Goodbye #2701 Orchard

Its been about almost a week since we returned home from our annual summer trip to Grandma Mary & Pa Lynn's house in Pennsylvania.  This year's trip was a little different than normal as it was our last one to say in their house at 2701 Orchard Avenue.  They are in the process of relocating/retiring so they sold their home to make it easy for them to leave for Delaware whenever they are ready.

For now, they will still be in the same town so we didn't have to say our official goodbyes to the town...yet!  Saying goodbye to the house itself turned out to be much more emotional for the boys & I than I had anticipated.

This isn't the home that I grew up in, but it has been where my parents have lived since I was in college.  It is the only home that the boys know to think of when they think of Grandma & Papa.  Its where we have had our family pictures taken for the last five summers.  Its where my parents first met Jon.  Its where Jon & I returned to after being engaged (he proposed while we were home visiting my parents for Thanksgiving).  Its where my kids have gone to "Grandma & Grandpa Camp" every summer.  Its where they have destroyed my dad's flowers with a baseball bat.  Its where they have climbed trees, played catch and taken hundreds of baths.

This is the house where Andrew (at 18 months) danced around in a diaper and snow boots while we laughed hysterically.

This is the house where Aaron celebrated his first birthday.

This is where my babies (Caleb this time) have bathed in the kitchen sink.

This is the house where James has created countless treasures out of Grandma's trash.

This is the house where we showered my baby sister as we anticipated Harvey's pending arrival.

This is the house where we've celebrated Christmas, Easter and countless birthdays.

This is the house where I have left my babies in my parent's care while Jon & I have gone on much-needed vacations alone.

This is the house where we've spent time with cousins, run through the sprinkler, sat on the front porch and eaten countless meals.

There are so many memories here.  So many good memories.  The tears flowed for my boys at having to say goodbye to this house.  This house holds treasured times for them, love and so much joy.  This is a home away from home.

What I already know and what my boys are only discovering is that you don't leave those things behind when you move.  You take them with you. And in the midst of sadness, there is always room for a little silliness and joy.

I'm grateful for all the memories we created at #2701 and looking forward to building new ones at the next place.