Hello Santa Barbara.

Monday, June 6

Bill and I flew to Santa Barbara for his President's Award trip.

Our first time ever being there.

He had a few business meetings throughout the week, but I didn't mind tagging along for the warmth and sunshine. I spent a few hours each day sitting on this little patio outside our room:

That evening we had dinner around the pool, with some synchronized swimmers for entertainment.

Tuesday, June 7

We took a shuttle to downtown to walk around for a bit.

That evening we went to dinner here:

We were seated outside, and it was a bit chilly (we were sitting pretty far away from that heater).The appetizer was popcorn. Interesting.

Wednesday, June 8

One of our excursions was horseback riding here:

The day was hot (and much of our ride was desert-type terrain), and one of the women in our group ended up getting knocked off her horse and had injuries, but other than that, it was scenic and fun. I'm really glad our ride wasn't longer than it was... my hips and my butt probably couldn't have handled any more than that. It also didn't help that my stirrups were turned inward and too short for my legs. I have long legs, people! I was so happy to finally get OFF.

That evening we took a lengthy bus ride to a vineyard and winery for dinner and an Andy Grammer concert.

I am not a conversationalist, especially around a whole lot o' people I don't know haha. I was happy when the cocktail hour was over and we could be seated - at least then I had a limited amount of people to converse with.

The concert was fun. Bill and I chuckled at a couple of the comments Andy made about insurance. I'm not sure he was totally clear about who his audience was.

Thursday, June 9

Our second excursion was to go sailing.

It was a cool breezy day (which I guess is helpful for sailing).

That evening they had a fiesta at the resort for dinner.

It was fun. 

Again, more chatting with random people.

I'm awkward. What else can I say.

Friday, June 10

We snapped a pic outside of the resort before we headed to airport.

I was having some kind of crazy reaction to SOMETHING - my face, neck, and hands had a raised red rash all over them. We tried to figure out what it could have been from - it lasted for a week+ after I got home. Still have no idea. I tried to hide my face on the flight home, lest I create concern among my fellow passengers that I was contagious.

When it comes to Santa Barbara, we can now say, "We've been there!"

Almost there.

I am sick and tired of house business.

But I must say, things are looking pretty darn great around here.

Here's a quick update (quick, because I really should be painting baseboards right now):

Those old, worn, ugly, natural-turned-orange oak floors were finally refinished.

 (this was after it was stained, but before it was sealed)

I LOVE THIS FLOOR COLOR.

Antique Pewter by Bona.

This pic is also pre-painting of the island and the side wall by the desk.

FYI - that's done now {check}

Yesterday I taped baseboards. Ugh.

I also washed my sofa pillows and cushions. For whatever reason, the maker of this set of sofas chose to put zippers on the loveseat pillows but not on the sofa pillows. That means I have to unpick 5 pillows to wash them. I had washed one of the pillows a few years back because one of the dogs had thrown up on it, and I had safety-pinned it back together... and never got around to stitching it {hah}. This time after they were washed and dried, I painstakingly stitched all 5 pillows back up. Funny how something like moving motivates a person hahahahaha.

 The cushions and pillows will remain in this skiwampus manner to keep the dogs off until we are ready to show. (Because the dogs are in serious need of baths, but ain't nobody got time for that.)

And here's a couple late-night pics of the master bed/bath...

 Bill and I stayed up until 2:30am on Monday (happy FHE) working on this masterpiece.

My closet is done...

...and Bill finished his last night.

I'm totally loving this flooring, too, so we'll probably be putting it in our new place.

COREtec Hudson Valley Oak

We have to trim out the edges before we can move back in... I hope it can get done today

{please, please, please}

We've had a brother from our ward helping us with some of these projects so we can't take all the credit... but it's been dang hard - and seemingly endless - work for everyone.

I'm really getting tired of home improvements for someone else to enjoy.

Meanwhile, we've had a few other things going on.

The final week of the play.

Mar invited her {boy}friend Justin to walk in the CoSprings St. Patrick's Day parade with her and Bill (+ his CoSprings Alink Insurance Services office people) on Saturday. Seriously, Justin's a good sport.

Bill and I got to see the final performance of Fiddler.

The Billats stopped for a night on their way through town, so Lauren came and helped at concessions and got to see the play, too. There were some serious tender mercies going on that night, as I had searched for someone to sit with the concessions during the play so Bill and I could attend. As we arrived at the school that evening, I had decided that we would switch off for Act I and Act II because I had received no response in my quest. Out of the blue, two lovely students showed up to help and were willing to sit with the concessions during Act I (which is lengthy - 1 hour 45 mins - and boring... I know because I had been doing it every performance). 

I wanted to kiss those girls, I was so happy. I gave them the leftover roses from concessions, instead ;-)

By the way, the show SOLD OUT - a first for Legend theater.

I think the fact that they did a phenomenal job and it was a family-friendly show helped.

 It was so fun to have Lauren for a day (although we were living cRaZy with all the stuff going on at our house)... and we really appreciated her help at the show! Hopefully the next time she stops by things will be peaceful, calm, and orderly (a goal I've yet to obtain in my life, but hold out hope for).

Sunday evening we had dinner at the Weeds with Jeff, Lauren, and Chase. (I took a few pics, but they're on the point-and-shoot, and ain't nobody got time for that right now.) It's always good to get together and visit with these amazing friends. We have been so so blessed to live where we have and raise our children around so many wonderful people. 12 years with the Billats across the street, 15 years with the Weeds next door. We will be sad to leave them, BUT 1) we're not going far, and 2) we anticipate regular interaction with them all for the years to come.

The girls wanted to do a quick photo re-enactment before Lauren headed out Sunday evening:

Sooooooo adorable.

Well, that's the low-down. Hopefully next time I update, everything will be done and the house will be on the market. Then we'll start work on our new place. At least that work will be for our own enjoyment (trying to stay upbeat and motivated, here).

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.