It's our Cali-versary!

This time last year... I was full of anxiety, we had JUST landed at LAX and the Husband and I were on our way to open the doors to a home we'd never seen in person to begin a new life.

1 year later...I'm happy to report that life is beautiful and I we don't regret a single day!

Besides the squinty faces...I'd say we look pretty happy! That's what 360 days of sunshine can do for you folks!!! I swear it only rained 5 days! 

We've done more here in 1 year than we've done in 2 years back home. Everyday is an adventure here! We've traveled up and down the coast to San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Malibu, San Diego and Palm Springs! Every city has something new to offer and most of the places are just a short drive away. 

I had a few awesome "Firsts" here: 

 First Earthquake kit for school...I'm used to sending a spare pair of underwear! 

First Tattoo! OUCH!

First hair weave! 

Then 6 months later...it got longer! Owww!!! 

 First FAKE Christmas Tree... not so proud moment...but....

 ...it was worth it because we were surprising Baltimore for Christmas!

Our family has grown 4 hairy legs!

Isn't she a doll! And appropriately named Cali! 

We've gotten to snuggle our west coast family more: 

Meet the Original Lynch's!!! Love these gals!! :)

Our Midwest family is semi West Coast too!  Tons of great snuggle time with Auntie Lauren!

I've been taken in by the Diaz Sisters:

I fit right in! Thank you gals for loving the Sands the way you do! xoxo

Some of my *BESTIES* came to visit me: 

I live in this moment forever! Love these ladies!!!! 

Linked up with my local Black Girls RUN! 

Great to have pavement sisters wherever you go! 

Most importantly... My Girls and The Husband are happy, we spend more days outdoors soaking up the rays, and just enjoying life. The pace here is way different than the east coast. The Husband and I have really grown in our personal relationship, we spend more time together here for some odd reason. I think it's because most days we only really have each other to lean on. So kudos to California for strengthening the Sands! 

 These smiles make it all worth it!

 Even this craziness! 

Luck of the Sands...feels more like a blessing! 

We look forward to another GREAT year in California... I'll do better blogging... promise!!!

-the momo momma

Double *Double* Trouble...& Double Cheeseburgers

What do you get when you have 2 sets of twins, and two fabulous Mummies!?... a day at the San Diego Zoo... (yeah, that joke was going nowhere fast,but you get the picture!)

We braved the LONG journey down the I-5 to check out what all the hype was about ....and I'm here to report... The San Diego Zoo...is just another place with animals! LOL

I am not really a "Zoo gal" so maybe I'm missing the "hoopla" over this zoo...but it had the usual suspects...Lions, Tigers and Bears ...Oh my! 

We were lucky enough to meet a lady in the parking lot who sold us discount passes to the Zoo...However that $60 savings was immediately spent within the 1st few steps past the entrance.

(Face painting $15 bucks a piece... )

(...times 4 cute little faces!)

Lucky for me TwinMummy is a zoo gal...and while I pushed the stroller she enjoyed the sites with the kids!

(some dreadful spider exhibit....who goes to the zoo to see spiders?!!!)

Beat from the Zoo and starving...we headed back to The OC and stopped in at another "raved"about  place... "IN AND OUT BURGER" ... I have been told on more than one occasion, this burger is "the business" ... and I'm here to report (again)... that this is just another burger joint... (waste of calories).

I think the packaging was the most interesting thing about this burger. I won't deny the burger was great... that was my hunger speaking...it was good, but nothing spectacular. The fries barely made it home before they were cold and soggy, they are fresh cut/made to order...but they just don't hold the heat! 

Overall...another great day exploring Cali with family!!!

Thanks to the TwinMummy & boys for keeping us company for 4 days!!! Totally enjoyed your visit...Till next time!

Newport Beach... or BRRR!!!!

Life's a BEACH...when it's only 30 minutes away!!! 

So today we filled up 2 cars and headed to the beach! It was a GREAT Sunny day where we live...but as we drove west towards the coast the sun started to fade, the air turned brisk and the clouds came out to play. 

I watched the temperature on my truck drop 10 degrees between home and Newport Beach.... What is the meaning of this?!?!!? After searching 20 mins for parking with noisy kids in tow, I was totally over this beach "adventure". 

I couldn't believe that there were so many people out on the beach pretending it was a beautiful, sunny day. Unfortunately, we had to join them in their delusions, because the kids were pumped up and ready to go!

The boys were the only ones that braved the ice cold Pacific Ocean... but the rest of us bundled up under beach towels and took in the.. sun ... I mean clouds! 

(I had to filter this picture to give it some sun!)

Even though the beach was a BUST...it was great to have everyone braving the wind together! The girls totally enjoyed their brief visit from Grandpa & Nonna. It is such a treat that the girls have so many  grandparents to love and spoil them! 

Here is my favorite picture from this weekend!

(the momos love their Grandpa!)

Hanging with Nana!

I had the pleasure of my Mum's company for the past 4 days...something I probably won't have for a little while. When I dropped her off at the airport we were a little short on time (late)... so we didn't have time for all the "dramatic goodbyes" just curbside *hugs & kisses*.

On Friday she flew the girls out here for us, I think that was mainly for her own sense of relief of knowing where we were "living"...it's a "mom" thing, that I totally get!

