Goodbyes

The time had finally come for us to stop denying that we are leaving and start saying goodbye. Yuck, this part is the worst. What makes it double the worst is that it isn't just B and I saying goodbye to our wonderful friends, but little Kate does too.  I know she doesn't really understand what is happening yet, but it makes me tear up all the same.

We started our goodbye process with a party at our house on the 20th. Some of our favorite people and some good food and fun.  I only snapped one photo the entire evening, but I think it is because I was trying to soak up as much of everyone as I could. The highlight of the night was probably our guidebook and map auction, where let me tell you, there was some hot competition!  It was a great way to say goodbye and "see you soon" to Portland and we couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share it with.

The lone party photo:  Beth, Jordan, Ella and Kate.

Next came a series of lunch/happy hour dates with friends, including an awesome day spent with Katie. It really made me reflect on the amazing people that have been part of our lives in Portland. I have to admit, more than once I said to myself, "Are we doing the right thing?"

We saved our hardest goodbyes for our last night so we could prolong it as long as possible. After we had the truck loaded, we met Julia and her girls. Kate will miss these adorable twins so much and B and I will miss our favorite adventure couple. Here's to many more Hoy-Lodge adventures to come!

Getting these girls to sit still for a photo? Impossible.

 Hmm, it seems their mamas are a little better at it.