Do you remember “Children’s Day”? The holiday. The one that kids made up — I think — because they thought they could trick parents into giving them more gifts. Children’s Day. Geniuses. Maybe it’s actually a real thing?
It definitely wasn’t something we celebrated growing up, but there was one Children’s Day when we did. My parents had a surprise for us, and the timing just worked out. So when I think about this surprise, I think about the random holiday: Children’s Day.
Is anyone even following me? Because I’m not really following myself.
So this surprise. My sisters and I were each handed an envelope. Inside each envelope was a puzzle piece.
My older sister opened her envelope first. The state of California. Easy. We’re going to California?!
Kaitlyn opened her envelope next — an airplane puzzle piece. Oh GOOD. We are not driving from Wisconsin to California…..
My turn: a puzzle piece with Mickey Mouse.
My response: we are going to see…. a mouse???? Why???
Ha, guess I wasn’t the quickest in the bunch, but my parents still let me tag along to Disneyland. ;) I got the sweetest straw hat that I wore everywhere. I should probably dig up old photos…. or I probably shouldn’t.
You know when you avoid someone because you know about the surprise birthday being thrown for them and it’s easier to avoid them than see them and not spill the beans? Well, that’s kind of been me and the blog lately. Whoops about this unplanned hiatus. It was well, unplanned.
Life has been a wee bit crazy as of late, and when I sat down to write things, I would just stare at the screen instead because, well, I’m awful at keeping surprises quiet.
So here are your three clues:
the ocean.
the T.
and
some so so much ridiculous amounts of snow.
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we are moving to Boston.
….innnn about 3 weeks. ohmygoodness that makes me nauseous because I need about 6 more. It’s been a chaotic whirlwind of cleaning and packing and purging and showing and flying and cleaning and finding apartments and selling the house and being excited and crying every day because
every emotion.
Pittsburgh is where I met Andy. It’s become a home for me. (Now I’m typing this through tears.) Pittsburgh is where my babies have been born, and it’s where some of my dearest friends reside. It’s home to our first apartment and first house. It’s a place I adore like a friend — I used to get so lost, and now it’s a place I am so comfortable in.
Comfortable. We all crave it, don’t we? This whole move-to-a-city-I-have-visited-once thing (and happens to still be buried under way too much snow) is not comfortable. If I’m honest with you all, I cry at least once a day. Sometimes it’s from sheer exhaustion and sometimes it’s so many emotions I’m not sure if they are happy or sad.
I’m excited. I’m scared. I’m nervous.
I am not really ready, but I’m ready to keep moving forward on this crazy adventure with Andy – whatever that means. I am so proud of him and the position that is bringing us to Boston. I am thankful for the forced change that comes from interrupting ruts and habits of every day life and freedom that comes from purging and giving away.
I am completely a fake adult, and I keep waiting for someone to say, “gotcha! Great job playing dress up, I’ll take it from here!” but that isn’t happening, and I’m excited for the calm after the chaos for Harlow and Jones.
There’s so much more to share and say — I’d love to say, “that’ll come this week!” But in between the packing and details, I know these last weeks will be full of PEOPLE. <– I need and want that. I’m really great at pushing people away when I need them most, so just tell me to stop being dumb. ;)
thanks for being excited with us! If you are local, expect hugs and tears. I plan on wearing waterproof mascara from here on out because I have a feeling I’ll need it.
xo
and if Boston could just please melt all the snow before we get there, that would be great.
You guys will love Boston! It’s beautiful; so easy to hit the beach for a day or the local farm/orchard for some fun outdoors. And the city is amazing!! Could probably go without the snow but the rest of it is fabulous ;) good luck moving!
I know EXACTLY how you feel. My husband got a promotion (super proud of that guy) and we are moving right outside of D.C. in two weeks. I have lived in IA my whole life! The only time I’ve been to my new home was to find a new house! ???? I share all of your emotions and I’m trusting God has BIG plans for us there. And for you in Boston! I’m excited to hear and see how your new adventure plays out. Many blessings to you and your family!
