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

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!)