Being with family + exploring new adventures

We flew into Los Angeles Monday evening, and with our landing we brought with us a million happy memories. Zack, Maxwell and I landed in California with cheek-kissed faces, happy hearts, full souls and very tired bodies. We walked the airport to baggage claim, grabbed our duffel filled with our clothes, and took a shuttle to the garage where our car was parked. Once we were home, we washed away the dirt and let the moments of the past two weeks lull us to sleep. It didn’t take long.

^ My amazing older brother, Matthew…

We’ve had a lovely fill of family this month, and it’s been amazing. First, my brother Matt surprised me by flying out to our home see us for a week. I had no clue he was coming, and his first night here we stayed up until 3am chatting. It was SO GOOD to catch up. I love reminiscing about his visit and knowing he’s sat on our couch, snuggled my son {his nephew!}, and listened to me snort from our laughter.

At the end of his visit we all caught red eyes to Michigan, where we’ve been for the past 9 days.

^ Early morning snuggles with my two nephews and son. Pinch me, I’m holding our son! :D

This time we’ve spent with family? It’s been glorious.

^ bright sky and puffy clouds, the view out Zack’s parents front door…

And, would you believe that there are new adventures ahead?

Now that we’re back in Los Angeles we are in search of a new apartment to call home. We are moving in about a month {maybe less??}, and shortly after that my mom will be here for another one of her grammy visits. We are so excited, for both the move and her upcoming visit.

As I write this our apartment is dusted with remains from our visit to Michigan. Thank goodness the laundry that fills our luggage is clean, but ohhhhh my! is there a lot of stuff to put away ;) And I’m in no rush.

^ Every summer, my mom and her two best girlfriends gather at our family cottage in Michigan for a week. This year all three of their daughters had babies, two girls and a boy. I have to admit… this was my favorite year of all the gatherings we’ve had ;)

Instead of spending the day doing something that can be done later, I spent yesterdays precious hours laughing with Maxwell, playing with the pup, walking our neighborhood and catching up with our neighbor friends {hi Greg + Sahana!}, tackling a bit of work {my inbox is a hot mess}, planning for the upcoming holiday — including our Holiday seasonal gift guide.

Yesterday was a busy day. And instead of doing a bunch of unimportant things, like it’s so easy to do when you’re your own boss, I spent the day doing only what was important.

Besides, I wasn’t ready to box up the memories made from being with our families. I want them to remain fresh in my mind, for as long as I can.

^ I’m kinda digging straightening my hair…

AND, as though things aren’t busy enough around here, we are working on our next big adventure: we’re moving, still within Los Angeles, but to a different neighborhood.

Our family has some big goals in mind and this move will help us achieve them so much quicker. I’m a little nervous about moving, it’s so much work and I already have a lot on my plate. But if I’ve learned anything over the last few years it’s that God always gives us big, exciting adventures at just the right time — even if they seem totally unachievable at the moment.

I mean, just last year we traveled to Africa, found out we were pregnant, moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles and then totally restructured the business. Oh, and we also had a baby ;)

^ Reunited once again ♥ I love Bauer’s black nose and Maxwell’s thighs!!!

I like taking risks. I like trying new things. I like to dream big. I like to set multiple goals and achieve them.

I love encouraging others and exploring new adventures…

 The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be. — Oprah Winfrey