Leaving Merced

We moved to Utah a little over two weeks ago.  Todd just started work yesterday, so we had a good amount of time with him getting settled.  It was a dream just having him around so much! I'm happy for him and us that he has started his first "real" job, but we sure loved having him around! We are fortunate to live with my parents while we put as much income as we possibly can towards paying off our student loans.  Our goal is to be debt free in a year to 18 months.

Leaving Merced was a very bittersweet experience.  We always knew that it wouldn't be our home for very long, and we're thrilled to be in Utah where we have so much family.  However, having to say goodbye to so many dear friends is such a hard experience.  If I had my way I'd have brought all of our friends with us.  Mitchell is still talking about his friends like he was just barely playing with them- I don't think it's quite dawned on him that he won't see them again for probably a really long time, and heart-breakingly enough, probably won't remember them very much if he does see them again.  It kills me, it really does.  I know we will all make new friends in our new place, but it doesn't make leaving old friends any easier! I'm convinced we won't find as genuine or as good of friends here- truly the friends we had in Merced are cream-of-the-crop, one-of-a-kind. How can anyone else compete?

I don't have the emotional capacity to list all the reasons why I will miss the Merced chapter of my life, but suffice it to say, I will treasure the faith-building experiences we had there, and cherish the friendships that were born there. Hopefully our new home and new chapter of life will bring treasured relationships and experiences as well.

Mitchell's good pals and Joyschool mates, Emily and Sam.

Mitchell and Aubrey. He misses you Aubrey! Talks about you all the time!

Miss Carr the storytime lady.  She is an awesome children's librarian!

I was mid-packing, so don't mind the ugly Haley. Lauren and Laney, looking as beautiful as always! Those Filipino's- always gorgeous!

Ergh, wish Mitch was having a better picture moment.  His good friend Ethan whom he always talks about as well like he was just at his house. So cute, so sad.

Kills me to leave you girl! Love you Kate!

This girl, Jessica, no words.  Such a good friend and awesome mother!

I feel robbed of my time with this woman! Lori and her family just moved to Merced last fall.  She became a dear friend and her daughter, Reese, is pretty much Mitchell's first love.

Love this woman! Stephanie, so much fun and so wise!

We enjoyed a delicious, going-away dinner with these dear friends, the Supinger's.  We will miss you all sooooooooo much!