but, the time has come for goodbye. My house is full of boxes, and no longer feels like "home". I can't help but sit here and think of all the amazing things that have happened for us in the last 3 years here. Marlee had her 1st,2nd,and 3rd (and almost 4th!)birthdays here. She started school here, made her first "best friends" here, she has learned to walk, talk, ride a bike and everything else here. Makenna was conceived here (sorry for TMI), born here, had her first birthday, said her first words, took her first steps, etc. We celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and even had 2 Christmases here with just our little family. We have had friends come and go... and it is always hard.
I came into Vermillion kicking and screaming, and I will leave the same way. I have made some "soul sisters" here, if you will. Living here has forced me out of my comfort zone and shown me what kind of person I really am. I have also had people grow to love me as that person. I have gotten the chance to get to know people that I may have never been friends with had I lived somewhere else. It has been such a unique experience for us here. As I think about packing the truck tomorrow and driving out of here for good on Saturday I am filled with to much sadness, fear, excitement, regret and hope. Such a mixed bag. The last month for me has been one serious roller-coaster. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually I have been tested. I am exhausted, but excited for the future. I guess all there really is to say, is thank you to those who I have grown so fond of. You know who you are, and you have EACH taught me such valuable lessons. I am SO glad you were/are a part of my life, if even for a short time. I love you all, and will miss this place like crazy. Just know that Saturday at 12:30, I will be bawling like a baby.
I came into Vermillion kicking and screaming, and I will leave the same way. I have made some "soul sisters" here, if you will. Living here has forced me out of my comfort zone and shown me what kind of person I really am. I have also had people grow to love me as that person. I have gotten the chance to get to know people that I may have never been friends with had I lived somewhere else. It has been such a unique experience for us here. As I think about packing the truck tomorrow and driving out of here for good on Saturday I am filled with to much sadness, fear, excitement, regret and hope. Such a mixed bag. The last month for me has been one serious roller-coaster. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually I have been tested. I am exhausted, but excited for the future. I guess all there really is to say, is thank you to those who I have grown so fond of. You know who you are, and you have EACH taught me such valuable lessons. I am SO glad you were/are a part of my life, if even for a short time. I love you all, and will miss this place like crazy. Just know that Saturday at 12:30, I will be bawling like a baby.
Here's a look down memory lane, Vermillion style...
Marlee's first birthday
Marlee, 16 mos.
Marlee, 16 mos.
Our "house"
Rachel and I. A week before I had Kenna...
Our family of three...barely. Christmas 2007
Makenna's Birth 
End of the year BBQ 2008
Game night. Me, baby Kenna, Rachel and Sarah
My awesome neighbors and friends!
Marlee's very first "bes fend"Reese. 
Makenna. 9 mos.
My 26th Birthday (and Nichole's b-day too!)
Rachel and I. A week before I had Kenna...Our family of three...barely. Christmas 2007Makenna's Birth End of the year BBQ 2008Game night. Me, baby Kenna, Rachel and Sarah My awesome neighbors and friends!Marlee's very first "bes fend"Reese. Makenna. 9 mos. My 26th Birthday (and Nichole's b-day too!)The Twilight girls
Christmas 2008 
Makenna's First Birthday
Pre-School Graduation
Paris and I
Law School Graduation
the best buddies
Christmas 2008 Makenna's First BirthdayPre-School GraduationParis and ILaw School Graduationthe best buddiesBFF's. This makes me feel guilty. Separating these 4 makes me feel like I am ripping apart a family. We love you guys!
Thank you all for making our 3 years here, the best we've had so far. We will miss you!!!
7 comments:
Wow, so many great pictures! I can't believe how fast those 3 years went by. I'm glad we got to know each other! We have to keep in touch!
Oh Mandi, this made me all emotional! I can't even think of Vermillion without you living there. You were SUCH a huge part of our wonderful experience there too, and my heart breaks for you that you will be leaving a moving on. It is so hard, and there is no other place like it! Such a special time of all of our lives. Thank you for being such a good friend, not only to me, but to so many others. You have a special quality that helps bring people together, and I know you were such a good influence in that way on all of us who lived there. I still miss you, and I know Vermillion will too! Good luck in this next phase!
Love all the pictures. :D What a difference a few years makes, huh? Congrats. :D
That was so sweet.. I know how much you hate good byes, as do i. So I wish you the best tomorrow. It's also exciting to start fresh again and be around your family again. Good luck with the move.
I do not even live there and it made me emotional! I know what it is like to lose someone as great as you living so close! I feel bad for all those people in Vermillion...they lose such great family in their life! I love you and I hope you know that I am always here for you! If you need to cry to someone please feel free to call and vent! I am always up! I love you and your family! Drive safe! make Collin give you a big hug and say that it is from me! :)
I don't have to say goodbye, yet, here I sit in tears. We are happy to have you back, and thankful to those who took care or our sissy, auntie, unco cawin,cousies, etc. all this time. You are so blessed with some really great friends and opportunities. They are lucky too!
Love the picture of Marley and Reese! Good luck on the road ahead of you.
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