Packing Up and Moving Out.....Well Almost Moving Out

I have been slowly starting to pack away stuff in preparation for our move. We definitely need to downsize so we are getting rid of a lot. It actually feels great to sort through everything and decide what we are keeping and what has to go. My attitude going forward is to live much simpler, get rid of the clutter, and if you haven't worn it in 6 months (okay maybe a year) get rid of it!

Todd and I have lived in this house for about 4 years and it is amazing what starts to pile up. Today the Alpha Thrift Store picked up a huge batch of stuff and on Wednesday The Salvation Army is coming to get more. It is going to be a fresh start at the new house!

Today I started to go through Samantha's drawers and she decided to "help" me.

Grandparents are the Greatest

This weekend Grandma and Papa Robinson came up to visit. Samantha was spoiled with lots of new clothes, shoes and books.

We also took a trip up to the Chumash Casino on Sunday evening. They don't call her "Gambling Grandma" for nothing. Grandma worked the slot machines as usual and left the casino several hundred dollars richer. I managed to do the same by following her technique on the machines. Unfortunately I did not have the camera with me when we were hitting jackpots. It was a lot of fun!

Breakfast at East Beach Grill

Here are a few shots of Samantha modeling her new shoes:

Zoo Date

Samantha and I had a fun day at the zoo today. We brought a picnic lunch and then went out to explore the animal exhibits. It is a lot more fun at the zoo with Samantha now that she is getting older. She can now see the animals better since she can get out of her stroller and stand up.

Checking out the LionsWaving at the Giraffes Peeking in at the Meerkats (which I think look like Lollipop so I think she got real excited to see these little guys)And the one animal that really peeked her curiosity was the Gorilla.

She kept trying to get his attention
And talking to him And when he finally moved, she was so excited!

New Stuff At The House

Bay Window in the Kitchen
Bathroom Window
Bathroom Flooring (all of the hardwood floors will eventually be stained dark)
Backyard Fence so that we have more privacy between us and our neighbors
Good work Todd and Samantha!

Cheese!!!!!!!!

In the past month Samantha has added new teeth. She now has 4 lower teeth and 1 front upper tooth is half way down with the one next to it slowly emerging.

Check out the pearly whites:

The Vespa

Samantha loves the Vespa! Its fun to ride on AND

to push!

RIP Windy Robinson

My parent's cocker spaniel had to be put to sleep today. Thirteen years ago little Windy was roaming around the golf course homeless and my dad took her home after no one claimed her.

Todd and I loved Windy. We would have her up to Santa Barbara all the time.

Windy beat the odds several times including attacks by a coyote, a rottweiler, raccoons, bee stings, and even was dog-napped one Christmas.

Despite losing her hearing a couple years ago, Windy remained pretty darn spry. She loved golf cart rides and chasing seagulls on the beach. She even was the dog of the week in Santa Barbara - http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1601 .

We will miss her. Here are a few of my favorite shots of Windy:

Samantha Loves Dancing Grandma and Grandpa

My Gym

The Casa

Here are some photo's of the house that show what's new:

New Side Gate
New French Doors
New TubNew Heating

New area above fireplace for recessed flat screen and Todd starting a decorative finish on the fireplace
New Kitchen Door
New Skylights in Kitchen

Rob and crew building new deck

New Deck (needs to be sealed still)

Lolly checking out the new deck

Samantha waving at the new house

As soon as insulation/drywall happen, we can really get moving on the interior. Stay tuned!