I finalized our big move from Tucson.  It was hard to leave, but we think it is the best decision for our family longterm.  Tucson is amazing, but it just wasn't for us.  I grew up around water, grass and trees and wanted my kids to grow up the same way.

Once the house was packed, we were driving up to Phoenix to get the girls with mixed emotions and we were reminded of one more reason why we were leaving.