Our Goodbyes

Saying goodbyes are most definitely THE hardest thing about moving. The excitement of a new adventure awaits, but it is beyond difficult to move away from people you love & care about. The friends we've made here in Florida have made this place home. Yes, we'll miss the beach & ocean like crazy, but I'm having the hardest time with leaving our friends. We've had so many friends already move away before us that you'd think it would make it easier, but it doesn't. I think what is also making this move so hard for me is seeing my children have to leave their friends. Life in Florida is really what they'll remember most since they were so young when we moved here. They both know what's going on & Gavin tends to get a little emotional about it now & then. It just breaks my heart as their mother to watch that. We are so lucky to have made such great friendships along the way over the years since first leaving Salt Lake City six years ago.

Saturday night we had a little goodbye picnic at the park. It about brought me to tears when we got there & I saw that Mason & Tanner had made this banner. Even though we still have a little over a week it just doesn't feel real.

The kids had a blast playing with each other as always.

 Mason being quite the brave monkey climbing way up there.

 Love these two hooligans!

{Hayden & Liam}

 {Rylin, Tanner, Mason & Hayden}

The park ranger came by at dusk & kicked us out of the park. But we were not done hanging out so we had everyone come over to our place.

 I just love this lady. So grateful that she was here when we moved in & that we were able to become such great friends.

Don't I have the prettiest friends? Brenna is the sweetest, kindest person I know. Not a mean bone in that body I tell ya. For cryin out loud! I don't want to have to make new friends. I love the ones I have dangit!

 Kiddo group shot.

 Parental group shot. 

We sold our white subi to the Mays & had to drop it off to them. They boys wanted to come with so they could say goodbye one more time to the kids.

 {Gavin, Kyli, Rylin, Liam, Tayla & Kawston}

 One morning while the kids were at preschool I got to go have lunch with Jen & Amy. They were my friends from Gavin's preschool. It was so fun being able to have them as friends. I'm going to miss seeing their faces everyday at drop-off/pick-up.

My last Girls Night Out was something I was looking forward to. These girls are always a good time & I love spending time with them. We started the night out with dinner at Chili's. Gotta love them chips n'salsa.

 {Allisa, Me, Michele, Nicole & April}

After dinner we went back to Michele's place to hang out. Lauren & Brittany were also able to come to that so that was fun. We chatted the night away & it was hard for me to not get a little emotional. I'm going to miss talking about the day to day things with these ladies & sharing in the moments of raising our kids together.

 They are phenomenal women & I love them for the great examples they are in so many different ways. 

 Gavin's last day of Pre-K at Parkway Christian Preschool. He & Liam sure are going to miss Tyson & Alex. :(

The day before we left was crazy. Gavin did have school which was nice so I could get more packing done. But man there was so much to do. Me & the boys were catching a morning flight to Utah for the holiday while Doug & his Dad finished up things here in Florida. Which you'd think would put me at ease that he could finish up the packing. But let's be honest. I didn't really want him packing too much of the house stuff. Haha! And I had to pack for our trip to Utah for the holidays. I was a little okay, a lot all over the place. And just when I was hitting a wall we got a surprise visit from this cute bunch.

 It seriously was just what we needed. We love the Steel family so much & are going to miss them!

 Michele is so thoughtful & got me this cute necklace to remember Florida. It was a starfish & one side is a pic of the beach & the other says "beach girl". 

After Doug got home we stopped in at the Trockels to say goodbye. It has been so fun getting to know them this last year. 

Doug's dad flew in super early and just hours later me & the boys flew out. This is our last family picture in front of our awesome double-wide. We have loved living here & have created so many memories in this home & state.

I'm so thankful for all the opportunities we've been blessed with as we've gone on this crazy journey together. It's sad & heartbreaking to leave places, but like this quote says, "If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." - Paulo Coehlo