Last Days in Florida + The Big Move

This post is causing me to think back on so many emotions experienced over the past month! Sadness about moving, so much gratitude for all of the people who helped us along the way, and happiness about being reunited with so many good friends as we journeyed across the United States! It has been a whirlwind for sure.

At the end of May we all enjoyed Russell's graduation from preschool. We all loved his school so much and were sad to say goodbye. Each child had a powerpoint slide come up in the auditorium with their future aspirations. Russell's said he wanted to be a dentist because his dad is a dentist and he wants to be like him. We enjoyed seeing all of the future mermaids, princesses, policemen, and firefighters who were also graduating.

Best buddies. It has been so fun that they were in the same class this year.

Russell's fabulous teachers.

End of soccer party at the park.

We enjoyed our last few weeks in Jacksonville, spending time with good friends and doing some of our favorite things. We spent as much time as we could at the beach and pool before we moved! We will miss these happy places.

My kind coworkers threw me a going away party/baby shower on my last day of work. 

We sold my old college car which we've had the whole time we've been married. It's interesting how many memories you associate with a car, we were both sad about it!

Last trip to the cute candy store Sweet Pete's with good friends.

Last trip to Rita's for awhile

Photo op as the kids and I said goodbye to our house and embarked on a long road trip. My mom was kind enough to join me all the way to Utah. We took a whole week to get there while Ricardo stayed behind to work another week before driving the moving truck out. My mom was a lifesaver and the trip was actually pretty fun. We made lots of fun stops along the way.

First stop was Atlanta and the famous aquarium there, which we had heard a lot about and did not disappoint!

The next day we went to Chattanooga Tennessee and the kids enjoyed seeing lots of trains and riding a train up the side of a mountain. Russell got a little scared (it was a little steep at times) but Thomas kept telling him it wasn't scary.

Made it to the top!

The next day we made it to St. Louis and joined some good friends at the zoo. It was 100 degrees! But, still fun. We spent the rest of the evening at their house and enjoyed BBQing and catching up. Thank you Sheng!!

The next day we headed to Kansas City and enjoyed yummy BBQ and a cute kids petting zoo/farm with some other old friends. 

Another hot day and the kids thoroughly enjoyed the sprinklers at the end.

Donuts and bananas in the grocery store parking lot the next morning. Russell said it was the best breakfast he ever had.

Kansas is a long state to drive through! We stopped a few hours in and enjoyed a cute little prairie museum.

Thomas is in an astronaut costume.

Next stop was Denver, Colorado where we had some more great hosts who cooked for us and entertained the kids. The boys had a great time playing with Russell's old pal Sophie. Thank you Jeni!

The last day was our longest drive but we made it to Utah without anyone going too crazy. We enjoyed a great week in Utah seeing lots of friends and family. Ricardo joined us a few days in after he spent a few really long days driving a moving truck and towing a car alone across the country. He's a trooper. We had so much fun catching up with so many of our good friends and we definitely wore out our kids each day with all the stuff we had planned. I didn't do the best job taking pictures with everyone we saw, but we're so grateful to everyone who fed us, hosted us, and spent time with us all week. It was a great little vacation!

Air Force museum near my grandma's.

This is the place museum with my brother for his birthday. Russell enjoyed hand washing clothes like a pioneer.

Panning for gold.

Cute friends reunited.

They had a playground and splash pad but ulimately had the most fun playing with garbage. :)

My little sister had her first baby the week we were in Utah, it was perfect timing. The boys loved meeting their new cousin!

Enjoying the beautiful outdoors in Utah. This little creek was so cold!

As per usual, Thomas was the bravest and didn't mind the cold temps.

Fun little rope swing at this park.

 

The week went by too fast but we were so glad we got to see these great friends before we left! 

They're the same age haha.

The boys slept together throughout the trip as we prepared to transition Thomas out of his crib and into a bunk bed when we moved. Cute brothers.

After one last 10 hour drive, we finally made it to Washington! We spent all week unpacking and did some exploring yesterday. 

Thanks again to all of the kind people who helped us with our move on both ends and people along the way who made the trip so much fun. Now, for a low key summer as we prepare for kindergarten and a new baby!