Brett and Ashlee's Wedding and Saying Goodbye

What a beautiful morning it was for their wedding!  

We couldn't resist taking pictures of all the kids running around in their wedding attire. 

The ceremony was great and we are so excited to welcome Ashlee into the family.  She is so caring and positive and it has been so easy to accept her as a sister.  Then to top it off, Jack absolutely LOVES her and Brett.  They always take time to give him attention and love to make him laugh.  

We will miss you two so much! 

My favorite picture!

The cute couple!

Look at my handsome little guy! He even got a tie!

The day was so wonderful in my opinion.  The reception got rained on and they had to move inside, but was still a success.  I struggled the whole time at the reception because I knew that we would be leaving for good in the morning for Arizona.  I knew that at the end of the night, we would have to say goodbye to our families. I didn't want the night to end.  Brett and Ashlee almost left without me saying goodbye to them.  I didn't want to make a scene, but I literally pushed through the crowd of people to catch them.  I instantly broke down.  I am very close with my little brother and have grown close with Ashlee as well.  I have never had to say good bye and be the person leaving.  It was very tough. 

We said goodbye to family as they all left.  Mike's parents came to the reception and it was nice to be able to say goodbye to them as well.  I say nice, but it was also very hard.  I am such a baby, but I never realized how hard it would be leaving the people I love so much and see on a daily basis.  I struggled knowing that my children will not see them regularly and be influenced by them.  Again, it was a very hard night for me. 

Overall, we signed up for this adventure and were taking a big step for our future and for our family.  We have only heard positive things about leaving home and learning to stand on our own feet and lean on each other when we can't.  We went home and packed up in preparation for our plans to leave bright and early.  We wanted to try and make the drive in a day, but that means getting an early start.  After about three weeks of a crazy schedule, we were pretty tired, but we had to push! Mike's school starts on the 31st and so we had to get "home".  

We woke up the next morning and prepared to head out.  I had to say goodbye to my parent's and it was one of the hardest things I have done to date.  I am tearing up while writing this just by thinking about it.  I was scared about leaving my security of home and family.  Like I said before, can you tell that I needed this??? I am a baby.  I assume this is what it would have felt like to go on a mission.  I finally said goodbye to my Mom and instantly broke down.  I don't even think I got the words down.  We embraced and as usual my Mom had words of love and encouragement.  We finally had to make the break and I will never forget pulling away from my parent's house and just breaking down.  I know, I know, big baby!!!! My Mom is so special and I love her dearly and being so far from her will be a trial for me. 

We made the trip in pretty good time.  We did make it in a day and the boys did quite well.  I remember coming into Phoenix and feeling the fact that this is really happening sink in.  We got home and it felt good to finally settle.  Mike was excited to start school, but a little nervous and unsure as to what to expect. 

All we can say now is, Welcome Home!