2014: A Look Back

As I enjoy my second cup of coffee, on the couch, with Bear (yes, he's up here with me... breaking the rules... don't tell Evan) I can't help but think about what a year it's been.  Change, in every sense of the word, met us in 2014.  Not easy change, mind you. But I am still very grateful for this life we have.

We still miss Gordon dearly.  Evan's dad passed away in May, after a frustrating battle with PSP.    The holidays were especially hard, since it was all about our "firsts." First Thanksgiving, first Christmas, without him. I've learned, it doesn't get easier. But we made it. I know he celebrated right along with us, forever in our hearts.

I'm pretty sure he's singing along to Boomer Sooner.
The ultimate sign of welcoming a daughter-in-law to the family. :)

Another obvious change for 2014, was our big move to California.  I'll be honest, the weeks leading up to it were not easy for us. Mostly me. It's the biggest move I've ever made; I had a hard time leaving my beloved home state, my family, my friends. Fortunately, I have a very patient and supportive husband, who handled my sporadic meltdowns with grace. (Oh, you don't know about those? I can't be lovely to be around all the time. I know, breaking news.)

4 months into our new landing spot, I'd still say it was a good move.  We both really enjoy our jobs, our new home, and we've picked up some new hobbies along the way (thanks, great proximity to wine country and mountains!) The hardest part is still not having our circle of friends and family close, but no one ever said it's bad to have too many friends. We're working on that. :)

So here's to a new year, new adventures, new lots of things.  I look forward to new aspects of change, but hope some things stay the same: our good health, our good fortune, our lives together.  And we hope the same for you.

Here's to the new chapter.  Happy 2015, friends... we are so grateful for each and every one of you.  Much love from year one in California. xoxo

The Onstots, Christmas 2014

Turkey and Trailblazin': Thanksgiving 2014

We survived the move into our new Fresno home (almost) just in time to host Thanksgiving for Evan's mom!  

We closed on November 8th, I turned 25 on November 15th, and Mary arrived on the 26th. Whew. Those couple of weeks flew by. Still working on a few things around the house, but it was in order enough to find some very crucial things: the roasting pan and... well, the wine I suppose.

Too many cooks in the kitchen?

Bear seems to think so.

Bear loves pictures.

 This year was a first for me -- I actually cooked a turkey! I followed the advice of Ina Garten, and she got me through it.  Maybe I'll try something fancier next year, but my goal this time was just to get it cooked through and not give anyone food poisoning.

Evan carving the masterpiece.

After our feast for three, we made the short drive up to Yosemite National Park. It's only about 2 hours from Fresno, and worth it.  Fun fact I've learned about living near the mountains: these drives make me incredibly carsick.  As long as the destination is worth the journey, am I right? Below are some pictures I took, they'll pretty much speak for themselves. :)

Yosemite Valley, looking at Half Dome.

Half Dome is in the middle, that curved thing.

Good-looking guy in the Valley.

 

Evan got to break in his new boots.

The waterfalls were a little sparse, but not a week later from when I took this it rained and they are supposedly gushing again!  

In the spring, those rocks are typically covered by water. Drought, anyone?

This deer was so close! Must be used to people.

My dear with a deer.

So close!

We ended the day with some drinks by the fire at the Historic Awahnee Hotel. Gorgeous building, with some pretty stellar views.  

View at the grand room.

Evan is looking forward to many camping/backpacking trips up there this spring/summer.  And apparently, I will be joining him. I may just get lost and end up (saved) right here in this great room. But it will be totally on accident, I swear. Stay tuned. :)