Starting from scratch in Southern California

We arrived in San Diego, California at 11 p.m. at night and with nearly 480 pounds of luggage, 2 cats, and a dog in tow. Our flight was on-time and comfortable but we were still exhausted. We departed Nicaragua with little more than our clothes, laptops, and sentimental items. From the moment we landed in the U.S. we knew we had a lot work to do. Buy a car. Buy an R.V. because we weren't sure where we'd end up in the U.S. etc. We had to buy jackets and cold weather clothes, and the list goes on, and on. The list of to-dos seemed humongous and to boot we were all physically and emotionally spent. Truth be told, it took us nearly four days of recuperation before we were coherent enough to hold a conversation or remember anything. We likened our exhaustion to that of a new mother in her first few weeks after child birth. 

   Tired or not we needed to act quickly especially with obtaining health insurance, something we did not have to worry about, for the last 3 years. Thankfully we had the help of my sister who lent us her car so we could go shopping, and start our process of re-assimilating. After two weeks at my sister's house we accomplished most of what we set out to do and decided to push-on. 

   As it happened, my wife's parents were in Big Bear, California at their home while we were in Southern California. The timing was great to see them because Mother's Day was just a few days away and like many adults it had been decades since Elise and her mom could celebrate Mother's Day together, instead of over the phone. Our daughters were able to visit with their grandparents, look at old photos and hear cool stories about their mom when she was a child. Being with our families was a healing force for us and highlighted one of the positives about returning to the U.S. In the mountains of Southern California we were able to relax for the first time, since returning from Nicaragua, and it also marked the beginning of our new road trip.           

Getting ready to board a boat.

Merlot form a thermos, nothing finer.

It was nice to see our kids smile again as they were still so heartbroken about leaving Nicaragua and crying quite often.

Kids enjoying the auntie.

Sierra enjoys conversation with the ladies while Zoe was swimming in the lake.

While at my sister's house we were able to buy a truck and trailer for the road trip.

The girls learning how to play pool at their grandparent's home.

Kids add so much life to a home, their laughs are like music in the air 

Climbing boulders on the lake is always a favorite for the kids.

This was was that wide, she says.

Big Bear Village is a cute shopping area with restaurants.

Paco still has his Nicaraguan blood and needed to be warmed by a towel in the early morning. 

A hike in the mountains is just what we needed.

Mountain meadows are great spots to watch bird activity.

Every object big and small was worth scaling.

Beautiful vistas 

Timeless scene, grandma and granddaughters, sharing memories.