Drum roll please...
We are moving to Michigan!!!
Yes, you heard me right, we are moving back to Michigan. After much deliberation, and knowing that we'll be bringing immense growth along with us, we are choosing Michigan. Actually, to be exact, Traverse City is calling our name. Although, initially we will be moving to my hometown to help my parents with the maintenance, fixing and upgrade of my Grandma Long's home for the first year we are in Michigan. Once her place is in tip top shape, ready for the next phase, we will be moving north to live on the lake, near dazzling Traverse City. After living at the ocean, we are stoked to expand our relationship with water, in an area diverse with seasons, full of fresh air and water. The kids are really excited to visit with family and friends, learn to snowboard, explore other winter sports, as well as enjoy a yard of their own with trees to climb and a hammock to appreciate while reading a good book!
Three and a half years ago when we decided to make the move to Cali, we were ready to spread our wings and fly. It was the perfect time for spontaneity and adventure. The kids also had the privilege of meeting their new cousin Eva! I will revere that moment forever. While we were driving here, it hit me...this is a "first" for our entire family. Ryan and I had never explored the west, and the kids were getting to experience it for the first time at such a young age. Once here in OB, the adventures haven't slowed...in fact they sped up and have continued at a fast pace ever since. More importantly the move to SD helped us to cultivate lasting relationships with treasured family members, and taught us a broader meaning of family through devoted friendships.
This sticker, which I placed on our front door 2 years ago, is an honest representation of what happens in our home. It continues to emphasize the Truth which our family lives by, and has been a great reminder since making our recent decision to relocate. We will definitely be bringing this along with us :-)
Here are several pictures of moments that make it difficult to even imagine driving away in a Penske...tear...or actually tears.
...Aunt Brooke making one of her many deals with Merrick :-)
...Abigail and Jennie at Abs going away gathering.
....Merrick, Eva, Taj, Kierce, Rowan and Enzo. Fun times with cousins and friends at Kellogg beach.
...gorgeous Barb, with beautiful sea glass from No Surf Beach.
...the Merrick and Derek duo being adventurous as always.
...Elli, Merrick and Kierce loving on each other after a hula and play at Ocean Beach.
...early morning quiet time with pen and paper at the beach.
...Cadan and Merrick enjoying boy time at Big Bear.
...Merrick doing a new hula trick at the ocean with our good friend Walt and adorable Elli.
...Charlotte spoiling me with a gourmet lunch.
...our cousin Jess whom lives in LA, loving on Rowan at Spanish Village in Balboa Park.
...Eva packed up after having a fun sleepover with us!
...stunning Shanti, sharing one of our many beach moments.
...concocting energy filled organite for a science project with our good friend and crystal guru Bear Wolf.
...our cousin Lorie and her amazing partner Steph hosting one of their famous parties on their deck with an amazing view and beautiful family.
...Rowan and Enzo soaking in cuddle time.
...Rowan, Maeve, Fiona, Kierce and Merrick hanging out at their pool. When these kids met, they behaved as if they had known each other forever.
...Eva and Merrick both adore each other. When they are in each others presence, they are inseparable. I am not sure if there is another couple whom gets along better.
...sacred geometry, slack lining, blankets, snacks, music filled circles, soccer, friends, card reading, family, dancing, swimming, playing and so much unconditional love and gratitude at Swami's.
...in Pursuit of Hoppiness was exactly what these guys were up to on their way to a brewery tour. Ryan especially enjoyed time with his brother Dana, sampling all kinds of craft beer and just being guys.
...the girls jumping at the opportunity to spend time with Uncle Dave at our good friend Rudy's house.
....the most adorable couple ever. The connection these two have is so precious and will continue to be treasured by Kierce.
There are so many loved ones not pictured in this blog, I couldn't possibly provide a photo for every person or moment we have cherished during our time here in paradise. I wish I could explain with words just how much gratitude I personally have for each and every minute, hour, day which creatively shaped and enriched our family...every single one of them. They all add up to right now.
I continually remind myself of this quote that God shared with me one early morning while writing by the water. It brings me peace and keeps me focused on Truth. There will always be a place in which we are living miles away from people whom we adore, and it will never exactly be easy. However, we are geared up for getting even more creative with the ways in which we keep in touch. The bonds which have been created can never be broken, they will continue to stay strong no matter our physical location. Spending the next year in Blissfield will offer us an amazing opportunity to catch up with family and friends whom we haven't seen in a very long time. As one of my friends mentioned, we'll be bringing bliss to the field.
Palm trees, crashing waves and ocean mist, skateboards, tide-pools, messy beach hair, juggling swords and chainsaws, sea slugs, friendly super chatty people, spray paint artwork, ocean fragrance, Heaven On Earth Beach, travelers, s'mores, deep conversations, rad farmer's market, lots of dogs, surfers, sea glass, fish tacos, gymnastics, crystal lovers, heated blissed-out yoga, fish, all kinds of culture, saw instrumentalists, sandy feet, June gloom, playing in the waves, seals, beach cruisers, sage, lots of kombucha, ratties, quiet moments on the pier, didgeridoos, high energy from the ocean, snakes, ecstatic dance, beautiful people, french fry eating chip bag stealing seagulls, all kinds of hair and get-ups (everyday is Halloween, it all goes), Stand up base and just about every other string instrument, including the harp, People's food Co-op, so many laughs, sand castles, beach hula hooping, sharks, body boarding, porpoise, many meditative moments with Christ and so much more I could list, will stay dear to us forever.
We are saddened to leave our beloved family members and friends, along with a showering of intense memories involving leaps and bounds. It certainly won't be easy to pull away, yet we are having visions of jovial reunions, Aurora Borealis, quiet country bike rides, peaceful walks on the beach, the wind chilling our face as we snowboard downhill, tree climbing, backyard chickens and goats, lawn mowing, painting walls with color, eating around a dining room table, dune hiking, hosting parties, gardening, establishing solid roots with plans to travel the world and mostly space to just Be...to just Be who we are. We are not the same people we were three years ago, or maybe we are better able to recognize Who We Really Are at our core and are living That.
God has a BIG plan in the works, I feel it so intensely. We are so grateful for the many gifts we will unwrap along the way.
Life is a gift...every moment is wrapped with God's love if we can take a moment to recognize...
Thank you Creator <3
