I never thought I'd say this, but...

We are moving to Utah!

Matt just received orders to PCS to Hill Air Force Base at the end of the summer. It's something we never really considered at this point in our lives, and we're still trying to wrap our heads around it. When we found out we'd be moving, we had hoped to either relocate in California or go on a grand adventure. But when it came down to it, our options were Ohio, New Mexico, or Utah. Needless to say, we are thrilled with Hill. Living in Utah means we'll save lots of leave (since, if you haven't noticed, we use all of Matt's days off to visit Utah for holidays and weddings), have plenty of fun outdoors, and -- most importantly -- spend lots of time with family and friends. We'll be there for 2-4 years and will then embark on another adventure.

Of course, Matt and I want to live and die in Southern California -- we intend to move here for good when Matt gets out of the military -- and plan to have one big party for the remainder of our time in the happiest place on earth (oh, you thought that was Disneyland? It's this whole half of the state, my friends).

This was originally supposed to be a 4-year assignment, which meant we would move in the summer of 2013. Being the planner that I am, I had all of our major adventures mapped out clear through June of next year. This year, 2012, was going to be especially fun because we had deemed it our "Year of California," in which we would forgo any "big" trip (think flying over oceans) and explore our home state with lots of little trips throughout the year instead. Ah, but I should have known better than to put all my eggs in one military basket. Medium-ish story very short, our "Year of California" has now become our "8 months of California," and a very busy remaining-6 months they will be. Our calendar is packed, as are our bags!

Many happy memories to come.

Saturday in Santa Monica

Over the past few years, Santa Monica has become our go-to date. We get a little smell of the ocean, walk on the beach, window shopping on the Promenade, and a yummy dessert all in one outing. Last Saturday, we were back again with our Jakey in tow. It's all about the family dates these days.

I love the views of the pier and Malibu from Ocean Avenue.

Ah, I just love Santa Monica! (Don't even get me started with how jealous I am of Coley and Jordan for moving there this summer! Lucky ducks, those two.)

While we were gone

It's no secret that long-distance relationships make you good at goodbyes. So while I know I'll miss Matt when we're apart, we're both perfectly fine with short separations. But suddenly, throw a baby into the mix and it's a whole new ballgame. I felt all sorts of guilty taking Jakey away from Matt for seven whole days! Thank goodness for Skype keeping my baby in touch with his daddy throughout the week.

Jake got so excited every time he saw Matt on the computer screen and tried his best to grab and eat his daddy's face, to no avail. So when Matt walked in the door just after bathtime one night, Jake was thrilled!

Although, Jake seemed a bit unsure if this daddy was really real, or just more of that computer screen business. He checked the best way he knew how -- by eating Matt's nose. Jake was quite pleased when it worked! That little guy loves his daddy.

"Are you real?"

"Yes, you are!"

 "It's my dad!"

I mentioned earlier that this pre-Jon's-wedding trip ended up much differently than I had planned. It was originally meant to be filled with play time and lunch dates with friends that I never get to see since trips to Utah are normally so packed with family things. But then just a few days before our flight, my Grandpa Smith was rushed to the ER and hospitalized. And nine hours after my arrival, he was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer and given just a few months to live. Needless to say, this trip ended up being very much centered around family and I am so grateful for that. I don't think it was a coincidence that Jake and I were there when we were needed most. I got to help at home and spend time with my Grandpa, and Jake got to be the bright spot for everyone.

Jake and I visited my Grandpa every day, except the one when he was finally released from the hospital and sent to a rehabilitation center (since he wasn't yet well enough to return to his assisted living home) and was too busy for visitors. That night, when my mom took her shift by his bedside, he asked her where his little grandson was. I'm so glad that Jake was able to establish a relationship with his Great-Grandpa and be a source of happiness for him during a hard time.

Our stay also coincided with my Grandma Smith's birthday, which meant we got to party with my Smith cousins that I don't see nearly enough.

Jake also got to catch one of Kaleb's basketball games, hang out with his aunts and uncles, and cuddle up with both sets of grandparents.

More pictures of the trip:

At last, it was time for our little Cub to head home. My backseat buddy was a gem and slept for most of the drive to California.

So long until the next wedding event, Utah.