...and We're Off!

We woke up Thursday morning ready to head to Tennessee to visit Ryan's sister Andi and niece Hailey.  For weeks I have been telling the kids that we could use this spray hair color on their hair the day we leave.  They were so excited that the time had come.

We found a spot to bury Merrick and Kierce's placentas, which were in the freezer since their birth.  All of the kids enjoyed the process.  A balloon plant from our old house was planted on top of the placentas, and they will nourish the plant and give it life.

Rowan was happy to get one last hug from Buddy, until the next...  Buddy knew something was going on, and he wanted to come so badly, but we gave him some special gifts and we know he will be spoiled by his grandparents.

The kids enjoyed all of the extra hugs they got from Grandma and Grandpa Nevins as we shoved off from their house.  Thank you Mom and Dad for all of your hospitality!  Be sure to save room for us for our next visit!

Andi was so happy to see us, and the feeling was mutual!  The kids loved spending time with baby Hailey and  their Aunt or Cha Cha.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed this quick visit, and spent as much time interacting and playing with Hailey as possible.  Teaching her and showing her the ways of her older cousins!

Friday morning, when the time come to say our goodbyes, we got in all the hugs and kisses we could, knowing it would be a while before the next.  We were so grateful for the time we had with Cha Cha Andi and Hailey.  ...off to Oklahoma City!

Ryan and the kids had fun unwinding for a few minutes in the pool at the really nice hotel we landed in Oklahoma City.  The next morning we would be heading to Bernilillo, New Mexico, which is just north of  Albiquerque to see some of my family!

I loved seeing all of the smiles on the kids faces during this journey.  They were so well behaved and appreciative of this beautiful country we live in!

Kierce insisted on us posing for a picture at one of our few stops along the way on Saturday!  We were definitely getting a little slap happy at this point!

Once we hit New Mexico, the scenery got better and better!  There were many neat mountains and landmarks we were able to enjoy on the fly.

About 30 minutes from Aunt Jean's house we stopped due to some van trouble.  Thankfully this nice man was at this service station after hours to give us guidance.  It was looking like we were going to have to replace the transmission, boy were relieved to realize later on that the car was just struggling with the load the van had to deal with through the mountains.

Rowan (the up and coming photographer) had fun snapping tons of pictures.  It just so happens that this gorgeous mountain, that is known for its watermelon color at sunset (which we were lucky enough to see) is the view my Aunt and cousins get to enjoy everyday!

We were thrilled to finally get to visit with my Aunt Jean and cousins Amy and Jess.  It has been a long time coming, and now I can see why they chose to settle down in this area!

Happy Father's Day!  We enjoyed our Father's Day morning with Aunt Jean.  Even though it didn't really feel much like Father's Day, Ryan got a chance to wear the hat made of pipe cleaners that Rowan made for him.  The kids are holding their special bag from Gamma.  She had packed a bag for them to open everyday along the way.

Kierce pretty much fell in love with Aunt Jean's rescue dog Layla.  She was sure to is get one last kiss before we took off.

...and Rowan had a chance to get one last lounge in Aunt Jean's hammock before we shoved off for Pheonix on Sunday.

Ryan and the kids loved the outdoor pool at the hotel once we hit Pheonix.  They took a well deserved dip in the pool before going back to the room to relax.  I ran to get some pizza for them and boy were the troops hungry when I returned!  

Its pretty safe to say that the highlight of Arizona was the cacti.  You should have been a fly on the wall when the girls and I were seeing a traditional cactus for the first time!  ...camera crazy to say the least!  At this point we were ready as ever to hit the California state line on this fine Monday morning!

Boy were we elated once we finally hit the California state line!  Already the kids were noticing all of the palm trees and even different insects, which looked like giant bees!

The kids wanted us to pose for a picture.  I just love how this picture shows the gorgeous mountains in the background.  

Here is a picture captured in the most interesting and memorable restroom on the trip.  The kids and I know what I am talking about here.  I guess we should be thankful that we found a restroom!

The combination of emotion was very powerful when we finally arrived at Uncle Dana, Aunt Brooke and Eva's house in San Diego!  I didn't realize just how emotional the moment would be, it was definitely a moment to remember forever!  I told Brooke that they were the light at the end of a very long tunnel, to say the least.

Uncle Dana and Aunt Brooke, I think your backyard is going to get a lot of use now that we are in town!  We can't wait for all of the fun we will have in this back yard!  Dana, just let us know if you need some help in your garden, I may know some small seasoned gardeners :)

Little baby Eva better get used to all the love she got this day, because she will be spoiled with all the love we have to give her and hopefully her future siblings as well ;)

Getting Ready to Leave Michigan

Christina and her son Allen, Merrick's best friend generously came over to power out some work loading boxes on Monday, after all that work we had to take a break to eat some subway.  Most of the time, Merrick kept Allen busy playing with cars, with their make shift ramp Christina created.

We had lots of visitors stop by later in the afternoon.  I was lucky when my brother Chris, niece Trin, Mom and Dad stopped over just as I needed some help loading the heavier furniture items, including the piano :)  Trin was sure to get in lots of loving with Kierce and Merrick before heading back to Tecumseh.

Ryan did have to work a lot of the day Monday, but I was able to capture a moment with him and Chris among all the organized chaos.

