So many send offs

We have made so many wonderful friends in Las Vegas.  The one thing that makes leaving easier is meeting up with Matt again and reuniting as a family.  But it's still sad to be parting from great friends.  We have never left with such a hoorah!  The last few weeks have certainly been memorable.

First and foremost, I have to acknowledge our host families.  Lorna and her kids made us feel so welcome and really helped us out with our own space to sleep and do school.  It was great to have single parent support and feel useful helping them pack.  She kindly put us up for 3 1/2 weeks.  Then the dear Osbornes let us crash with them for our last few nights as the Jones' checked out of Vegas a bit before us.  Makenna felt like she was having a sleep over every night with Elisabeth.  Wendy and I were able to go on our longest run since Ogden together and realized how much easier it is to leave on time and get back without walking many extra "finish the conversation cool down laps" when you live together.  And all the kids enjoyed playing their baby grand a few more times.

I bent our ban on sleepovers a couple times in the last two weeks.  Isaac and Jess got to spend a night with the Popps and Makenna stayed at Aspen's after the Bon Voyage party (more on that later).  Then Isaac spent a night at Eckersley's with a few boys and Jess spent over 24 hours with Ellie.  The kids have made so many great friends. 

There were also a bunch of fun activities to fill their schedules:  a ward Primary talent show, Makenna's primary class party, an end of school year party hosted by one of Jessica's friends.  Of course we aren't the only family moving.  There are so many holes being left in the ward, there were a couple send off parties.  One started at U Swirl and ended at the Reese's pool.  Another was for all the deacons at their scout leader's house. 

We also had a bunch of playdates with Brian and Hilary.  We went swimming, ice skating, played at the park, had a couple dinners and had a game night--pictionary and the M'nM game.


Of course the last thing we were waiting for was Makenna's dance recital.  She had her dress rehearsal Thursday--where we were able to film and take pictures.  The full show was Saturday, and Brian and Hilary kindly came as well.  Makenna and her group did great.  The whole show was impressive.

Sunday morning, after cramming the truck full of too much stuff, we drove away.  We had heavy hearts, but we are one step closer to our next FAMILY adventure.