Our Good-Byes

Our last days were filled with many good-byes, hugs, tears, BBQ's, and fun. In the last few months we really made some good friends and it was awfully hard to say good-bye. One of the hardest good-byes for the kids were to say to our neighbors.

Christopher (the boy in the football kit) was one of Ian's closest friends and was at our house almost every day. We will miss him and his family. Isabella and Alfie were the neighbors on the other side of our wall and we absolutely adored them.

The Morgan's who lived on the other side of us were the best! Ashling, became my "Ireland sister" and was a great listener and friend. We had fun with the kids and had many play dates over lots of coffee. I will miss their family immensely. They were always there to lend a helping hand and Ashling happened to be a hairdresser as well. So once a month Ashling would come to our house to cut Cam's hair and occasionally mine. It was such a huge blessing.

The girls got along well and would often talk with each other through a gap in the fence almost every day. I will miss seeing their little eyes peeking through the fence and giggling.

These are friends from Knockbreda Primary School. We made friends with some of the families through the school that the kids went to. We had a great BBQ on the last week we were there and lots of fun.

Another family we got to know also made a huge move the week before we did. They headed to Australia to start new jobs. Avery and Luca were in the same class and became friends.

Christian and Elise became fast friends as Libby, their mummy brought us to a Friday playgroup for the year. I will miss Libby and our times at the playgroup. It was great to have a friend who was also making a big move the same time we were. It was great moral support.

Dierdre was another friend whom we loved to spend time with. Dierdre worked with Cam at St. Louise's and our kids absolutely loved her. We will always remember our fun Wii games, canoing in the back garden, BBQs, having Thanksgiving dinner with her, and the yummy meals.

Christopher and Ian on the last day before the cab came to pick us up to take us to the bus station. Ian and Chris would often be seen together playing rugby, football, running races, getting balls out of trees, etc. Gabe and Avery would often join in also.

That was a hard day! Tears all around.

I don't know what I would have done without Julie! She was a godsend! Whenever I had a question or needed something she was there to lend a helping hand. We were so blessed to have Julie's neighborly help and guidance as we navigated a new culture. Thank you Julie for giving so much of your time and friendship to us. You always went above and beyond to help.

Lauren also helped us out with the babysitting or "child minding". It was so great to have her so close. We will miss you, Patrick, Julie, Lauren, and Chris.