On July 1st, Rich received a call that definitely is going to change our lives. His boss called to say that the small possibility of a move to California became definite and that we could proceed immediately! Rich received notice back in April that there was some reorganizing of his company taking place and there was a possibility that Texas may no longer be part of the west region, which he oversees, which would mean that he could be transferred to California. We didn't say anything to anyone about the potential move because there were SO many things that had to fall into place for it to really happen and it seemed like such a long shot. We really didn't think much of it during the 4 months because we really felt that it wasn't going to happen anytime soon-we had been hoping that eventually we'd end up on the west coast and had said that it would be nice to be settled there before Joseph began Kindergarten in 2016 but felt that even that date would probably not happen. So, needless to say, we were definitely shocked when Rich received the call and that it was going to happen so fast. Shocked, excited, sad...definitely bittersweet.
It was almost 4 years to the exact day that we moved into our home at 26 E Deer River Circle. The past 4 years have been so amazing. Despite being in the middle of the country, a drive from a decent beach, a LONG drive from both sets of families and hotter summers than we care for, we have loved Texas, especially living in The Woodlands. The Woodlands is such a special community and the friends that we have made here have made it all the more special and amazing. We will miss our friends the most, but, here are a few other things that will definitely be missed:
Market Street, the trolley, all of the parks within walking distance and the accessibility of the rest of parks within The Woodlands, running the trails (especially with the double stroller), the splash pads, the pools, the races and events that The Woodlands hosts, the variety of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment all within our town...the list could go on and on!
Baby boot camp: this phenomenal organization has been such a blessing here. Thanks to baby boot camp, I have formed such close friendships with amazing women and have been surrounded by ladies who want to inspire change and wellness through fitness, nutrition, community and personal growth. I have loved being a client first and then an instructor with BBC and hope that this is just the beginning of my journey of changing lives through fitness and nutrition.
H-E-B: I know it's crazy that the grocery store is at the top of my list but this is the world's best grocery store, especially the brand new one that opened up last October less than a mile from our house!
We will also definitely miss the people of Texas. I'll miss the sayings, "Y'all and Bless her heart," and seeing the lone star everywhere! Texans definitely love their state and there is just something so special about the pride that Texans have.
And, obviously, our sweet three kiddos have also made living in Texas so special. We moved into our home when Joseph was just 6 months old so we have so many special memories here. Our two precious girls were born in Texas, so many of all three of their firsts took place in our home, and our home is just filled of baby/toddler/preschooler love that was created here. I could keep going on and on but the tears will be rolling down my cheeks so I'll just leave it at that I feel so blessed to have lived here and really begun our family here and the memories of these early years in our home will last a lifetime.
On July 18th our friends threw us a family going away party at Frey's Backyard Cafe which was a great restaurant with an awesome outdoor, fenced in space. I don't think I saw Joseph or Ella the entire time as they were too busy playing with the rest of the crew in the backyard. Well, they all did come sweaty and red cheeked to eat dinner and to have cake but that was it. It was a great afternoon with our awesome family friends and we feel so fortunate to have become so close with such an awesome group of families.
The kids
It is just crazy for me to think that when we all became friends, Joseph was only 9 months old! Time has gone by so fast and so many special memories with these friends over the past four years.
The girls had an awesome last Mom's night out for me on Thursday, July 30th. We went to Local Pour, a new bar/restaurant in The Woodlands, and ended up taking over the dance floor! So fun and I am so thankful for each and every one of these ladies and how they've touched my life.
On the Friday night before we left we went to dinner with the Kramers, Enias, Killions and Byers one last time. I was amazed at how well behaved all of the kids were especially after waiting almost a half hour to be seated. We had a kids section of the table, a moms section with babies and the dads had their own table (not sure how that happened but it all worked out and was fun!)
On August 1st, before we flew out later that day, we got together one last time (sniff, sniff) with the Kramers, Byers and Enias. The kids and I walked/biked/ran over to Creekside Village Green and Val, Jamie, and Monica and their kids came to meet us there to play in the splash pad and for coffee. SO hard to say goodbye to these special ladies but I am definitely a better person having known each of them and they have all touched my life so deeply.
As we were driving to the airport that afternoon, I received this from our funny friend, Val, trying to sabotage the realtor's efforts of trying to sell the house!
Our friends created a beautiful book for our family which will be treasured forever and we look forward to having many of the families come to San Diego to visit soon and I am so thankful for technology that makes them all seem not so far away. Texas, you will always hold such a special place in our hearts.
