Before becoming a resident...

This week I officially became a resident of the great state of California.  You're suppose to do that within ten days of moving... and well it's been a few more days than that. You may be wondering what we have spent the last four months doing... and then again you may not.  Either way I'm going to let you in on the happenings since we moved.

Where to begin?  How about with moving in!  We have a great little apartment (actually it is a very nice size with plenty of space.... can you say parties?!)  in Alameda, CA.  It's in an old Victorian house and has some great features: high ceilings, great molding and architectural details, wood floors, a sweet claw-foot tub!  We have had a blast putting our place together.  There are still projects left to finish, but all in all it has come together well.  I promise pictures to come.  (I know some of you have heard that for three months now!)
The apartment took a little cleaning before unpacking, but putting in a little elbow grease just makes you love a place that much more.  Nothing was broken in the move!  Thank you movers for carefully driving your "big mac" truck!  The only damage was our wedding cake...

It almost made it two years!

We have an AMAZING ward!  I honestly can say that we have met some of the most incredible people at church and are SO blessed to be in this ward.  I love this ward and the instant extended family church provided for us!  This is a ward full of people willing to welcome anyone and anxiously serving in any way.  We've made some great friends, many of whom are in our same place in life (i.e. married without children).

Our first real activity after arriving was the Oakland Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral next to the Oakland Temple. 

 

 We had a great time watching dancers, eating food, touring the cathedral, eating food, looking at art, and yes eating food.  I LOVE Greek food!

Here are some pictures of the dancers.  I don't remember what type of dance they were doing, but it was fun to watch. 

There was a lady across from us with pompoms... I couldn't decide if she was their instructor or just a really excited spectator.

I'll leave you with this movie of the dancers, enjoy!

Until next time,
Margo

reunited, 97, and today ...

The perfect reasons for having frozen yogurt every day!

I took a long weekend in Utah.  It was great to see our families.  Coming home was wonderful! Especially coming home to frozen yogurt... oh and my AMAZING husband! (oh yeah and a totally clean house- thanks Love!)

97 degrees = hottest day of the year = must have more frozen yogurt....  I know some of you are not sympathizing right now, but that is REALLY hot when you don't have AC and have become accustomed to 60-70 degree temperatures.... More frozen yogurt? ABSOLUTELY!  And no way was I turning on the oven!  Dinner out, a walk on the beach, and drinks from 7-11 got us through the heat wave yesterday.

Today: 88 degrees... and I'm feeling like it's time for more fro yo! YUMMY!

Disappointed.

We've been in CA for almost four months and I have yet to feel an earthquake.... I'm disappointed.  On Saturday we even went hiking at Point Reyes, pretty much on the San Andreas fault, and nothing.

Some suspect that California will someday fall into the ocean.  My four months of earthquake free living seem to say maybe not.  However there was a sign at the visitors center that was titled "California is Falling into the Ocean".... suspicions confirmed.  (I'll take a picture of the sign next time we're there.)

And watch now that I've posted this we'll get a big one.  Let's hope not.... but I wouldn't mind a little bump.

Love to you all from earthquake free Cali!

(To be perfectly honest there was an earthquake a little while ago and Tim felt it, but I slept through it.)

Oh yeah... and we graduated

That's about how I feel about posting this now.

Really it actually was more like....

WE GRADUATED! 

 Yahoo!   Hallelujah!  Yippee!  Hooray!

Graduation events went as follows:

April 22:

• The Big Shabang (aka BYU Commencement or graduation with the entire university)

• Dinner with just the grads and parentals- enjoyed at Magleby's at Travani in Springville.

•  Home to finish packing.

April 23:

• 7:00 AM Moving commences..... 12:00 PM Movers ship out. Please take our stuff safely to CA in your "Big Mac" truck.

•  Lunch... Yes it was a big enough deal to mention on the blog, after a morning of cleaning I was HUNGRY...  Tim and I got a super good paninin (turkey artichoke-heart... highly recommended) from Kneaders.. I miss Kneaders and PJ breakfasts with dear friends.
• Marriott School Reception- Just good to see friends and thank professors.  I am blessed to have associated with so many amazing people!
•  Marriott School Convocation (aka graduation with just the Business School)

• Dinner with the Farnsworth Fam- Fabulous! Conversation and dinning at PF Changs

April 24

• Cleaning... cleaning... cleaning.... and yep more cleaning. Thanks to all our helpers!
• 9:00 PM- Goodbye Provo... Hello open road to California!

Important notes: 

Dear PF Changs,

Thank you for really great food and a fun atmosphere.  Most of all thank you for the Great Wall of Chocolate. 

Dear USU,

Thank you for the perfect start to college.  Thank you for life-long friends and incredible mentors.

Dear BYU,

Thanks for some great years, increased knowledge, fun memories, and invaluable friendships.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for being amazing and just being you.  You are exactly who we needed at the time we first met and who we are blessed to always call friends.  We are excited to see where life takes each of you and to share the journey with you in any way.

Dear Family, 

Thank you all for coming to be with us.  Thank you for loving and supporting us.  We are glad we get you for forever!

Dear Timothy John,

Thank you for supporting me in everything, including finishing school.