Our house is full of boxes and the holes in the walls have been painted over.  It is reminding me of the first time Robin and I walked into this house to look at it when we were thinking of buying.  I could never have known then how this house would transform into our home and welcome our first child as well as so many other great memories.

Now there are just a few more days in this house.  I have loved this house.  It is so peaceful.  It has high ceilings and although it is a small house, it feels big.  The back yard has a giant Ash tree that gives shade at just the right time of day to cool off the entire house.  A swing I finagled together swings awkwardly from the tree.  A stone patio/fire-pit sits in one of the corners of the yard, a place where we had many great late-night discussions and smor’s.  On the side of the house is where our barbecue sits, and it reminds me of all the dinners we’ve had with so many amazing people over the last two years.  Our T.V. that remains black these days, reminds me of all the great get togethers we had where we played the Wii with our friends and laughed till our sides hurt.  The tiny kitchen where Robin and I burnt many meals, only to have them be cold by the time we got them to the table.  The light fixture above the kitchen table, which is this sort of stained glass thing which I absolutely love because it reminds me of an old church.  I will take this light when we sell the place… for sure.

The house has treated us so well for so long.  It has been safe, relaxing, forgiving, comforting, and very welcoming.  It will be missed.

But as I have said many times, we are ready to leave.  Just a bit more packing, some cleaning, and we’re out of here on Tuesday, the 12th.  Now that it is so close, the giddiness of leaving is slowly fading, replaced by the reality of departure and the shock of leaving friends.  We have a going away part on Sunday, and I know it’s going to be one of the best and hardest parties we’ve ever had.

Portland… here we come.  Please welcome us with open arms, give us that much.