Saying Goodbye...

When all the packing is finally done and the jigsaw puzzle of a truck is actually loaded, how do you begin to say goodbye to those you'll miss the most?

I don't know how I got through it, but I know there was a lot of tears.

Although Warren and I had been dreaming of the day that we'd drive across the Utah State line, when it came down to actually leaving, we were really sad. We won't miss the heat, or the ghetto areas of Phoenix, that's for sure. But we so deeply miss our dearest friends.

Mako saved my life this move. I know that without her help, I never would have gotten everything packed. Still fighting morning sickness and trying not to do too much during the first trimester made it so hard for me to get done what I needed. Mako stepped in and arranged for people to watch our kids so that we could get packing done. She kept me focused on tasks and honestly saved me. The thing that made her service more meaningful is that I KNOW it killed her to see us leaving. But she still helped. And now I can't even repay her because I'm so far away! Mako is like another sister to me and I know we'll always be friends, even though we are apart. I'll never forget the image of her sweet family, lined up against their house as we drove away....those sweet little boys waving goodbye. I am crying now just thinking of it.

Saying goodbye to Brandie was equally hard. We have grown so close over the years and have opened our hearts to each other. We have both learned so much from each other, just by being friends. Brandie wrote me the sweetest message that I will carry on my heart forever. She didn't want to have to deal with actually saying goodbye in person. She didn't realize her words set me back a while because I was so emotional. That's okay...it served me right for leaving! I'm grateful for her kindness and I miss her! It was so nice having such good friends so close and watching our little boys play together.

Blake's last day of school with Ms. Farmer.

Blake was such a good student that she mentioned how much she would miss his wonderful example in class. She told me that she tries to teach the class according to the ability of the most advanced student and she always had Blake in mind. Smart boy!

Mako and Dallen opened their house to our family on our last night in Phoenix. It was really like staying at a resort because she had gone to so much effort to have beds for everyone. She also made us this amazing Japanese BBQ. Elliot helped out at the grill and it was so tasty. She even whipped a wonderful breakfast before soccer!

After dinner we threw all the boys in the tub. Mako and I have spent many evenings together, with our husbands gone as we tend to the kids. There have been many crowded baths like this one. I love it!

The boys of course ended the evening with some Foosball. I don't know what Dallen and his brothers will do without the Lignell brothers to beat them. Mako and I left for a little bit to get pedicures. It was the perfect way to relax after so much hard work!