Five years!  That’s how long we have lived in the neighborhood. When we moved in, Avery and Emerson were not even three and Harper not even one!  In our cul-de-sac were a group of families that hung out a lot…and I mean a lot!  We were often included in the gatherings but our kids were the youngest of the bunch and initially the bunch had more boys than girls and as such we didn’t join in the gatherings as frequently as some of the others.  Some of the families we thought were lifers in the neighborhood and I would have ventured to say some of them (but not all) felt the same.  Of the five families that started getting together five years ago, as of tomorrow we will be the last remaining.  The Gladwells will now join the ever-growing list that also includes the Fosters, Younces, and Ferrarias as they venture on their next journey as a family.  Other families have come in to the neighborhood and the gatherings have now expanded far beyond the cul-de-sac.  Our kids are no longer the youngest and there are quite a few girls these days…as there are young boys as well.

The girls first friend, and one we thought would be a lifer, Meagan is moving tomorrow.  They will venture off to China where they will live for two years before likely returning to Colorado.  The Gladwells have been great neighbors, the kind who always have an open front door and a stream of kids flowing in and out.  They are generous and welcoming and will be missed. I know the girls will truly miss their first friend.  I hope they hold close to their hearts and cherish the memories they created from 2014 – 2019 in the Adams Hill cul-de-sac.

The early days….

Slightly older…

The final days….

And the final goodbye…officially Meagan’s 8th birthday!

Bon Voyage!!