One year off to travel with the boys

(Click above photo to see album)

Having just got back from Mexico, we packed up, moved everything into storage, found tenants, and rented out our place. We are now ready to begin our trip and make the dream reality. But first the boys must finish their year of school. Since we've always been curious about living in the Marin, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, we found and moved into a small cottage in the hills of San Anselmo.

I never imagined downsizing could feel so good. We have moved from a 4 bedroom/3 bathroom to a 2 bed/1 bathroom place. We have a view and dry sunny mornings - no more view of the petrol station through the damp morning fog. Taking the boys to school takes no more than 30 minutes of driving in the morning, and it's a scenic drive -- across the Golden Gate Bridge. A smaller place immediately seems more manageable and livable; no traffic noise, lots of trees and fresh air. As it gets darker in the evening, the lights from the few houses on the other side of the hill appear. Around 11 they go out and we are surrounded with quiet darkness. It's very different - I think my ears are still ringing from years of city living. We just aren't used to so much quiet. I am sure the boys will help us adjust slowly though.