We got so much work done on Monday, that I rewarded the kids with a trip to Cedar Point with Grandma and Grandpa Nevins on Tuesday.  While the girls rode the Iron Dragon with Grandpa Nevins I took Merrick to ride another kids ride.  Later, my Mom and I took the younger two to ride kiddie rides, while my Dad took Rowan to ride some bigger rides.  We all had a great time and no one wanted to leave at the end of the day.

On Wednesday, the kids got some extra loving in with Grandma Barb, our sweet and super helpful neighbor, when she stopped over to say her goodbyes.  We had a stream of people come over most of the day to get an extra hug and help; neighbors, friends and family.  My friend Julie and her kids stayed most of the day.

Even Aunt Lynn stopped in for a hug, which I was so glad about!  She was lucky enough to get two hugs, one from Rowan and one from one of Rowan's besties, Kaylin.  Notice, they are wearing best friend necklaces that Kaylin had gotten for each of them.  Kaylin came home off the bus on this last day of school with Rowan, and shared this neat photo album she had given to Rowan.  Rowan had also brought home this really sweet and encouraging letter from her teacher.  Kierce was sad coming home from saying her goodbyes, but quickly cheered up when her friends Lexi and Jackson arrived!

Merrick was sure to get in extra goodbyes to his favorite pal, Buddy.  Thankfully Buddy is lucky enough to be spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa Nevins house.  We are looking forward to lots of skyping with Buddy, Grandma and Grandpa Nevins and anyone else who wants to talk with us face to face!  It was difficult leaving our house, all packed up.  It was helpful to know that our home we had put so much work into, was being passed to a really nice woman and her son.

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”  unknown

Once we got settled into my Mom and Dads house for the night, we rushed to get ready after being sweaty all day, and my Mom and I went to Sakura for one last goodbye with some of my very good friends.  I was shocked when we got there to see how many friends showed up.  It was a serious stress reliever and a very good time with my friends and Mom.  We sat right at the grill and were very entertained!

Julie's baby and I had a moment before my last goodbye.  I had to give some words of wisdom and say my goodbyes to the littlest bambino in the family.  I can't wait to meet her in person someday soon!!!!  As my Mom and I were driving home, we had a little time to reflect.  What a full day, and we had another full day ahead!

Going Away Potluck at the Park

Warning: Long Blog with Lots of Pictures :)

We had the most gorgeous and fulfilling day for our going away potluck!  It was amazing weather and lots of memories to last a lifetime.  It was a day I will never forget!

Our neighbor Homero was one of the first to greet us (with tamales) as we joined the neighborhood nearly seven years ago.  We all thought it was so special that he decided to show up and bring tamales for our party at the park.  Later he sang and played guitar and gave us a special concert, wishing us well and being so supportive of our courageous journey for the welfare of our family.  

Rob, Cheyl (not pictured), Chris and Kelly all came to spend some quality time with us.  Later, Rob and Cheryl took the time to pray with us about our journey.  We were touched.

Chris and Cliff came out to spend some time with us and chit chat with the family.  It wouldn't be the same without them there, since they were there throughout my entire life, and I know they will be there when we come to visit!

Linda Wilson, a dear friend to Rowan and me came out, also with my other sweet friend Tracey.  It was so nice to chat with both of them!  Rowans working on her cheesy smile :)  Hey, we all have one!

The day was filled with baseball, and other fun at the playground.  Baseball was definitely the highlight!

Here are the baseball girls themselves!  Not sure what Kierce was thinking here, but they were all definitely having a great time!  Looks like Rowan might have been teasing her baby K!

My friend Kat and her family stopped by to say one last farewell.  I was so glad to catch up with Kat at the park and she stopped over while I was having my moving sale!

...and Ryan with her husband Kevin, whom taught me a lot about gardening!  Thank you Kevin!

I am so happy to say that my mother-in-law has booked her ticket to come visit in the fall!  Yay!!  Colleen had a great idea when she threw a blanket down under a beautiful tree on this fine day.

Ryan got a good smooch from Aunt Diane before she had to take off.  We enjoyed spending special time with her, and I know she was in on the baseball for sure!

Happy 60th Birthday Pop, a little early!  Here he is with the gang after pretending (it was extremely windy) to blow the candles out.  Since I wouldn't be here to have a big birthday party for him, this was the least I could do.  Everyone loved the cake too!

I was so happy that my friend Sarah and her children could make the 45 minute drive down to play at the park and give some last minute wisdom and encouragement!

Merrick and Sarah's son Kai Kai had fun playing together, and mostly being silly together!  ...on cue, tongue out!

Ryan being silly with Aunt Lynn!  Why would we expect any different!  Hey, you're not the only one he does these photo bombs to.  Trust me :)  Aunt Lynn Rocks!

Well, once Aunt Nancy made it there, I was able to apologize for giving her the wrong exit number!!!  Aunt Nancy is a trooper, and she was worth the wait.  She also joined in on the special prayer with Rob and Cheryl.

Rowan and Brynn had a special moment, and I was lucky enough to capture it.  Someday Brynn will make it out to Cali to visit, and I know she will LOVE it!

My Mom and Mama Kathy looking oh so sweet!  We are all so blessed to be showered with love from these two women!

...have to end with this peaceful photo.  This picture of smiling sisters sums up the day.  It was a "mostly" blissful day spend with people we desperately love and care about each other.  Thank you to all who could make it.  It was an amazing day!