Sometimes and Forever

Greener pastures. We officially live in Oregon again. Where to even begin with this story? Ok, we got a job offer and took it. That pretty much sums it up. But there are layers of complexities and late night/early morning ponderings and hashings-out of possibilites and potentialities. In other words, the decision to move did not come easy. On the one hand, we had our life in New Mexico and everything we had created there... friends, community etc. Then on the other hand you have... umm... money. :) Cold hard undeniable cash that buys cool stuff and puts smiles on everyones faces. Just look at Atty sitting on this giant forest we bought her. She's so happy there in her giant, bought-and-paid-for, forest. 

But seriously, we weighed all the options and this move felt right enough to pack it in (and I mean PACK IT IN...  1 giant moving truck, 1 giant pick up truck and 1 wagon.) The move went well. Nicole's parents flew out and helped us drive across country... how insanely nice is that? Who does that? Family, that's who. We love them. They's good people.

We also had a really nice going-away / pre-bday party for Atty. All of our Santa friends came over and had an amazing Cake-Boss-worthy Hello Kitty cake, baked by our personal master baker Bethany Orbison.

Seen here with said cake.

Here are a few more from that soiree. 

Kitty Cake.

Kids digging in.

Aftermath. 

The party was a smash! And the next day we drove out. Nicole and I played Eilen Jewel's SANTA FE as the red rocks of ghost ranch faded into our rearview and the tall pines of Colorado approached. 

It was a bittersweet departure. I think that is why it's taken us so long to post about it. Even the months leading up to the move, where we were considering Colorado instead... it was just a confusing time, honestly. We had discovered New Mexico on our own terms, with only love and a carload of ephemera to see us through. And we landed on our feet and made a family there. Created lives and became much fuller and more complete people. We had many adventures and this late night post can't even begin to describe our love and affection of the place. It was just right, and at the right time. Perfect in every way. 

Ok, enough with the sappy stuff. We will be back to you, dear old Santa Fe... one of these days. Meanwhile, life goes on and on and on. And our home is here, together. And now we found ourselves together in lush and lovely Oregon. Where our story began, almost six years ago.

To be continued...