Goodbye Seattle

 It's official. We no longer live in Seattle. But, we would probably still be living there if it wasn't for the help of some incredible friends who just happen to be our neighbors. 3 different families watched our kids from morning until bedtime, and one of those families fed us dinner too. Usually you have to ask people for help, but these lovely families offered their assistance and we couldn't have done it without them. So, thank you dear neighbors and friends, you have been answers to prayers our entire time in Seattle. We had another amazing helper during our move, Jake's little brother. Instead of having fun on his 3-day break from school and work he flew up and helped pack, move boxes, and drive one of our car's. Thank you so much Brando, we love Uncle B!

Loading up the truck

Last picture in front of our apartment in Seattle. I think its pretty fitting that you can see the moving truck packed to capacity in the background :-)

 There are so many things I will miss about that wonderful city. There have been a lot of negative things that happened to us while in Seattle. Jake's cancer diagnosis and Hannah's battle to recover from Post-Viral Cerebellar Ataxia have all happened here. But we have still had an abundance of incredible memories that we will cherish forever. So here is my list of things I will miss about Seattle:

1. The trees. I grew up in a small town up in the foothills and surrounded by trees. I love trees, I always have. I am going to miss the gorgeous never ending view of tall dark green trees.

2. The great appreciation for sunshine that one develops in a rainy city. Because it rains a lot, you learn to take advantage of the sun when it does make an appearance. We have learned to always take advantage of a sunny day and I feel like we have actually spent more time outside because of it.

3. So many places to go and things to see: The Children's Museum, the beautiful and abundant scenic parks, the amazing restaurants all over the place, Pikes Market which is such a fun an vibrant part of the city, and the cute little nature trail that was right by our house and travels along the shoreline of Lake Washington.

4. The Woodland Park Zoo deserves its own number. That zoo is incredible. We had a season pass and went as often as possible. They have every animal you can think of and the way it is set up makes you feel like you are walking into the natural habitat of each animal you see.

5. Our ward and the friendships we have formed within our housing community. I don't think so many wonderful people have ever lived in one complex together. We were so blessed to live where we did.

6. Hannah's preschool. She has made some great friends and her teacher is wonderful. We will also miss the incredible team of doctors and therapists that have been there for us throughout Hannah's recovery.

Hannah with her preschool teachers. The one she is hugging is her favorite, Katie.

7. The Space Needle and city skyline. I love how you will be driving and all of the sudden the Space Needle pops up in the distance and you realize how beautiful it is all over again.

8. The bike trails. The trails are wide and long and beautiful.

9. My Zumba classes. I was just starting to get to know and love the regulars who came to my classes at the locations I taught at. I will miss their enthusiasm and smiling faces. 

The list of things I will miss could get longer, but I will stop there. I will conclude with some reasons I am excited about living in Boise:

1. How close we live to Jake's family. Jake's wonderful parents and siblings live in Boise. Hannah is going to love having her little cousins to play with. And when they ask to go to Mimi's house (like they already do) I can say "OK kids" and be there in 10 minutes. The only thing that would make it even better is if Grandma Geri and Papa Ron lived close too :-)

Bowling with Papa

Mimi helping Hannah bowl

Hannah loves her cousin Katelyn

 2. We will be neighbors with our bud's the Hill's again. They are pretty great. Jack has been Hannah's best friend for 3 years in 3 different cities.

Just becoming friends in Moscow, ID.

Hanging out in Seattle, WA.

Hugs in Boise, ID.

3. Very little precipitation. Boise is a high desert so we won't be getting much rain. Yay. Jake is actually sad about this, but I can't wait to become acquainted with my friend the sun again.

4. Our apartment has a dishwasher!!!! We have lived without a dishwasher for 2 years, which is about 2 years too long.

5. A bigger place to live that actually costs less than our teensy weensy apartment in Seattle.

6. Our complex has a pool! We have already been swimming once and the kids LOVED it.

7. New Zumba classes to teach. I already have 2 classes to teach lined up at one gym and when I get there I will be getting a few more at different gyms. It is very exciting to get my own classes since I subbed in Seattle for a long time before getting my own.

8. Jake is done with classes! He has 2 years of clinical rotations in Boise, and then he will be done with medical school! There is light at the end of the tunnel guys.

9. We don't have to move again for 2/3 years!!!! Yay!

Jake and the kids with our big ol moving truck.