Winner!

Matt was pretty proud of winning the watermelon carving contest (and a pizza party for his department) today. Can't imagine having the time for something like this at school, but he is pretty talented nonetheless! 

Handy Man

Mom and dad had some major water leaks in their living room and as a result are replacing the roof and doing more major remodeling. Handy Man Matt to the rescue! After all the play time at Taste of Sonoma Matt got busy tiling the entry way.

We were on a tight schedule and therefore didn't get to finish grouting the tile so we'll be back in Santa Rosa soon!

Taste of Sonoma

Cousin Christy and Aunt Elise joined mom, dad, Matt and me at Taste of Sonoma this last Saturday. It was a blast! 

http://www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com/events_showcase.asp 

Mom and dad poured Robert Hunter sparkling wine and pinot noir (with a little relief from Christy and Matt). 

http://www.roberthunterwinery.com/RHW/Welcome.html

Otherwise we mingled around and tasted hundreds of yummy wine and hors d'oeuvres. The weather was beautiful and we were even able to score some nerdy looking but very functional wine glass holder necklaces. 

A great time was had by all!

You're Hired!

Mere was blessed with a job offer to teach K-6 English Language Development at Marguerite Montgomery Elementary in Davis, CA and gladly accepted! In a climate where teachers are losing their jobs left and right and can't even get hired as subs- I'm so thankful and excited!
http://www.djusd.k12.ca.us/Montgomery/

Since then it's been a whirlwind. First a 4 day training at the WRITE Institute in San Diego.
http://www.sdcoe.net/lret2/els/?loc=write-video&m=3

Then teaching a class of incoming 3rd graders English learners in summer school (starts tomorrow- wish me luck!).

Finally my first official day is August 20th- the day after we move into the new house. I can't wait to see what opportunities the future holds!

You're Also Hired!!!
Matt started in his new role at Auto Product Manager for the states of California and Nevada as soon as we arrived. He's enjoying catching up with everyone he worked with previously and getting to know the new job.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Here's brief tour of the many places we've called home since the move back to Sacramento!

The beautiful sunflowers seemed to be missing when we were there but overall room 304 at the West Sac Extended Stay America served us well for the 3 weeks we lived there!

Imagine our bed four feet away and out bathroom two feet away- good times! (We did survive though- there was a drive-thru Starbs next door!)

On to Virginia Way- Our current residence!

Okay, it doesn't really look like this! A real picture is to come. Features: great yard for Theo, beautiful wood floors, nice neighbors, and ample space for stacking boxes to the ceiling!


The REAL DEAL- Rochdale Drive, Carmichael, CA

Move in Date: August 19th
Pool here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Thanks to our awesome Realtor Michael Miller!
http://millermichael.topproducerwebsite.com/reo-connection.asp

Goodbyes

Goodbye to our Hope Small Group (only Thea is pictured ;)! They took us out for an AMAZING goodbye to Des Moines. We visited and photographed all our favorite hot spots! We will miss you Seth, Heather, Kelly, Josh, Hudson, Sarah, Mike, and Thea. You have been an amazing blessing in our life- Keep in touch!!

Goodbye to my college buddies! Come visit SOON!!!

Goodbye (but not for too long) to my besties in the Fearsome Foursome! I expect Skyping daily!!!

Goodbye to some awesome Brookview friends! I'll miss seeing you each and every day- you guys are irreplaceable!

Goodbye to the BEST ESL team in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD! I'll miss you Sarai, Jen, Jayne, Juli, Linds, and Katrina!

We are so thankful for the amazing friendships we made while in Iowa. Keep in touch and come visit soon and often!

Adios Junk

Adios Junk

Ellary inherited the ping-pong table we had inherited from our friends the Shulls.

Dion also inherited the pool table we had inherited from John.

Thanks guys!