So, you've heard me lament on more than one occasion about the fact that our bests, the Edwardses, are packin' up and headin' south to Houston. We're now down to 10 days. 10 days -- gulp. I'm trying to hold it together, but when we went to their casa a couple of weeks ago and saw it like this, it made their leaving suddenly so much more real.
Selling off everything!
Everything.
This is how Porter feels about their departure.
Kaiser, meanwhile, wonders if we can purchase their stationary bike.
(Clearly he's in denial.)
Sunday night we invited our small group over for a going away dinner to honor Mark, Meaghan, and Austin. It had been way too long (as in, Kaiser's first birthday!) since we'd hosted a big group at our home, and we were really excited to have our friends over for some food and fun. There wasn't a theme to the party, per se, but I did try to add a little Texas flair by decorating our kitchen hutch. I printed off some Lone Star State photos that I found online and framed them in Dollar Tree frames that I'd spray painted black. I also used white spray paint and twine to transform some Ball jam jars that had been hanging out in our garage into makeshift vases. (I know I saw this idea on a blog at some point, but I'm not sure where!) Kristen was sweet enough to pick up some pretty flowers and came over early to cut and arrange them. Thanks so much for your help, Friend!
Finished display.
(Meag loved the pics and ended up taking them to decorate their new house!)
Most people arrived around 5:30 to 6:00. I had thrown together Texas caviar and cheesy spinach dip to eat with tortilla chips, and each couple brought a side or salad to share, as well. Everyone stayed busy chatting and munching, either out on the deck (the weather was humid, but bearable) or around the kitchen table, for the first hour or so.
Koen shared his chips with Kaiser at the picnic table.
Dave entertained Porter while he dined on his avocados and black beans inside.
Around 6:30, Brett grilled up some hamburgers and a couple of hot dogs for the kiddos. I got a chance to sit down and quickly down a burger, and it was delicious. Great job, Honey!
Mark took Porter duty while his momma ate.
(He only let him have a tiny sip of beer.) :)
(He only let him have a tiny sip of beer.) :)
Charmin' the crowd.
Harlow getting some love from our favorite pedi Megan.
While the adults were eating, Kaiser, Austin, Koen, and Tavin were busy having a ball in the yard. (Thanks for keeping a watchful eye on them, Amy and Doug!) Brett had set up the kiddie pool, slide, and water table, which provided plenty of entertainment for these cuties.
Too much fun!
Working together to fill a bucket.
Kaiser's lovin' life with his friends.
Not sure what kinds of mischief they were up to over by the fence.
Hanging with the big guys.
Soon Doug and Amy needed to leave so they could get their boys to bed back home. Before they said goodbye, we wrangled everyone for a pic. Aside from a couple of couples who couldn't make it to the party, here is our merry small group:
Love these folks!
After the Melders left and Porter was tucked in, we all gathered on the deck to have some time honoring Mark and Meaghan. Kristen and Dave had picked up two books (Pittsburgh: Then and Now for M & M, and a kids' book about Pennsylvania for Austin) which we all took some time to write in during the course of the evening.
Two of the coolest people we know.
Looking at the highschool yearbook-inspired notes.
We all went around and shared memories about our time with the Edwardses. We told them why we love and are so thankful for them, and the overwhelming consensus was that they are some of the most authentic, generous people we know. What a blessing they have been to each and every person in our circle of friends! (I'm not ashamed to say that I was a total wreck as everyone shared. Then, when I finally decided to speak, it got ugly -- not my words, but my face. We're talking running mascara, sobs, snot, the works. But Meag was proud of me for showing that, despite my best efforts at appearing to have it all together, I most certainly do not!) The bottom line is, our hearts hurt because our time with their family here in Pittsburgh is over, but we're so anxious to see what great things God has in store for them because they are following his call to move to Houston! And, of course, the great distance doesn't mean our friendships are over; we all look forward to visits to/from Mark, Meaghan, and Austin. We wrapped up by praying for the Lord's blessing over the three of them.
I should probably mention that during this entire time, Kaiser and Austin were still awake and playing in the backyard. Our boy had been changed from his swim gear into his pajamas, but I have no idea why we thought that was a good idea, as he decided to take yet another dip in the pool. When they got bored down there, the twosome came up to the center of our circle and did their best to distract us/provide comic relief by playing with ice, cups of water, etc. They did manage to quiet down enough so that we could pray without too much interruption. Thanks, Boys.
Super-soaked stinker.
After we finished, everyone slowly started collecting their things and heading out. I snapped a quick pic of this content girlie, who'd been sleeping on our bed, before they left.
Beautiful Kacia and Harlow.
Mark, Meaghan, and Austin were the last to leave. We'd let the buddies stay up because they were having so much fun, but it was nearing 10:00 and we were all getting worn out. Thankfully, this wasn't our last time to see them before they officially fly out, so goodbye wasn't too hard...yet.
Huggin' it out.
I have said it many times before, but we are so grateful for the friends whom God has placed in our lives here in Pittsburgh. I'm not sure we'd make it without them and their love and support. We're glad we were able to all come together to have fun and celebrate three of these incredible people. Our Thursday nights won't be the same without them!
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