Rollercoaster

These were our last pics we took as a family of five!

It was a roller coaster of a day.  I was terribly uncomfortable (what pregnant mom isn't at this point), and with the high levels of stress we'd been balancing, had really hoped I'd be in labor so that I'd have more time to recover before we moved.  

Because of all the contractions, we really couldn't plan anything "big" on the fourth.  After picking up some fireworks to light, and making a run to our favorite grocery store (HyVee), we enjoyed the sunshine and simplicity of the day. 

Sitting in the backyard as the evening approached, I remember just having tears as I looked at our home for the past two years.  I wasn't ready or interested in leaving it, and listening to the kids run around and around the playlet just brought tears to my eyes (even looking at this photo my eyes swell with tears of fond memories).  

At the time, Max was in love with football and baseball in the backyard.  We had the space to enjoy both (reasonably well), and it was such a fun evening tradition.  Hot and humid, the welcome shade from the trees we had planted was just wonderful.

I don't know if we will ever experience fireworks like we did in Omaha.  No need to travel anywhere for a show, as the show surrounds us in every direction (and actually carries on for many nights prior!).  Spectacular would be an understatement!  Watching the kiddos full of excitement and light was a gentle reminder that we will have happiness anywhere we choose.  That we will make wonderful memories where we choose.  And that we will have fond experiences to look back on.