Saying Goodbye to LA

I've been trying to write this post for a week now, and can't do it without tearing up.  I can't seem to put into words what living in Shreveport has meant to us these past 4 years.  When I found out about our move there I was about 10 weeks pregnant and thought I would hate it.  I remember thinking I couldn't wait for our time there to be finished so we could move back to Ft. Worth.  While at times it was hard not being close to our families, Matthew and I grew stronger as a couple and created the best memories.    The first year was tough because I wasn't working and didn't have Mason yet, so I had no way to really get to know anyone.  Once Mason was born, I was able to get out and meet other people.  I remember meeting Lindsey and Bennett in Level 1 at Gymboree and she invited me to her family's crawfish boil that Saturday.  Matthew is normally the one who is meeting people and being invited to things, so this was all new to us.  As we were walking up to the Yacht Club, Matthew was asking me if I was sure that I was invited.  ha!  I remember Georgia was just a little thing barely walking around and Lindsey spilling beer on my stroller.  From that point on, we continued to meet people and get more involved.  Our Sunday School class started shortly after too.
There is something special about finding a group of friends that have kids the same age, both the wives AND husbands get along, that have the same beliefs and values, that enjoy doing the same types of things, and that just genuinely love being around each other.  I know that our friends can't be replaced, but I hope and pray that we can find something close here in Denver.
We had a great going away party in May, so on our last night I wanted to do something with our closest friends.  The Lewis', Buteau's, Raines', Smith's, and Dicharry's all came to say goodbye at Frozen Frog.  The tears started flowing as soon as I pulled up and saw Erinn crying.  All of us momma's were in tears before the night was up.  Most of the kids didn't know what was going on, but poor Georgia had a rough night crying that her friend Mason was moving. I'm glad I got to capture some last pictures of these great kids.  I love all of these kids so much and have loved watching the older ones grow up together, and getting to be pregnant with some too.  It's been fun watching all of our families grow.

Brown and Briggs (or Briggs and Brown)

Georgia and Mason

Maddie, Mason, Georgia, and Bennett

Caroline, Georgia, and Mason (Shep didn't want to be in any pictures)

Playing ring around the rosie.  This is the only pic of Drew because he didn't want to be in any either.

sweet, sweet babies who are all one this summer.  Henry, Evie, and Jake. 

best buds

I'm trying not to be sad anymore, but it is definitely hard!  I hope we have plenty of visitors here in Denver.  Here is to our next adventure...