so long, ohio

We left Ohio for the last time yesterday.  It was a little bit sad and a little bit exciting at the same time.  Of all the things we’ll miss the most, our friends are at the top.  (Followed closely by Trader Joe’s and Rita’s…)

Jen and Dave (with whom we spent the last couple days while our house got packed up) are amazing.  Jen is going to be the best mommy EVER and Dave, our Olympic hopeful, just threw his farthest throw of the javelin last week — woo hoo!

Dan, Emily’s other half, is insanely funny and quirky and just perfect for Emily.  We’ve had some of the best times hanging out with them!  Missed you, Emily!

JD, Sara‘s other half, represented the Whitlock family.  Sara was home resting from her surgery last week and their bookworm daughters were visiting family.  JD and Sara, we love you so much and are so thankful to have you (and your wisdom!) to turn to!  JD is from Rochester, NY, which is only about an hour from where we’ll live, so we’re hopeful we’ll see them again soon!

The Atherton family — how cute!  Brett and Jackie, we love you to pieces and have missed spending time with you both these last few months of transition with your second child and our move.  Jackie is the BEST dresser EVER…should have gone shopping with her more often!

(Most of) our house church at Milano’s — we missed those who were absent and are so thankful for amazing friends.

On the way out of town we stopped for one last hug from Susy — going to miss her SO MUCH.  She is my daily running partner, confidant, friend, voice of reason, and one step ahead of me in life…I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without her.

We made a pit stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on High Street in the Short North in Columbus.  Their ice cream is insanely good (and creative!) and deserves its own post…once we get our hotel unpacked, I’ll share our trip with you!

After I drove through torrential rains (three times!), got soaked running from Starbucks to the car, and Wendy’s messed up my kid’s meal cheeseburger (and I was forced to eat a piece of Andrew’s KFC–eeww!), we started seeing signs for Buffalo.  Woo hoo!  The drive always seems way longer at night.

We got into the Staybridge Suites here in West Seneca, NY, and unloaded our entire car.  Boxes are everywhere.