And, while I felt all of these emotions and had all of these plans for our home, the one thing I didn't plan on was the people I would meet, simply by living where we do.
We were the first people to live on our street. We moved into a brand new home and all of the other houses were not yet finished. It was quiet and we enjoyed it, but we really wanted some neighbors.
Do you remember your neighborhood growing up? I do. I remember riding my bike from house to house, playing in driveways and exploring backyards, having picnics, climbing the 'old climbing tree', having popscicles, going to the pool, playing hide and seek, and when we got older, I even remember nights where we went around the neighborhood TP'ing our friend's houses. And, through the magic of Facebook, I've managed to keep in touch with at least a few of these neighborhood friends. {Isn't Facebook amazing!}
Until I had kids, I didn't realize the importance of 'great neighbors'. Five or six years ago, I had no idea that the people moving in next door, down the street, and across the street would have such a huge impact on my life and my family life.
(Halloween 2009)
Tonight we are having a typical neighborhood party...one where we order pizza, have coolers of Capri Sun, beer, and fruity drinks in the driveway, the kids run around and enjoy themselves and the grown ups sit in lawn chairs and chat the night away.
(May 2011)
But, tonight is a little different...tonight we are partying to 'say goodbye' to two of these precious neighbors who have helped us through everything from having babies to swimming lessons, marriages to Vacation Bible School, house projects to 'can you watch these two for a few minutes while I go inside to get dinner started?', neighborhood walks {to the cul-de-sac to play games and ride bikes, to get Sno Cones, to the 'new' park, etc.} and neighborhood baseball games, and too many birthday and holiday parties to count.
(Halloween 2008)
(May 2011)
(Parker's Birthday Party 2011)
(Impromptu 4th of July Party 2011)
(Impromptu 4th of July Party 2011)
These kids have been buddies and friends from day one. And, us parents {some of us, even before kids} have become awesome friends.
(July 2011)
(July 2011)
(First Swimming Lesson 2008)
(Parker's Birthday 2011)
(Swimming Lessons 2011)
There's something about being able to call your neighbor in the middle of the night as you're going into labor and she says, "of course, I'll be right over to stay with Parker," and there's something about trusting your neighbors to take your child on their first playdate alone...without me there...and having them come home anxious for the next time they get to play. In fact, everyday, {with nice weather}, we see our neighbors outside and play for at least a few minutes.
(July 2011)
(July 2011)
(July 2011)
There's something about knowing so much about those kids that you know that J only likes jelly on his sandwich and hamburger on his pizza...and that his favorite thing to eat is Mac and Cheese. I know that the twins will eat just about anything and I can understand what little L is saying {even though he's just learning how to talk}. I know that G and A are only moving across town, but I will be so sad to not hear the words, "Pawkewr!" everytime we're outside with them and to not have Parker growing up 'spying through A's window' {this is, of course, only a joke}.
(Summer 2011)
Yes, these friends of ours have been a part of our family for many years and whenever someone is 'moving on' it's bittersweet. We've had a few neighbors come and go, but these two families have become a part of us, of our lives, and we are so sad to see them 'moving on'. But, at the same time we are so proud of their accomplishments and so proud to call them friends {BE WARNED: we are the kind of friends that will show up on your doorstep, just to say 'hi'...yes, even though you'll be in Utah!}.
(July 2011)
(A long time ago...I think it was January 2010)
(Even longer ago...Summer 2008)
On this Flash Back Friday, I am remembering all of those Halloweens, those 4th of Julys, those simple summer evenings playing in the driveway or in the backyard, and all of those pushes on the swings, walks to the park, and all of the days that Parker and Andrew have looked at me with pleading eyes and Parker asks, "Can we have ________ {insert name of neighbor here} over to play today?!"
Tonight I am going to, once again, live in the moment and simplicity and tradition of our neighborhood party and try to forget that in a few short weeks these neighbors will belong to someone else.
(June 2011)
But, I know they've had such an amazing impact on my life and us on theirs that we won't be saying goodbye forever...just, see ya later...it's time to move on.
Here's a video from last night with our sweet neighbors...Andrew loves sweet A!
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