Family Update | The Crenshaws Move to California

I can’t believe we have already been here for a month! I feel like my head is still spinning with things to check off a “to do” list. It’s hard to believe we have been Californians for that long, already. In case you missed my chatter about it on social media, we had a hiccup in our living situation not long before we came and were scrambling for a place to move into. We ended up connecting with a landlord through a local Facebook Mom Group that I joined and found the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood just two weeks before we left Georgia. We didn’t even see it in person before we signed the lease, but we knew it was meant to be!

Our belongings were picked up on March 28th. We all left Georgia on March 29th. Since one of our vehicles needed to be driven, Tyler and Grayson (and my brother) decided to make the cross-country road trip. Charlie and I would fly. I decided it would take the boys almost three days, with overnight stops in Oklahoma and Arizona. Little did I know, they would be “totally fine and not need breaks” and drive (pretty much) straight through. *eye roll* Needless to say, they made it all in one piece and were in good moods, to boot.

Grayson is still talking about all the different landscapes he got to see on the way here like mountains, desert, and so many other things. He will remember that trip for life! I will say that flying five hours with a lap child while pregnant was not my smartest move. I can survive anything for five hours, but my legs were asleep and my nerves were shot by the time we got to California.

It took about a week to get our stuff and boy, was that a happy day! The kids were going crazy without their toys and comfort items. We won’t even talk about the wait for wifi. Let’s just say that these kids will have a hard time should we ever have to resort back to pioneer life off the grid.

Tyler’s job has been a learning curve, but is going well. His commute isn’t bad, almost the same as when we were in Atlanta. I’m doing my best to network here and find time for Twelve & Six.

Gradually, we have started to settle in and explore our new surroundings. There is certainly no shortage of things to do or see. We are right in the midst of wine country which is absolutely gorgeous. Never ending hills and vineyards and farms are all around us. Just driving in the car is a treat. We can get to San Francisco and the Pacific Coast in about an hour. Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe are both about a 3 hour drive from here. Needless to say, there is plenty on our “places to go” list. I’m still amazed at how fast the landscape/terrain changes from coastal to farmland to hills/valleys/mountains/cliffs. It’s really breathtaking!

All in all, this place feels a lot more like us. We are laid back, free thinking people and California seems to be just our speed, so far. I can’t get over how kind and welcoming people have been.

I get a lot of questions about our move and how everyone is adjusting, so I wanted to do a quick Q&A for you.

What took you there, again?

Tyler’s job, and no he doesn’t work in wine. (Everyone here asks that!)

Isn’t it crazy expensive there?

I mean, yeah, it’s no secret that the cost of living here is higher than most of the country. The main thing that’s higher is property/rent prices. It can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible to find something affordable with some patience and legwork. Also, keep in mind the luxuries of living in a place like this. They don’t come free, unfortunately.

How are the kids adjusting?

Charlie is oblivious at her age. Her (my) biggest hurdle was getting used to the new time zone. Grayson is already BFF with the whole street and is in love with his school. He’s always been a really adaptable kid who’s up for the next adventure, so it’s been pretty easy on him. He told me yesterday that people are nicer here. I can’t say enough good things about the schools where we are in contrast to Georgia.

Do you miss anything in Georgia?

For some reason, the town we live in here has like zero delivery restaurants or grocery delivery. I know- first world brat problems, but I seriously miss it! And then, besides wishing our family was a bit closer, nope- don’t much miss anything. Ha!

If you have any other curiosity questions, feel free to ask! I will try and get family updates on the blog more often for inquiring minds. Until next time…