Yay for Friday, but not so yay to our move back East! I have been dreading today, the day that we say goodbye to Cali, for a while. (I didn’t pack a single box before Sunday of this week and Grant really had to force me to do that lol 😅) Don’t worry things came together quickly and we are packed up (in a pod) and will be on our way later this evening!
If you read my early blogs about life in Turlock, you may remember how hard it was for me to leave Indiana and make the move out west– never did I think it would be hard to leave Turlock 19 months and a baby later!! I know one thing that God has been teaching me through all of this and that is “Sometimes you must leave the comforts of what is to embrace the potential of what will be.” –Kristen Strong
I didn’t realize how comfortable I had become until I moved to California where I saw God work on my heart almost daily and then to bring it full circle, just when I became comfortable here, it’s time to move again! “I wanted to stay comfortable, but I finally started to realize that with change comes new opportunity!” –Chip & Joanna Gaines As much as I was avoiding this week and especially today, I have had more of a peace than ever (not saying it’s been easy) but with a peace I don’t have the turmoil and discontent that I had when we moved to Turlock. (So thank you to all of you who have been praying for us this week, it is greatly appreciated!!) Anyway long story short, we are moving and there are numerous things that I will miss about Cali or play a part into why I will miss this place so much– so here are TEN that I chose to share:
Having Grayson Quinn here in Turlock really tugs at the heart as we leave this little place on earth called home. I can’t believe we are three days away from wishing our baby boy a Happy 1st Birthday– the journey has been incredible and Turlock you will forever have this mama’s heart💙
The community of people we have been surrounded by here in Turlock… You will be greatly missed!! We began our Bible Study/Marriage Group a little over a year ago and they have been so much fun to do life with. Not only our Bible Study but other friends within the community and those from the Valley Milk project too. Nicole, Grayson’s first babysitter, you have been wonderful and we wish we could take you with us😉
Another spin on community has been those friends and family who have come to visit from Indiana. Our most recent visitors were Sam & Kaitlin–who we enjoyed a northern Cali trip to the Redwoods with. Love these dear friends, thanks so much for coming to see our life in California! 📷 Credit: Kait & Carmela
With sunshine peeking out 90% of the time (my random percent) you can’t help but miss it when you know you will be moving to a place where it only pops out about 45% of the time. Seriously though, I’ve always had a desire for the sun (palms everywhere are a must too) and it just makes my heart happy when there are both🌴☀️ #vitaminD
I love that with living in Turlock we have been 2 hours from so many beautiful sights and have taken advantage of it. (Not uncommon to leave Saturday night for a 5 hour trip and turn around that next day to come home.) It’s been exhilarating to travel to wonderful destinations and events that pop up– wether it be 2 or 8 hours away, it all seems close out here! The traveling throughout California has been an experience to last a lifetime and I’m grateful for the all that we have been able to get a glimpse of!!
A Quick Trip to Catalina Island
Have I mentioned that the shopping in Cali is 👌🏼 A little something new in each destination has been a fun addition to each trip. Not only on trips but within 2 hours of Turlock there are some fine shopping experiences!
Union Square San Francisco
Trying new restaurants in Turlock and all over Cali has been a huge part of our experience! The outdoor patio seating, the locally (fresh) grown ingredients of the California cuisine, and the overall atmosphere at many of our favorites will all be missed!
Dust Bowl Brewery-Turlock
This has been a favorite since day one and we will miss this adorable European-inspired city! It’s such a peaceful place near the Pacific and is only a quick two-hour drive from Turlock. We frequented this place (about five times if we are counting).
You know I love myself a good beach and Newport Beach/ Balboa Island are the beaches (and surrounding city) I will miss most! I have really fell in love with this area because of the overall sentiment that the area lends itself to. The beaches are clean, crisp, picturesque-West Coast feels, beautiful surrounding housing and of course the shopping at Fashion Island has its perks💁🏼♀️
California is known for their wineries and we have definitely done our fair share of visiting them! I can’t say that I’m quite to wine connoisseur status but Grant and I have learned a lot about the wine making process (and tasting of course). Our favorite to-date is this chic boutique winery in the Napa area– Durant and Booth. 📷 Credit: D&B
I may need to start my own garden after living here! The fruits and veggies are so much better, the flavors are richer, and there is just something about California Produce that I can’t wrap my mind around!
California you have been a great place to call home for the past 19 months and like I said before, you will always have a piece of my heart! Overall I will miss the immense variety of beautiful atmosphere that you have brought to my life.
Don’t forget to follow our road trip back East here on the Blog!
Praying for your safe travels back to the Hoosier state!