So Long Southbrooke

Today is gonna be a hard one. After 9 years in our beloved home we’re moving on. I keep telling the girls, it’s okay to be excited about the move and the new place, and be sad about leaving “home” at the same time. So that’s where we’re at. Today we are sad. 

Southbrooke Place gave us the very best! The neighbors, the friendships…it’s where we raised our babies. The girls were 6, 4 and 2 when we moved in. The yard is probably what we’ll miss the most. Although we’re pretty excited about our pool in Arizona.

Mt. Zion has been a wonderful place to be, but after Spain, we’ve outgrown in. When Mt. Zion Schools eliminated my position at the Jr. High I grieved. That staff became my family. I’m gonna miss them so much. I loved my job and if it were up to me, I’d still be doing it, but those aren’t the cards we were dealt. So here we go, off on a new adventure. A new school for all the girls and me, too. 

Thanks for the memories Southbrooke. You’ll always be home.

Hattie’s Birthday Bash!

 With our big move just a few days after Hattie’s birthday we decided to let her go out with a bang! We took a group of her friends to see the new Disney Pixar Movie Elemental, ordered in Las Margaritas for dinner and had a slumber party. We hosted all her Gator Friends, Madelyn, Amelia, Harper and Bella. We got a kick out of the fact that Bella showed up wearing the same outfit as Hattie in true Best Friend Fashion. These two sure are going to miss each other…but they stayed connected in Spain so I think they can do it again. On Hattie’s actual birthday we went to Charleston for dinner at Gigi’s and we had our traditional birthday ice cream. Happy Birthday, Hattie! 

Swim Camp

 For over two years we’ve been trying to get to swim camp in Flagstaff, Arizona. COVID had other plans but we finally got there this year. The girls roomed together…probably not the best idea. They made a few friends and had a good time. The elevation was a big adjustment and they struggled at first. By the end of the week they were doing well, and really liked the starts and turns clinics. While they were at camp Hattie and I hung out in Lake Havasu City. Hello London Bridge!

Hasta Luego

 It’s been a busy few weeks! Carla graduated and then we went to Tucson. We closed on our new house and got busy with the move. Fortunately for us, Carlas family decided to come for a visit at the end of her year. They made plans to tour the west for a few weeks. 

So last night we said hello to our new Spanish family, Jose, Anabel and Gerard…but we also had to say Good-bye to our sweet Carla. That year went by fast! But we’re grateful for the memories made, and we know Carla and her family are, too. So we won’t say Good-bye, only hasta luego…until we meet again. 

Lil’Gator Girls

Our friends Rebecca Monroe and Adrienne Lane were so kind and hosted a going away party for Hattie. They had Clara, Amelia, Bella and Harper over for a night of pizza, games and crafts. Hattie sure is gonna miss these little friends, but I keep reminding her (and them) we’ll be back to visit. So until next time…

Gator Goodbye

We have the best swim team! These kids are so tight and our coaches are top notch, good people. It was amazingly kind of Coach Christa to host a going away pool party for Kiersten at her house. She had lots of teenage Gators over for swimming and pizza after the last day of school. Nola, Bea, Ariel, Arya, Carter, Kevin, Ryan…the kids had a blast. They put together a photo album for Kiersten and I enjoyed the pictures that Christa was sending me. It’s not goodbye…it’s see you soon!

Jr High Dance

I can’t believe my love Bug is wrapping up her first year of Jr. High. It’s been so wonderful to see her smile in the hallways everyday. She’s kind, she’s fearless and she’s gonna change the world. She’s got pretty great friends, and they danced their hearts out at the dance tonight. Just a few more days to wrap up the school year!