After laboring over boxes and furniture placement, we cruised around The OC doing a little exploring! I took her into downtown to my new found Mexican place... Nana loves a good Mexican meal! lol :) We chatted and sipped on Sangria while enjoying a little Mummy/Daughter time!

While we were out exploring Dad took the Momos with his sister to the baseball game. The A's vs the O's...how fitting!!! :)

The next day Nana and I took to Costa Mesa & Newport Beach! Our first stop was IKEA, I swear this place was bigger than the one at home, it went on FOREVER. Glad we stopped by the cafe and fueled up before we got started! I'm not sure what all the hype is about, but IKEA food...doesn't really float my boat!

With their belly's full and the promise of ice cream at the end... the girls enjoyed their IKEA experience!

Yup they got comfortable... jumping on carpets with no shoes!

Since they were so determined to kick of their crocs we took to the beach!

We weren't fully prepared for "beaching" but we did get to dig our toes in the sand and let the water splash our legs. NOTE---WEST COAST WATER IS COLD!!!!!!! I'm not sure even if we were properly dressed we would have gotten in!!! *BRRRRRR*

Thanks for visiting us Nana! We'll see you again REAL SOON!!!

XOXOXO

WEST COAST FAMILY!

I'm not sure everyone is as lucky as me to have a wicked great family on EACH COAST! Yesterday was perfect at reminding myself that I am fully supported wherever I go!

I LOVE entertaining, so having my West Coast Family over for a midday snack was the perfect way for me to "break in" my new digs, "break out" my serving wear and a West Coast batch of Sangria!!!

It was lovely to catch up with my cousins, aunties and kiddies! The Momos had a ball playing with their cousins too!

Here are a few flicks from the day! I'm one lucky gal!!! All this love in one place!

My Aunt gave me a lovely housewarming gift  this Orchid....

...those who know me, know my thumb is FAR from GREEN, I am saying a little prayer now for this plant/flower in hopes that it makes it through our California stay! They say, just water/spritz it once a week. I'll keep you posted on "Jackie O's" status (yes I named the flower!)

Can't complain when you have...

.... This in your front yard.....

...And this in your backyard....

That's all for tonight... 


Thankful in The OC,

The Moments before the wheels went up!

(written July 1st)

For the past 24 hours there has been a pit in my stomach. I didn’t want to look anyone in the eye in fear that I may burst into tears…

Saturday, I hosted my final BGR! Run with my Baltimore crew… we had an amazing turn out. Shameless plug...if you haven't joined the movement yet... what are you waiting for? BLACK GIRLS RUN!

I super love these ladies and their desire for fitness!  I have a friend who shall remain nameless but  surprised me by showing up to run with us this morning. I heart you for joining in! LOVE YOU TC :)

The day was full of moments that made my heart smile… A last minute snuggle with my Irish twin, a surprise visit from Philly,  a Yummy cake, tears from a pregnant lady and a beautiful toast from my Brooklyn loves!  OH wait… they also serenaded us with “It’s so hard to say goodbye” ....yeah…I had to look away… I can’t let them see me cry! 


I was so glad that the twins got to hang out with one of their BFF'S!

This morning when I woke up (although I’m sure I never slept),  it felt like we were getting ready for a “vacation”. The last minute checking, packing, organizing. The only difference was that we were leaving nothing behind. (well the girls, but that is just for a few day).

I looked around my mother’s house (dark & hot)…still no power after the storm, and wondered when the next time would be that I would sit on her couch, hear the floors creak or bustle out her front door???

At that moment I realized this is not a vacation…

…Mum took us to the airport… MIL met us there also. It was nice to have both of our Moms to send us off with their eyes overly glazed.

After the long squeezes and I love you’s… we went through security…I knew if I looked back I would cry… so I just kept focused on the little boy ahead of me in his redskins hat, and thought I am so glad we ordered Direct TV football ticket in Cali…  how else would the hubby get to enjoy another heartbreaking seasons of the ‘Skins?

Comfortably seated in a spacious exit row… I looked out the window and the tears flowed… when would I see BWI again?

 California Love - Really we are here now!

How To Move to Cali in less than 30 days...

...The Sands Formula....

Step 1. Interview May 25th 2012

Step 2. Offer May 31st 2012

Step 3. Agonize, debate, weigh out Pro's and Con's for 1 week

Step 4. Accept offer June 8 2012

Step 5. OMG! What have we done!!!!?? 

Step 6. Cry with your family and friends

Step 7. More agonizing

Step 8. Find a house in Cali...VIRTUALLY -- Sign lease June 18, 2012

Step 9. Thin out your 3.5 level home to fit into a 2 level home

Step 10. Packers come - Pack and Load June 25th & 26th

Step 11. Hug everyone a little tighter... make each moment count.... 

Somewhere between the agony, the crying and the packing we were fortunate enough to have some of our family and friends toast us with a lovely BBQ! Here we are pictured from the bbq... all smiles... lets hope these last!!

So here we go (I guess this should of been the intro) but we like to do things a little unconventional! 

Welcome to our Journey... Yes... this is truly a journey for us! We don't know how long we'll be in Cali, here in referred to as "THE OC", but you can keep up with our shenanigans right here!!!

-California Love --well not yet...but soon!