Saying "See you Later!" to Boston

Last week, Ellie and I packed three large suitcases, said some good-byes and boarded a plane for Los Angeles. Nick and Mallie had already made this journey. For a while, I thought Ellie didn't understand it. That we were flying out to California for a vacation like all the other times. But, she knew something was up. Between Mallie not being at home and all the talk from teachers, parents, and friends at school...she knew it was different. But she was excited for California.

Her last two days at preschool I left our camera there and asked teachers to take photos of Ellie with friends, teachers, napping, and different activities. The pictures speak for themselves. Ellie really enjoyed going to her "Bright Horizons" school and teachers and friends loved having her there.

On Thursday, Aunt Susie, Ellie and I went out for a celebratory dinner in the North End. We also had gelato! Of course, before we got to the food and gelato...we stopped at the Old North Church. I figured Ellie needed to learn some history (we were with Aunt Susie) plus, the photo opportunity was there...

Of course, after pasta and gelato came time to say "see you later" to Aunt Susie. Ellie was a little upset that Susie wouldn't be a car ride away anymore, or that she wouldn't come to see her on the weekends. Well, I think Susie was a little sad about that too. And Nick and I are a little sad that we don't have free babysitting 10 minutes away...

As we waited for the cab to take us to the airport Ellie said, "see you later" to the house. She even gave it a big hug.

As much as we are going to miss things in Boston, we are super excited for this new chapter in our lives. Ellie is looking forward to playing with the baby carriage at my parent's house and eating tangerines at Grandma Dolly's house more often. She asked if she could feed the fishes at Grandma and Grandpa Van's house too. Nick and I are looking forward to career opportunities out here as well as not having to shovel snow.

So stay tuned, I'm sure there are going to be lots of fun adventures ahead!