I wrote this over a week ago... wanted to get pictures, but that will come once we get our computer!
Friday was Ellie's birthday and she insisted I go with her to the zoo, which was a lot of fun. Then an hour after we got home 6 girls came over for a birthday party. It was quite the party. Painting of nails, decorating of cupcakes, decorating of picture frames, eating pizza, dressing up with feather boas and taking fun pictures, singing birthday songs, eating cupcakes, and opening presents. Then of course a few minutes to play with said presents, because who doesn't want to check out the gift they give a friend? Overall it was a lot of fun and I think the girls had a great time. I had made some adorable (if I do say so myself) reversible bags for the girls that had the boas, sunglasses and lip gloss cell-phones inside. Ellie headed home with Mom for an overnight at Grandma's. That evening we had a friend stay and play games until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.
Saturday Steve threw a last party for all the scouts he has had since we've been here. It was supposed to be from 10-3, but the last boy didn't leave until almost 5. They played video games, ate pizza and played target practice with paintball guns. Perfect for a batch of 12-year olds.
Mom and Sybil/Dick arrived with Ellie at 4:45 and we soon after headed out to eat. Our kids are actually really good at restaurants, but the food took awhile and after having lemonade spilled on me twice I was ready to be done! After we ate we came home for more presents and cake/ice cream treats. Ellie was in heaven yet again. Her new doll, Liz, was a big hit and she has been carrying her around everywhere today. We're excited to take her to New York so she and her friend Emma can play dolls together. Steve and the kids all crashed at 8 and I stayed up until after midnight doing laundry (washing and folding 7 loads-worth) cleaning up and getting the house organized for the movers and taking a 1/2 hour treadmill break.
Then today hit and I knew I had to acknowledge that life is changing. I don't like saying good-bye because it makes me so sad. But I've made so many great friends here. This is the first place that I will truly miss when I leave. I know that sounds sad, but it's true. In the past I've been a bit of a hermit and just survived our posts. But here I have so many great friends. We've done cooking classes, music classes, play-dates, joyschool, many parties (who would have ever thought I would be the one throwing parties?) and just plain having fun hanging out. My kids love their kids. I love the moms and I have felt like myself around them. Sheesh... I'm gonna start crying again. I am going to miss everyone so much. My primary kids were so sweet today and gave me hugs and the sweetest cards telling me that they'll miss me. So yeah, this is hard.
It's a good thing we're headed towards friends, too. Otherwise I think I might go AWOL!
