Some Sad Good-byes

All the good-byes were sad in Arizona. We've had so many great friends and great experiences. The people there made my life infinitely easier and more enjoyable, so it was nice to have one last "see you later."

Book Club/Workout/Park Gals
We gathered for a quick lunch one of the last days I was there. Krinn, Kim Day, Sariah, Alyson, Me, Tina, Santana, Karen, Debbie, and Kim Nevels.
Work Out: I taught a little workout class a few times a week, and I enjoyed being forced to workout, but more than that, I loved spending 45 minutes twice a week with gals I love! I am really missing their listening ear and great advice.
Book Club: Reading is one of my passions and every book is better when you can discuss it with someone. Each month I so looked forward to sharing thoughts, feelings and great books with my gals. I am really missing them.
Park Gals: Honestly, the park was just an extension of our home in Arizona. We spent more hours there than I can keep track of. I love my park girls. They were there to hear me complain, celebrate and chat on a daily basis. They cared about me and loved me and I'll really miss our every afternoon time together.

Kim, such a fantastic friend. She came over numerous times and said, "I have a free morning, I'm helping you pack." So kind and wonderful. She was there for me anytime I needed anything. I leaned on her so much and owe her more favors that I care to name. Friends like that are hard to come by.

Karen. Oh, she is such a wonderful woman. She was my mentor when I moved in and is still a woman I hope to become just like. She's inspiring, unpretentous, kind and always knows exactly what to say and do. She cares about only what is most important and makes everyone around her feel comfortable, successful and loved. I'm not sure I know anyone who does life better than she does. Her advice and freindship was invaluable to me and I adored her husband and kids too.

CPI (Commercial Properties, Inc.): For the last few years, Mike has worked for the most amazing company. They have been so good to him and to our family. His time there has been absolutely fantastic and we are so gratful to them. They know how to play and I love that they always invite the family along. Here is a picture at their fun family waterslide/picnic. How great to work at a place like this!

The Da Re's: Oh, my heart hurts just thinking about how much we miss our fabulous neighbors. My boys played with Shem, Arianna, and Antonella almost daily for the last 6 years. Our families literally grew up together...they were just babies when we moved in. I loved coming home and having them meet us in the driveway wanting to play. I loved having them hang out in my garage on a hot day. I loved their imagination and the games they introduced to my boys. I loved how they liked our water better than theirs. I loved how they were always more than willing to help anytime we needed it. My boys loved being in their home, especially during their "last" breakfast togehter. There is so much more to say...they were just the best.

School Friends: Jace had the best buddies and the best teacher this year. I felt so lucky that he was able to associate with so many awesome boys. I got teary on the last day of school because we will miss them so much.

(Gattlin, Jace, Ryan, Tate)

(Brandon, Jace, Max)

(Ms. Matthew and Jace with his stellar all A report card)

(Braydon and Jace with their "stars")

A final good-bye.

I've said it a million times, but we had the GREATEST family friends in Arizona. We had a final barbeque at one of our favorite parks with all of our favorite people...it was just one last "see you later," for us and for our kids. I guess that is what makes me the most sad, is seeing our kids leave their friends. I know I can keep in touch through blogs, email, facebook, and phone, but these are kids who have spent hours and hours together and really love each other. Watching my kids leave such good friends was the hardest part of leaving.

Gracie, Tabby and Jace

All the cutest kids ever