The nature of the area we live in in Seattle is that the wards that we have lived in are constantly changing because there is a large student population. The ward we are currently in has the biggest population and makes big changes every fall and summer. This summer saw a really big exodus of families who had been in the ward since we moved in. One of which was the Dittos.
We are extremely blessed to have these great young families in our midst but it is always hard to see them go. This one was particularly hard for the Chandlers. (Tucker was almost sobbing as he said good-bye to Logan that day.) We are definitely greatful for the positive influence they have been for our family.
Not a few days after the departure of the Dittos we got a phone call from our pals the Roches' letting us know that they would be heading to South Africa!! Neal and Steph have been a part of our family for about five years. They were our Home Teachers in our old ward and we never let go of the connection when we left. They have been to countless family functions, ran the Whidbey half-marathon with us and Neal's family owns the now infamous Cupcake Cabin. They too have been a positive influence on our family and will be greatly missed. They both left for South Africa on Thursday, Neal to stay and Steph will return in about 10 days to wrap things up and head back in September. Thankfully they will only stay there for a year--at least that is the current plan. A grand and exciting adventure for them that will be fun to hear about when they return but they will be sorely missed.
There have been many other families that we have made friendships with over the years who have moved on to other areas of the country and I am thankful for their positive examples and influence for my boys. Nevertheless it is alway sad to have the partings!
8 comments:
It IS tough to make those kinds of farewells. You have been lucky to have had so many positive influences. Not everyone is that lucky. Those are the kinds of relationships that can really make a difference.
Happy 4th!
Hey! Great new family portrait! What a handsome group of people!
Love your family pic. Everyone looks great
You have no idea how hard it was to get the family portrait where we all looked good. What with cheescake, grandpa channeling Cooper in the mix! We got that one because Dennis asked the photographer if it was okay if we didn't smile for a few of the pictures. We went for a neutral look and of course that was the one that was best.
We miss you guys! Thanks for always being so fun (and for playing with our kids and thinking they're great). Come visit us soon (hopefully we'll have a house :)
What a nice tribute to some great people. I'm guessing they will miss you too.
I love the family portrait... how do I get one?
Good friends are one of life's greatest treasures....IMO :) It's hard to let friends go away, but it seems like you can always pick right back up with the true ones.
That is a very nice family picture....another one of life's greatest treasures...IMO :)
Looks like you have a fun bunch, never a dull moment!! I love your family picture, you look beautiful!! (o.k,you too Dennis)
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