That morning, I took a few moments to reflect on our time here in Utah. We've lived here for over 3 years now, which is the longest we have lived anywhere since college (2 years in Delaware, 1.5 in Arizona, and 1 in Seattle). We've really put down roots. In our neighborhood. In our community. In Liam's school. It's been a wonderful place to raise our boys! We've taken full advantage of the outdoors and everything this big city has to offer.
So how could we ever leave, right?! The thought actually terrifies me. I can't imagine not walking outside in the evenings to our neighborhood full of children. Or not having my close group of stay-at-home-mom friends that fill my mornings & afternoons with playdates. On a daily basis, no joke. I seriously freak out if I don't have plans scheduled for the next day. I'm part of a wonderful little tribe, and I just love raising our babies together! And I love how close we live to the mountains. And the zoo, museums, aquarium, etc. What would I do without it all? The thought of starting over somewhere sounds exhausting & lonely.
But... as much as our friends feel like family, they are not. I recently took Liam to a school friend's birthday party, and I was nearly in tears watching this girl with all her cousins, aunts/uncles, & grandparents there to celebrate with her. My kids won't have that. There will be no family at Finn's party. And family is so so important to me; it's extremely difficult to live away. I know that Conor & I have always made the right decisions for our family, and that we have had many adventures in our time away. But I still ache to move back home, and that ache will always be there. We don't know how much longer we'll stay in Utah, or even when/if/where we will move. The uncertainty is tough on me. I'm a planner. I want our forever home, and I really want that before Liam starts 1st grade. So we have exactly 2 years to figure that out! Unfortunately, Conor & his job aren't necessarily on that same timeline.

Girl I hear you about being so far from family and missing them so much and the fact that our children won't grow up near their family and all the fun that goes along with that. It just plain sucks, but we are so happy in NC (like you are in Utah) and that's something special. Obviously you guys have made the right decision for your family and that's what is important. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, sounds like you live in a wonderful neighborhood! Ours is sort of a weird mix and not so kid friendly. I would love to find one like yours :)
ReplyDeleteFirst, your pics are perfect! White balance looks good to me! ;) And I totally understand what you are saying, 100%. I think everything will fall into place, it always does! Hang in there, mama!
ReplyDeleteI feel the exact same way.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if we ended up back in Kansas City someday(where Jim's family is- and mine used to be. My brother is still there) but I also wouldn't be surprised if we stay where we are and love it here too. It's so hard to be away from family though, and family trumps all. At least for us.
1. move to ca.
ReplyDelete2. bring those gorgeous trees with you.
I nodded my way through this whole post (minus the cherry trees - I wish we had those here).
ReplyDeleteMarcus and Julia are the only cousins to live so far away from the rest of the family. I am saddened every weekend when we facetime with ALL of the cousins together, playing at Grandma and Grandpas, and we are half a country away. It's sad.
I feel like we are in Dr. Seuss's "Oh the Places You'll Go" waiting place. We're just waiting for the call that we can finally, finally move back home. But, until then, I suppose we'll just enjoy the weather, and beaches, and ocean, and mountains, and Disney.
I agree with Erin. Move to CA. We can be your family :)
ReplyDeleteOh I feel for you! Being away from family must be very hard. But I have to say I am jealous of the neighborhood you live in. It sounds amazing to have so many families where your kids can just run out and play. And you can beat your beautiful surroundings!
ReplyDeleteSo time to talk the family into moving to Utah? It's a beautiful area from all your pictures for certain, and it is great that you have so many friends. But, not the same as close family.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos and gorgeous trees! While nothing in the world can replace family, I am glad that you have met friends that feel like family.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how tough it is to be away from your family but what a blessing it is to have such dear friends to surround you and support you in Utah! Such gorgeous pictures too! Xo, Stephanie
ReplyDeleteI grew up not being surrounded by my extended family, but I think it made our immediate family so much closer. We've been fortunate enough that all of our family is migrating to UT too so my kids might have a slightly different life, as long as we all stay put. I think there are pros and cons to each. I wish I could find a group of friends in UT that feel like family like what you have found. I have a handful but we're all scattered throughout the state or are at really different parts of our lives.
ReplyDeleteThis post really resonated with me...because it was basically my life! We lived in Salt Lake City for about 7 years (married, first house, first kid) before finally moving closer to home/family last summer. Now that we're in KC I find myself missing things about Utah and our friends there (as it has been hard to make friends here!) but being close to family really has been a huge blessing. I still miss Utah though...so I'll just keep stalking your blog to get my fix ;)
ReplyDelete