Oh, what big news! I’m happy for you. Changes can be scaring, but also adventurous. I was an aupair in Boston for a year and went back to the city several times since I left in 2008 . Its wonderful there. The summers definitely make up for the snow! I wish you all the best! Luisa (Germany)
I’m hoping the snow will melt, but it’s only 19 degrees here in Boston today. This has been the snowiest winter ever in Boston. Hopefully, you’ll be bringing warm weather with you, along with your adorable children! Welcome! Mary in Boston…..
You are going to love Boston! We lived there for four years when Michael was going to Berklee college of music. I was a nanny while living there. So many great things to do with kids! Full Moon restaurant in Cambridge is a must. Great food for adults and has a big play area for the kids. Best key like pie ever! Good luck with the big move.
Moving can be such an emotional and exciting time! Boston is a wonderful place, even when it is buried in snow! Around where in the city will you be? I’m just north of the city and would love to welcome you with a coffee date once you arrive!
You got this. Those kiddos are so cute that if you sit on a park bench you’ll make 100 new friends in an hour ;)
HA! for some reason i read this as “Spit on a park bench” ….and I couldnt’ figure out why you thought I’d be spitting my way through Boston. HA! Thank you!! you are so sweet :)
AWE:( I am totally gonna Miss seeing your family and Harlow’s BIG smile every sunday!:)
You’ll have to make visits to PGH! And you got this your kids will do GREAT! Did you find a place?? Is that why you took a visit to Bosten?
I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GONNA MISS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY:((((((((((
BUT………….. YOU GOT THIS!
Faith
we LOVE you and your sister!!! We promise to visit :) we are going to MISS YOU!
HOLY CRAP!!!!!!! Kacia!!!! This just made my day!!!!! You will love Boston and Boston will love you. We need to talk more…
Oh friend, I’m so happy for you! I’ll be praying for you and that you all have a smooth transition. And I totally get it, we’re moving in 6 months, destination still unknown and I’m already stressed but looking forward to new adventure! ;)
that is so exciting!! I lived in Boston my whole life until a year ago, and I miss it all the time. I hope you have an easy move!
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!! The “childrens day” idea is so neat. Praying for a smooth and somewhat painless transition to your new home :)
So Happy for all of you and I will miss you and praying that Boston will be a good place!!!
You’ll do great! I had similar feelings when we left Virginia… it’s where we started everything… had babies, bought houses, became a couple (that was reverse order, btw!)…. we’ve been in PGH almost four years now and have many other first. We know have a PGH baby and it’s so weird knowing she’s different than all the rest. But you’ll make new memories in Boston and will make new friends and LOVE it too…. you got this girl!
We JUST moved to Boston too! I’ll be your friend! There are a bunch of great churches here and lots to do (so far) with our son. And the snow is totally melting. You’ll be fiiiiiiine. The natives seem polite but super reserved so I think it takes time to break in, but still YAY. Think how excited the entire city will be for spring! xo
no way! from where did you move??
We just moved from living in NYC six years!
Hi Kacia, what great news! I live in Cambridge, and if you’d like to email back in forth or meet in person, I’d love to help you out with the area! I have a 6.5 month old girl in case Jones wants a little friend :) I grew up in the south and moved here after college, and honestly, I think we’ll stay here- my husband and I love the area so much. Anyway, feel free to reach out to me. I’ve been here for a number of years now and am very familiar with the area and the resources available for moms and children! Welcome!! :)
I was SECRETLY hoping that you were going to say Baltimore when you said Boston. In fact…I even read it as Baltimore when I saw Boston. :) I say this because I am moving too…in three weeks. I’m feeling the same way you are…to the T. I’ve lived in KC all my life, this is where we bought our first house, this is where we brought our kiddo home, this is where all my friends/family live, etc. So secretly, I was hoping to have a new friend on our new journey. :)
Congratulations!!! What an exciting move. Honestly, I’d rather move fast than slow because it makes it less painful. I’ve done it both ways a few times each and the quicker, the better, One time our move across the country took months and my friends were SO sad and I was too and it was torture. The minute we drove away though, it was just exciting and a new adventure. You’ll be having a blast exploring Boston before you know it!! It’s a city I’ve never visited but it’s on my list. Good Luck!!!