1st Birthday

Our sweet and beautiful little boy is now 1. This has been an amazing but eventful year for our family. Besides having a new addition (Alex), we have also moved back to Georgia where we have really had to adjust. Even though California and Georgia are part of the same country, they differ in so many ways. We love being close to family and friends; however, we will always wonder whether we should have stayed in California. There is so much we miss. We miss the lifestyle and the local farmer's markets every day of the week. The deer and turkeys of China Camp may not miss us; however, Daniel and I miss our ritual walk around our favorite China Camp trail. The drive over the San Rafael bridge to Oakland is definitely a commute that was enjoyable even after 300 plus times. The Oakland Hills school where I spent most of my time was the best work place ever. Point Reyes will always be on our minds with its unending beauty. Volunteering at the Marine Mammal Center was unique and something we still talk about all the time and continue to keep ourselves updated on the progress of the seals, sea lions, and whales. There are significant differences between seals and sea lions that we learned, so we often find ourselves peeved when people label these neat animals interchangeably. San Francisco and the Marin Headlands were places of lots of fun too.
Our stay in San Rafael was more that just being in an amazing place. We also were able to grow as a family and just relax. We did not have to rush around all the time and found ourselves walking and strolling along waterfront trails (Tiburon) and hilly city streets stopping for whatever event (street swing dancing) or view caught our attention. Besides where we lived, we have many memories from all of our little excursions up north, down south, east, and in the desert. When Alex turns 10, or even before, we will take him and show him where he was born. I hope he will not be mad at us for leaving this beautiful place.

Alex is s handsome! He is still trying to walk, feed himself, drink from a cup, and more. There are so many skills for a little one to master. He is doing great. He does feed his parents and claps when he feeds us. Alex plays peekaboo with the blanket and says mama and dada.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SWEET SWEET BOY!!!