Real SLO

This last weekend we made the drive down to San Luis Obispo to visit our friends Heather and Kyle who just bought a house in Atascadero.  They bought their new home a few months back but decided to throw a housewarming party in conjunction with their son’s first birthday.  We enjoy the drive down to SLO – lots of green farmland and nothingness save the miles of vineyards, seldom oak trees and rolling hillsides.  It is beautiful and green during these winter months but will turn dry and brown as the summer heat hits the valley.  It’s surprising that this area hasn’t been more affected by urban sprawl. It is seemingly one agricultural town after another and it's refreshing coming from the hustle and bustle of the bay area. 

We made a stop at the Mission San Miguel which is a few miles north of Atascadero.   We had heard from both sets of our parents that this mission was quiet beautiful and worth the stop.  We arrived right around sunset and the light made for some beautiful pictures.  The mission itself is over 200 years old but the church has since been rebuilt after a fire in 1821. Still very impressive!  I have never seen such intricate detail and bright colors used on a Catholic alter (and I’ve been in my fair share of Catholic churches).  It felt more alive and hopeful in a way that I'm not accustomed to.  Even though I am no longer a practicing Catholic, I always find some peace and comfort in Catholic churches.  I'm sure this is due to the many years of attending church and youth group as a kid.  The repetition of mass is almost meditative, especially when the words are engrained into my brain and I can still recite them after all these years. This church was beautiful and especially welcoming. 

Entrance to the mission

Main alter

We had a great time at both of the Millenaar parties.  It was quiet obvious how proud the new homeowners were of their newly acquired space. It is surrounded by beautiful oak trees which will provide a nice reprieve from the summer heat.  One of the more notable rooms in their house is a bonus room that the previous owners turned into a dance studio.  Heather and Kyle have plans to turn this into Heather's art studio, where she can show her art.  It has a separate entrance so it will work out great for art shows.  Or, as Kyle put it, they can start a Fight Club. 

Weston has grown into a happy, handsome boy.  He was the center of attention and was so pleased by all the company.  He happily hangs out with anyone, including perfect strangers.  I can only hope for such a happy, well adjusted child.  He was so sweet when they began opening his birthday gifts.  He loved them all, but he was most pleased by the stuffed dog that his parents bought him.  He squealed with joy and then proceeded to rock the dog back and forth quickly. 

Weston loves dogs!

I am so grateful for good friends, and it makes me sad that so many of them are now far away.  Life has drawn us on different paths and in different directions and unfortunately that direction is not in the bay area!   Tom and I have been yearning to be closer to friends and family, and more so now that we have our own little one on the way.  I know the need for community and close relationships will only intensify when Baby J is here.  We're not sure where our final destination will be, but it will likely be somewhere in the Pacific Northwest.  Hopefully these two Californians can handle the rain!