No Goodbyes...

We were able to spend some quality family time together one last time before moving to Houston, Tx. Unfortunately, David and my niece Kaylee, were unable to be there. We missed both of you being there! I met Kaylee at work several days before I left for a last farewell. Mom made grilled chicken, lemon pepper chicken, cheesy potatoes, and a yummy Oreo cookie cake! YUM, on of my most favorites! We took advantage of the beautiful sunny day and spent time outside riding in the golf cart and gator and picking veggies from a kind neighbor's garden! Kathryn enjoyed riding on Auntie's shoulders, talking with her about fish in the pond, a ride on the swing from Kelsey, and looking at Alan with her hat on! There's Alan Who from Whoville now!

Thank you to my parents, my niece and nephew, Kelsey and Alan and to my (older!) sister for all making this day possible. That time spent together really meant a lot to me.

A few days later my parents, Kathryn, David, and I enjoyed a bon fire complete with roasted hot dogs, fruit, chips, (of course!) mmm! marshmallows! Kathryn even enjoyed them! To top off the evening David burned some home repair "To Do" lists. This was monumental for me because for so long he was putting extra work hours into rental home projects. Now was the time for some much needed quality family time!

Then, on July 14 at about noon Kathryn and I said, "Farewell!" to Cleveland, Ohio where I was raised and boarded the plane for Houston, Tx. I always thought that's where my feet would remain planted. So, this was by no means a small challenge! Afterall, my entire family and all my friends live in Cleveland, Oh or with in a short drive. Even as I type this today, my eyes well up with tears. But. in the back of my mind I know this is God's way of challenging me.

Grandma and Kathryn looking at pictures, one last push in the stroller, and one last kiss made to last until we return for a visit Labor Day weekend! Up until this point we held up pretty well. Then I really started to think about the whole move and the tears started to flow! Then the dam let loose on my mother, too!

Kathryn with Grandma & Papa.

This post closes with too many thoughts of those that we didn't get to see before we left, words not spoken, or afternoon meetings for lunch not planned.

So, for now, farewell from these three buckeyes in Houston, Tx.

We MISS you and LOVE you ALL!

Take care,

David, Melissa, and Kathryn

Thanks so much for visiting and remember to ALWAYS enjoy your own life's wild ride!