March Blizzard

Winter Storm Stella was here today dumping about 15" of snow and bringing lots of wind.  It's hard to know exactly how much snow we got with all the drifting.  You know it's supposed to be spring when none of the kids want to play outside. I think they are all "snowed out" at this point.  They are ready for bikes and scooters and I admit, the adults are too.  I am dreaming of summer days at the lake, sunshine and warmer weather.

We brought the coloring books, stickers and crafting stuff out today.  We also baked oatmeal raisin cookie bars. It was a nice day at home; I so enjoy not having to leave the house.

Moving Out --- The Day Is Here

After 16 years, the house is sold and ready for closing.  It is definitely bittersweet.  I've lived here off and on for 16 years and there are so many memories.

5 babies came home here
Bon fires
Slip and Slide, kiddie pool, sprinklers and water fights
Marshmallow roasting
Lunar Eclipse
Cooking popcorn over a fire
Frog hunting
Chickens, goats and turkies
Sledding and snowball fights
Hide and Seek
Egg Hunts
Christmas Baking and decorating

Way too many day to day events to remember all at once.  16 years is a long time and it's always hard to say goodbye.  I know it's just a house and there will be new memories in a new place, but closing the door and walking away is definitely hard.  I really hope the new family has as many wonderful memories in the house that we did.

I took the kids up yesterday to say a final "good bye".  They walked through the woods and said a final goodbye to the tree house, frog pond, chicken coop, their favorite rock and then spent time in the house. It's completely empty now and just a house, no longer a home, but it still wasn't easy.

We took 1 final photo with Mamma and Papa. Right under the tree in the back yard with the swing they spent hours on.

Then one more sibling picture (minus Beatrice who was with Grandma so we could come up).

My how they've grown over the years.

We then went to lunch at The Cav for pizza before saying goodbye. I love Papa jumping into the pictures.

Then one last trip to the house for the "missed" pictures Samuel wanted.  one more by the downstairs door. Matthias and Rosalia has to be in on the fun too.

The FINAL picture....3 kids on the "thinking" rock heading to the back yard.

And that is it.  On to a new chapter in life.  Where that will lead, we don't know yet.  2017 is definitely a year of uncertainty and new adventures.  I will miss the house, the yard, my parents and a another year of memories here, but it's time to see where else God is leading us..