So long, farewell. auf wiedersehen, adieu

After Emily's early birthday party, we sent Charlotte home with M and her family. Charlotte had the worst meltdowns I have ever seen (in my children) as we packed up and emptied our house. She didn't want to be near or in our empty house at all. Knowing this, she went to have a "special sleepover" on our last night in Ohio.

That turned out to be an amazing choice. She was sooooo happy with M. She struggled a lot leading up to our move and I'm grateful that we didn't have to leave on a bad note.

 And M's family doted on Charlotte. It was great. M's family brought Charlotte back about 10 minutes before we left. They had done up her hair all pretty. They also got little presents for the girls, made friendship bracelets for the girls and made lunches for everyone in the family.

With some of our closest friends we said a prayer for safety and then said our goodbyes. It was (and still is) hard. And then I hopped in the van, Matt hopped in the moving truck and we left.

 The last view I had was of Grandpa Chris, checking my trailer and tightening my ropes, then waving us goodbye. It was in my left rear view mirror. And I cried.

 We stopped right outside of Charlotte, NC for the night. We could have made the trip in one day but Lydia still screams whenever I put her in the carseat. I spent at least 2 hours with my arm bent backwards, holding her pacifier in and she also cried for an hour after my arm went numb. The next morning we got up and drove the last few hours and arrived in Savannah around 1. We were welcomed to Sav'h with 97 deg temps and blazing hot sun.

Early Birthday

 The day before we left Ohio, some dear friends threw a birthday party for Emily. It was small, as she picked who she wanted to attend. I will be eternally grateful for the friends that threw it and the friends that came. Emily was very nervous about moving and not having any friends to come to a party for her birthday next month.

 Can't believe she's turning 6 in less than a month now! She is starting first grade this year and has her FIRST loose tooth! (See above). She is getting SO tall. Most size 6 pants are long enough, but she can fit into a size 3 or 4 waistband!

 M, Charlotte's best bud, made an ocean cake for Emily. Can you see the fish sprinkles? It was one of the sweetest thing I've ever seen.

 We had lots of fun blowing out candles and singing.

 We also had a water balloon fight, which was GREAT.

It was a wonderful birthday party. I'm so grateful for those amazing friends (and ones not pictured) who love us.

Pantsless

The story behind our "nakey" picture!

A few months ago my grandmother asked that every person/family take a picture of themselves with a pair of jeans and a shirt that she had provided (the green shirts). For our family, she bought each one of the girls some denim shorts to go with the shirt-- but she didn't buy Matt and me any jeans! So when we took family pictures, our friend suggested we do a pants-less picture and send it to my grandparents, in lieu of the requested picture.

And by the way, my grandparents thought it was hilarious.

But...we did take a real one where Matt and I are wearing pants too...and we took some other great family pics as well. So, without further adieu, regard:

 Love this picture! It shows the close relationship between Nan and Em so well.

 Child model.

 Nathalie's true personality.

 Beautiful girl.

 This is probably one of my favorites. I love how you can see that Emily really loves Lydia.

 At least they're all facing the same direction!

 Oh wait....

Sassy pants.

Best family picture. EVER.

A few days before we left, we had a friend take our family pictures. And this one came out the winner, hands down.

What do you think?

Last time at Grandma and Papa's

 After we loaded up the truck, went to my in-law's for one last time. It was wonderful. We have gone there at least once a month for the entire 5 years we've lived in Ohio-- and many times more often. I can honestly say that my in-law's are some of my best friends.

 Nana played a rousing game of baseball with the grandkids. Not bad for a woman of 82!!

Papa spent about an hour just tickling and wrestling with the girls. He would trap them between his legs then ask them a question. They loved it!

In the end, we left Charlotte and Nan with my in-laws. Charlotte had two enormous melt-downs after the truck was loaded. She didn't want to go in the house because it looked so strange and upset her. We decided to leave her with them so she wouldn't have to come back to the house. Nana really wanted some extra time with Nathalie, so we left her for special tea parties and sleepovers.

We love you guys.

A fabulous fourth

 We made it to Savannah! But we had so many wonderful memories the last two weeks that I'm going to start there and work my way to the present.

On the fourth of July, we went way out in the country for a big low country boil at a friend's house. The girls got to go fishing for the very first time, but none of them caught anything.

 The friend had bought little people fishing poles and one even had princesses on them! My girls now ask to fish a lot.

 Sweetheart.

 Two buds.

 Big E and little Charlotte. E was our go-to babysitter and excellent with the kids. She is wise beyond her almost-13 years.

 Emily, M and Charlotte. M and Charlotte have a special bond.

 M and Charlotte.

 This girl loves worms and dirt. She is her father's child.

Two girlies and their worms.

It was SO fun. We had an enormous bonfire, lots of delicious food and some rockin' fireworks. What a way to end our stay in Ohio!