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Day 1 of the new American adventure

Today was the first day of our trip across the country (technically yesterday was as it is 3am on day two, but I am hoping to fall back asleep and have day two really start at a more reasonable hour).  It seems like a fitting moment to restart the blog and share photos of this trip. 

Leaving Klamath has been very hard. It is a bittersweet experience in general, but this week has been more bitter than sweet. Over the last six years, Randal and I have developed spectacular friendships. We have aligned with so many community oriented people and worked together on so many projects. We have learned so much from the joy of kids to the loss of Stephanie to the weighty decision of when does family trump career and friendships. 

It is the right decision to move home, but it wasn’t an easy one. But, if I ever considered changing my mind, I certainly couldn’t now after Mom spent six weeks packing my house and is now embarking on this cross country journey with a 3 1/2 year old and an infant with me. We both miss our husbands terribly (who are experiencing their own cross country adventure, but a MUCH faster one... as in three days), but have several days before we are reunited. 

Our St Patrick’s Day started here - at Jeanette’s House with this adorable one. And ended in Reno where she kicks happily beside me currently. 






Saying goodbye to Jeanette - my dear friend, colleague, and informal therapist. 






Milo spent his final two nights at the Jespersens’, which was a huge help to us as we feverishly finished cleaning and finalizing details. We met him and the rest of the family at Kelsie’s house as she hosted a goodbye brunch. The food was delicious and scenery spectacular. Here, Christian pets the chickens.






And I begin the extraordinarily difficult goodbye of these women with whom I have shared so much professionally and personally. 











Annie said goodbye to Milo and three year olds don’t understand goodbyes like this, so I did all of the crying for them. These kids are best friends and have been since birth. I suppose it’s okay since their wedding is arranged and they will have their lives together we have determined,  but today sure was hard. 






We made it to Reno without a hitch- not making it very far east, but it was a good first start. We had dinner with Kristi, which was wonderful (and I am kicking myself for not taking a photo) and then checked in at the Grand Sierra Resort because casinos have beautiful rooms and affordable prices. 

Milo loves hotels and was happy to end the day by building pillow forts and jumping on the bed. His joy does help mitigate the sadness of leaving Klamath, but only just. 






Marian has finally dozed off again and I am hopeful for another few hours of sleep. (Never mind- she woke up again.)

A new adventure awaits, but today, I will allow myself to look back on the old one. It was incredible. Thank you, Klamath. 


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