So I am going to finally write about the dreaded farewell. On May 23 (Hannah's Birthday) I left Arizona bound for Utah with the kiddos. John stayed behind to pack the moving van and finish things off at work. We figured it would be easier to do with the kids gone. I started packing about 6 weeks before, doing a little bit each week, so by the end there wasn't much left to do. Although, John would tell you differently.
Once May hit all I had to do was think about moving and saying good bye and the tears would start to roll. I tried not to think about it much because I wanted to make things as easy on the kids as I could. However, the last week there was no denying that the end was drawing close. Our dear neighbors the Browns had hosted a farewell party the beginning of May and we spoke in church early in the month as well, so I was really trying to avoid good-byes. I am just not good at them. The last two days really were difficult emotionally. So on Saturday morning (the departure day) I just wanted to get up and leave unnoticed, hoping that would make things easier. However, it was not to be.
I have just got to say, the outpouring of love makes me cry. Carolyn T. brought over care packages for me and the girls. Andrea B. brought over cookies for the trip. Aubrey M. and her family went to dinner with us the night before. Collette E. had us over for dinner during the week. Charisse M. brought over ice cream the night before we left and Brenda B. got us Krispy Kreme donuts on Saturday morning. Then there were all of the people that showed up to help John pack the moving van. We really appreciate all of the love and help.
So, the day before Hannah had been playing with her friends. Some of them went to dinner with us and when we came back Charisse M. brought over ice cream and we had an ice cream party on our front lawn at 9:30 at night. It was a beautiful night, perfect temperature to be outside enjoying ice cream. Then we decided to break our family's no sleepover rule and all the girls that were there stayed for the night.
The next morning I woke up early to get things ready. At about 6:15 I heard a knock on the door. Collette E. was there. She had woken up at 5:30 in the morning and wasn't sure when we were leaving. She was worried about missing us and so came by to find out when we were leaving. Brenda was leaving to pick up donuts for us which was quite fitting since Collette E. had brought by K.K. donuts when we moved in to welcome us to the neighborhood. Are there any better neighbors?
We planned to pull out at 7:00, but we ended up pulling out at 7:50 with tears streaming down our checks. Dave and Brenda were there as well as Collette, Charisse, and the Beckers and a bunch of Hannah's friends: Brittney, Courtney, Jessica, Ashley, Tabitha, Ellie and Katie. Thanks guys for making it so great. We really felt loved! It was very sad, but I wouldn't have changed it. We miss you guys dearly! OK, I am crying again. :(
Sorry no pics of the adults, we were either in our pj's or crying.
4 comments:
no really. I can't do this.
because the tears are rolling down my cheeks now are the exact reason I skipped out on drive away farewell. can't wait to see you in just a little over a week.
Ok, I'm getting teary eyed just reading this post! I feel it's best to leave an area with those feeling than with the "I can't get out of her fast enough" ones. It means you just finished one awesome chapter and are about to start a new one. It's a compliment to the type of wonderful people you are. Keep us posted on where you land!
We miss you guys SOO much! We wanted you here for our "party" week and every other day since you left. I still want to be able to wake up and hear ellie ask to play with gracie. I still want to have my best friend to talk to everyday. I still want to come over and borrow something I forgot to buy at the store. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to think about you gone and not cry. :( I seriously cherish our friendship so much Kristin. It was so great to talk to you the other day. I can't wait to come to Utah to see you. Thanks for being the best neighbor and friend. We definitely miss you on our street.
Kristen,
Your family is so beautiful...It was so great "catching up" with the special events in your life through your blog.
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