Off to California

Today is my brother and his family's last official day here in Virginia. They will be leaving for California (Vacaville will be their new home) tomorrow afternoon. I spent all day Saturday and most of yesterday helping them load all of their possessions into a 26' trailer. They have hired a moving company to drive across country to deliver their goods to CA for them. I have spent the last two months in a state of shock over the fact that they really are doing this. It finally sank in this past weekend.

I, along with the help of my lovely and supportive wife (Thank you honey for everything you did this weekend to help me pull this off!), Bonita's Mom, and a neighbor (the Straleys) helped me organize a small, casual surprise going away party
for Pat and the family at their community pool. Several of their friends and other family members came to bid them a fond farewell.

Since moving to VA 11 years ago, I have relied on my brother for many things and have come to appreciate just how much he means to me. Especially now that we both have children. He helped me get through quite a few tough things, we were each other's best man at our weddings, has given me advice, and much more. He and Bonita have both been great support systems for us. Our kids love playing together so I am sure the move will be hard for a while. They have become close these last couple of years and I hope they will remain close over the years.

We will miss them terriby, but wish them all the best of luck on this new adventure. We love you guys. The two pictures were taken in VT and we just love 'em! It has all the cousins (minus Lauren who was in her stoller at the time). Who knows when the next time will be when all the cousins are together again?! Hopefully not too long.