It's safe to say, I'm feeling all of the feels as I write this one. This June we are packing up our little southern Calofornia home and heading east to begin a brand new adventure in Austin. I can't recall ever feeling so much sadness and excitement at the same time. It's such a bizarre feeling and so, so surreal. It's been nearly 10 years since I packed up my little Mazda with whatever it could hold and headed west for Los Angeles. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what would ensue, or that I would one day come back to Austin with such a wonderful guy and beautiful baby girl in tow. (True, she's hardly a baby anymore but in my sappy mama heart right now she's an eternal infant.) Oh, Los Angeles, you were everything I hoped you would be and so much more...
For now, we are trading in our mild summers at Barnsdall Art Park for triple digit heat at Zilker. We are leaving lifelong friendships for time spent with sisters, cousins, nephews and beyond. We are saying so long to earthquakes and hello to big Texas thunderstorms; goodbye to Umami Burger and In N Out and hellp to P. Terrys and Hop Doddys. We are trading Hollywood stars for star-filled skies and we couldn't be more excited! If you're reading this and contemplating a big move to LA, please do. You only get to live this life once and I hope that this city gives you everything it gave me. It gave me the grand adventure of my twenties and a crazy unorthodox career that is full of my passions. It gave me a soul mate in my husband and the baby girl I always dreamed I would one day have. It gave me so much more than I ever could have dreamed!
Sometimes when she's toddling around The Getty or LACMA, I wonder if Parker will have any recollection of this part of her life. Probably not. But as she grows we will tell her bed time stories of lazy days spent on the beach with her baby buddies and how her first seafood experience was the grilled salmon on the roadside at Malibu Seafood. We'll regale her with tales of how she walked up to Mark Walhberg and flirted shamelessly at just a year old (hardly the first girl to do such a thing) and how she watched Tay Tay "Shake it Off" side stage. And when we should find ourselves watching the queen of daytime, we will make sure that Parker knows that in so many ways we have her to thank for our wonderful, little family and the great big adventure of these last 10 years.
One thing I know for certain, we will be leaving a little tiny piece of our hearts in this great big city of angels where we fell in love with each other and this little baby girl. The time has come, though, for our next big adventure and we couldn't be more excited.
(More details to come-- re: our plans in Austin, buying a new place, and more. Oh and we are going to be selling so much furniture before we go! Follow this instagram account if you're interested in following the sale.)
Kasie Chelanne says
This was SO beautifully written. LA really is a magical city and presents so many life changing opportunities. Being an LA resident myself I can totally picture all those moments you spoke of. What stories Parker will have to tell her new friends in Austin! Congratulations and best of luck!
Jen Pinkston says
Thank you so much, Kasie! We are looking forward to this next chapter, but will miss soooo much about LA!
Michaela says
we are going to miss you SO much!
Jen Pinkston says
we are going to miss YOU guys so much! excited to vist, though! xo
Kristin Joy says
What a sweet post! Best of luck to the three of you 🙂
Kristin Joy says
What exciting news! And such a sweet post. Best of luck to the three of you!
Janet says
Such exciting news! Good for you all as you embark on something new! It inspires me! I would love a fresh beginning! Can't wait for all the new posts regarding the move and your new home.
Sally Murphy says
Welcome home jen!
Amy says
AHHH!!!! Hopefully this means we get to see more of each other when we visit family since we'll be in the same state a lot! Excited for this new chapter for y'all! xx
Gail says
How exciting!!! Best wishes! I'm hoping to make a trip to Austin later this year (fingers crossed)! Would love to say hi IRL if I do!!!
Jen Pinkston says
YES! That would be amazing!! xoxo
PJ says
Ok, I was definitely expecting a pregnancy announcement! Best of luck on your big move! We have family in Austin, and although we don't visit often, perhaps our paths will cross the next time we're down there.
Jen Pinkston says
Haha! I almost added a disclaimer that I wasn't pregnant! Yes, please come visit!!! If not in Austin, hopefully our paths cross elsewhere sooner than later!
Wendi ferreira says
This post gave me the chills! I'm so glad that I got to know you and Aaron while you were here. You are an amazing person with an incredibly amazing family and I'm sure this new chapter will be all you've dreamed! Can't wait to follow along on your adventure here. Xoxo
Jen Pinkston says
The feeling is so mutual, Wendi! You and Nicole are so wonderful and I am so glad you guys were a part of this chapter of our lives! NOW COME VISIT US IN AUSTIN and bring those adorable babes! Xoxo
Caitlin McCarthy says
Congratulations on your big news! I hope you have an amazing new adventure in Austin and I can't wait to read, see, and hear all about it!!!
Cyd says
It is amazing the places that life takes us that we never expect and I am so excited for you and the little family and your next great adventure! I never ever dreamed I would end up where I am in life (both geographically, professionally and personally), but it has brought me so much joy. Plus, cousins really are the best! She's going to love it. Can't wait to follow along! xoxo
Jen Pinkston says
Cyd! Thank you so much for all of the encouragement! IT's true! We never know what is lurking around the next corner. Thanks for all of your support! Xoxo
Shannon says
Congrats Jen and family! So exciting! Austin is for sure one of 3 places I'd be willing to move to. Mostly for the Mighty Cone - is that wrong?? Anyhow... Hooray and CONGRATS!
Jen Pinkston says
What is this Mighty Cone you speak of?! I need to know!
(And thank you!!! xo)
Shannon says
I'll just say... breaded, deep fried avocado and chicken, wrapped in a tortilla... http://www.mightycone.com/location.html
Great hangover food -- ya know, pre-two year old 🙂
Jen Pinkston says
Um, yes, that sounds amazing!!
Katie H. says
As an Austin reader, I must say I’m super excited to hear this news! Can’t wait to hear more about your plans and big move!
Jen Pinkston says
Yay! I'm so glad! What are your favorite Austin spots? Best neighborhoods to live in?!
Eden says
You're making me cry!!!! Beautifully written Jen. Going to miss our dinners and hangs!!! But look forward to having someone to visit in Austin sometime!!! Xoxoxoxo
Jen Pinkston says
YES! I will be eagerly awaiting (and nagging you about) your visit! Love you!
Marie says
Congrats on the move to Austin! P.S. we have In N Out here too 🙂
Jen Pinkston says
Someone else told me that on my Instagram post! Phew! So glad to hear! Where else should we visit? What are your favorite spots? We are going to miss all of neighborhood faves!
Marie says
Wow, I don't know where to start! Zilker Park, Barton Springs, the Thinkery for your kiddo, SoCo for shopping. We live pretty far south because the housing market is CRAZY here but I would love to live in Hyde Park or Travis Heights. Good luck!
Jen Pinkston says
So good to know! Thanks, Marie! xx