The Year of the Dolphin?

A new city. A new school. Today completes the first week of school and looking back it seems like it went rather smooth. The boys have been excited and happy everyday, and I have alread received some nice compliments from teachers. So, here we go...our quick year in SoCal has begun and we will cheer on our Del Mar Heights Dolphins until departure next Summer. The mascot is so appropriate since you can watch for playing dolphins from the ocean view on the playground. Ahhhh.

Ta-Da!

From stacking to donning dress-up clothes to coloring...any achievement these days isn't complete without a "Ta-Da!" I love it.

Two

 Enjoying her first round of cupcakes

 Her cousin, Landon, getting ready to dig in!

 Enjoying the outside at my cousin's home

 Cupcakes: Round 2!

 Doesn't this just say it all when describing a 2-year old?!

Adorable duds courtesy of Mimi & Papa

 Exploring our yard in SD

 Puppies are a favorite, especially ones that read to you!

Blair Elise had quite the celebrationS for her 2nd birthday! Three to be exact. Lucky for her, her birthday fell during our travels from coast to coast. We were lucky enough to celebrate with her cousins at Uncle Travis and Aunt Melissa's, almost all of her Mimi's side of the family at my cousin's and wife's beautiful home on their land in Missouri, and finally in San Diego after we got settled. Blair is just a joy full of energy, creativity and a TON of language. She has been the perfect completion to our family of five, and we have had such fun watching her explore dressing up and other "girly" things. She loves stickers, painting, animals (real and stuffed), reading books, playing - or should I say - cooking in her kitchen and, of course, the beach!  

Home

No amount of pictures could do this home justice. It is just beautiful, almost spa-like. We love being surrounded by a variety of palms, grasses, rose bushes, hydrangea bushes, and geraniums. And that lemon tree...amazing! I added six planters that just flourish with ease in this perfect weather that include impatiens and petunias. On the ground floor we have five - yes, FIVE - sets of French doors (that doesn't include the front doors) that open up to a courtyard that surrounds the home. We have two stone patios with seating, an amazing grill, some green area and two iron gates that enclose the area. I often open the doors to allow the kids to go in and out while I cook. As for the inside, it is just as lovely. What a dream this is for a year! 

Coast to Coast

 Ready to go!

 On our way to Cali we stopped to see Uncle Travis, Aunt Melissa and our cousins in Kansas!

 We were able to enjoy the changes of terrain driving from coast to coast.

A glimpse of our new home in Del Mar, California.

 

~

 

Whew. We are finally settled in California...aka SoCal, Del Mar. We (don't forget the dog!) piled into the minivan and headed West on June 25th, stopping to see family and friends in Kansas City, and arrived in San Diego on July 1st. Our travels included 12 states, 2 hotel stays with 3 kids and a dog, dramatic changes in temperature (ultimately reaching 118 degrees in Phoenix!) and incredible changes in terrain and vegetation. It was long and challenging, but magnificent to see so much of our country! Then...we arrived. In paradise. It really is surreal to be living here for an entire year. Our home is breathtaking nestled onto a mountain one mile from the beautiful Del Mar beaches. Our neighborhood is gated with a guard, which I love since Matt is often gone at work, and includes tennis courts, a pool and amazing walks with panoramic views. I must include the adorable town of Del Mar...a sweet street lined with boutiques, sidewalk cafes and small set-ups of local farmers with their goods and flowers. Just a dream! La Jolla is a short drive South, Solana Beach just North. We are about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego IF traffic is moving. If there is a negative traffic would be it. There are 3 million people packed into this county, which lends itself to lots of traffic jams. So be it. When you can smell the salt and enjoy the sunshine WITHOUT intense heat and humidity you tend to not complain. We also enjoyed celebrating Blair's 2nd birthday on our travels and shortly after arriving...then explored a bit while Matt was off work between boards and starting fellowship. Pictures of this to follow in the next blog post! Please note our change in the blog address. We are no longer a family of four, so it is as follows...

http://thehollenbeckfamily.blogspot.com

We look forward to you following our year-long journey in Del Mar and our doors are always open for guests!