Chico

We spent the weekend in Chico celebrating Arnie’s 3rd birthday with family and friends. It was such a fun, beautiful weekend, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our funny, special, sweet boy. I love spending time in Chico. It’s where Travis and I met, where we went to school, and where we made so many friends and memories. It feels special to go back to that place as a family and enjoy all of the things we love about it - the warm weather, the park, the restaurants, bars, and the campus. My sister and I were talking about the distinct smell of Chico that brings memories flooding in of warm, sunny days biking around through the streets, between the trees. Every time we visit Chico, we ask ourselves if we want to move there - it’s a nice community, we would get a real, warm summer, and it’s closer to other family and friends in the Bay Area.

But, we always come back to the redwoods at the end of the day. Maybe that won’t be forever, but we are creating a family and community here, and Humboldt County is also a beautiful place. They are different and the energy of each is unique. We feel grateful for the friends and family we have here. I have a mommy group, we’ve connected with Trav’s old friends, and we’ve met plenty of others through the community. I love that Humboldt County feels small. Each town has its own persona and enough people to keep to yourself, but it’s not uncommon for people to know each other and run in similar circles. It feels like a real community, and I appreciate getting to know the people here and exploring the beauty it has to offer. I can escape to the redwoods or the beach in a moment’s notice, and I can bask in its beauty.

Back to Chico - thank you for holding us throughout the years, for providing another place to for us to enjoy this life. I love to visit, and I look forward to many more trips in the future. And a special shoutout to Arnie for turning 3 years old and being a wonderful little boy! I am so blessed to be your mommy.