Parting is such sweet sorrow....

I will warn you this post is long and mushy...

Sunday we had an open house (62 people came!) and Denise kindly agreed to let our family hang out at their house for a few hours.  We knew it might be one of our last visits for a very long time.  Denise bought Kate and Maggie these matching outfits in China and we had planned to take their photos together this Fall.  However, we had to move that up a bit.  We had the nicest time with Denise's family.  They are GOOD people and we are just sad that we did not know them for our whole four years here.

Kate and Maggie had a BLAST running around in circles and collapsing on the floor (collage above). They kept running and running.  Finally as we were saying goodbye, Maggie fell asleep in Denise's arms.

Denise, I am so glad that we have shared part of this journey together and I know we will share more. I am honored that I was able to be at the airport when you came home with Maggie.  I will always feel that connection.

(terrible photo--taken on a ledge with a timer very late at night)

Then last night, my MOPS table gave me a little going away party.  It was so special. Julie Anne made these pink and green monogrammed cookies.  Think they know me well?  Lauren made my favorite sausage balls--YUMMY!  All of the food was delicious! They gave me all sorts of meaningful gifts.  The most memorable gifts were what they all shared.  Each woman spoke about some way I had touched their life.  I was equally embarrassed and grateful to hear what they had to say.  We rarely get to know the impact we have in another's life so I treasure the sentiments they shared last night.  Thank you Clare, Melissa, Lauren, Heather, Julie Anne and Linda.  Your friendship helped me through a challenging year.  Each one of you was an answered prayer. Melissa, we missed you last night!

And finally, the boys had their last Judo session here.  Sensei promoted them again due to their excellent progress and their last tournament.  I am so proud of them!!!