As most of you know, I’m now settled in San Francisco – actually, that’s the view from my room.
Those two spikes? That’s the Golden Gate bridge.
The cloudiness reminds me of Oregon, but we’ve all fallen in love with the city very quickly.
It’s been a relief to have the adoption completed – we’re able to live in the present without the worry of the future hanging over our heads.
Here’s video of the judge making it official:
Just days after arriving in SF we packed up and jetted off to Orlando for the Disney Social Media Moms conference, which was nothing short of stellar. The kids have had to deal with a lot of change in a short period, so being able to surprise them with a trip to Disney World to see their favorite characters felt really good.
Ages 3 and 7 are perfect for a Disney trip because the magic is real. Like that castle? It’s REALLY where Cinderella lives. The kids reminded me every time we passed it.
The conference had a bunch of great speakers including Peter Shankman, who took the time to let me pitch him, and Chris Brogan who has a great email newsletter that’s been making me think of taking the leap into writing separately for inboxes like Gwen Bell.
Being tall enough to get on all the rides is a big deal and something Emma wanted to take full advantage of – from Splash Mountain to the Tower of Terror. She’s got my love of coasters.
Jude was more interested in hugging characters (especially Woody & Buzz!) and playing on the beach. That worked out well since conference attendees stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club, which is the resort with the best kids pools. The night spent at the unveiling of the new Art of Animation resort was also a highlight because of their waterpark filled with life-sized Nemo characters.
It’s been a crazy + exhausting couple of months but we’ve made it through.
I adopted through foster care (twice) and I can relate to that elated feeling when the adoption is finalized! Congratulations!!! Big hugs to your family! Emma and the rest of your family are truly blessed!!!
I noticed you changed Peach’s name, and I’m just curious how easily she took to Emma. I think it’s such a wonderful thing that the adoption was finalized and you can all just go on with your lives as a normal family now! Congratulations!
Welcome to San Francisco!!!! I have lived here my whole life (31 years) and I absolutely LOVE IT. There is no other place that I would want to be. You and your family will love it here. Congrats on the adoption also! Peach is very lucky to have such a wonderful family :-) I wish you all the best as you start your new life (and adventure) here in city.
Super cool Esther. I have heard great things about living in SF, I hope you enjoy it. The Disney trip looked amazing. I am sure the kids loved it. My kids loved it when we went this winter too!
As for the adoption, what a relief. I am happy for all of you. Hugs.
Congrats on the finalized adoption and the big move! That view is amazing!
Oh, so fabulous. I am so happy for your family! Love to you!
Steph