Two days before we made our move to Ashburn, our neighborhood got together for a little goodbye party. My neighbor Linda hosted the party at her home, which is something like the center of our neighborhood. Kids sat at tables coloring, ran around behind our rows of houses to play in the woods, and popped over now again just to visit the the snack table to swipe cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies. It felt just like our street’s other community get togethers except for one big difference: it was our last party with our neighbors on Oak Spring Way. Of course, like other shindigs, I got pretty picture happy.
The bottom photo wasn’t easy to pull off–and while it’s definitely not one of my better shots, it will be one of those photos that I know I will cherish.
After the party ended, it has been mostly all work for us. We finished packing the night of the party and then on Saturday morning we greeted the movers at 8:15 a.m. to start loading the boxes and furniture. By 3:30 the movers had finished moving everything and the unpacking began. Our first night we made it through the important rooms, like the kitchen and bedrooms. The following two days, we managed to get the kids’ toys and our linens and coat closets put together. My husband took it upon himself to master mind a superbly organized storage room with new steel shelves and clear bins. I joke that he’s going off the deep end with the organization but honestly I know I’m lucky that the hubs has been doing so much with this move.
One week in our new home, we are unpacked and starting to hang our pictures on the walls. My studio is set up and I’ve already met with three clients–so far I am enjoying the added studio space and my backyard where I can follow little ones around with my camera and capture their expressions as they explore and play.
Meanwhile, the kids are making friends, riding bikes, and hanging upside down from play sets. Our new neighbors already invited us to a welcome bbq and then yesterday we went to one five year old’s birthday party. I’ve made it out to a ladies’ night and met some great ladies. I have to say that I am looking forward to what it is to come, and at the same time, feel sad that this change means I won’t be living next door to the awesome people we met in Reston. Luckily, it isn’t so far and I’ve already made a few trips out there for playdates.
(Matt and Levi sit on the front steps of our new home)
(Annabelle hangs upside down like a monkey at our new neighbor’s house).
{ 1 comment }
i feel your pain on the move. so hard to let go and yet so exciting to see what lies ahead in your new home. i remember how hard it was to leave pa and move to ct. but with you, your sister and daddy i was so excited to start our new life that the hurt was not so bad. it was so hard to leave close friends and my mom especially. but ct has become my home for 22 years now and i would not have traded it for anything! you will visit your friends in reston and you will make new ones in ashburn. but your best friend matt and kids will be with you always. i wish you all the best in your new home and cant wait to come to visit! sending you huge hugs and kisses. love mama