Moving Pains...

Moving sucks in general.  It sucks (and no that's not a word I use around my kids, but it's the one that seems the most appropriate for how I feel) when we have to move because it means, stress, a new job, selling a house, looking for a new house, schools, damaged furniture, DMV, new friends, new church, unpacking, trying to find your stuff among the mountains of boxes, something ALWAYS gets lost, etc., etc., etc.,  Well, it also sucks when the first "real friend" you make in Utah moves across the country!

After I joined the MOMS Club, I went to a MNO and met Joi and some of the other moms who she's friends with.  I had a fantastic time and really enjoyed their company.  And the best part of it was that most of them had BOYS the SAME AGE as Riley!  What great luck!  Well, a few days later, Joi invites us over for a playdate...and so it goes.

Joi has introduced me to some of the most wonderful women I could ask to meet in Utah.  She's the one who organizes all of us.  Will we be able to survive without her?  I'm hoping that some of her skills have rubbed off on one of us!

Her son and Riley hit it off immediately because he loves to play with trains almost as much as Riley does, well, now that I think about it, he may actually like them MORE than Riley...Is that even possible?  Anyway, it was so nice to have a friend for Riley outside of his school setting and the best part was that Joi lived just a few blocks away in our neighborhood!

She guided me through what dentists, doctors, specialists, restaurants to try, kiddie parks and museums, watched Kendall so I could volunteer at Riley's school, etc.  She was exactly what I needed at that time in my life.  She accepted me for who I am and didn't pass judgement.  She shoots from the hip and there's never a fear of "drama" when you're with Joi.  I LOVE that about her!  I'm so sad to see her leave to start the next chapter of her life back east, but so happy for her to have her family all under one roof again.  I know it won't be easy for her to start over once again, but she's such a fun and strong individual, she'll make friends where ever she goes.

My kids are already having a rough time adjusting to life without Andrew and Ella.  They spent Friday and Saturday with us before flying to their new destination.  This morning Kendall was walking around the house trying to find Ella.  Riley's been talking about how much he misses Andrew already and it's been less than 24 hours!  We are so grateful for their friendship even though it was so short.  They are the kind of people who you know you'll stay friends with no matter where you live.  The nice thing for us is that they have a family cabin not too far from my parents' house...I think a visit might be in order next summer!

Here are a few pictures from our sleepover weekend.  We tried our best to give them something to remember us by...I think the near heart attack that Joi suffered will stick with her for awhile.  See why below:

Ella LOVED going for rides with Andy on the real 4wheeler...much more exciting than riding our battery powered one!

She went for a number of rides...she had a blast!

Andrew wasn't quite as sure about it as Ella, but he did try it.  Once was good enough for him.

The two princesses in their matching princess jammies hanging out by the campfire after making s'mores.

Hoping these two will stay close...they are such a good match and really enjoy each other's company...must be that train obsession they share!

Joi and her family will always have a place in our hearts.  They were an answer to prayer and helped us to feel like we were at home here in Utah.  We will miss them terribly and know that a piece of them will always be with us wherever we go.  Much love to the Hwang family!  We wish you the best of luck in your new town and know that you will be loved there as much as you were here!