Childhood Home

Saturday I will step foot in my childhood home for what, more than likely, will be the last time. My parents have sold their house and will be moving on to greener pastures (i.e. Candler, NC!) And while I'm eternally excited to have them closer to us, I have to admit a little sadness has crept in.

I haven't lived full time in that house for 12 years. It was a gradual adjustment. When I went to college, half of my stuff remained in the house and half went with me. Then I got my first apartment and it seemed like it was more of a 75-25% split. And then you buy your first house and pretty much all that stays in your childhood room is mementos. As Dillon and I have progressed in our married life and family, it seems like we don't even visit as much. We are lucky to get to Virginia once a month to visit family, sometimes not even that.

But, the home was still there. Waiting with open arms to welcome me back. I've run up and down the stairs in that home no less than a million times. We've put up Christmas trees, sat on the back porch drinking coffee and had uncountable home cooked meals in the kitchen. I've run in the back yard, had sleepovers, gotten ready for prom, packed for college, planned my wedding menu and waddled through that house pregnant. The house has seen my life.

I remember walking through the house when they were building it. The studs in the wall visible, my mom holding my hand walking up the unfinished stairs. I remember the ride from Bluefield with two wailing cats, one which broke free during the hour long trip. We ate Subway sandwiches off of boxes the day we moved in and I slept in between my mom and dad the first night on a bedroom suit they purchased just for me because our belongings hadn't been delivered yet. To my 6 year old self, the house seemed huge. I felt like we were rich. The house sits empty now and it's vastness returns. I feel little again.

As my mom said, though, what made the house a home is the memories and us. We will continue to make happy memories for our family and children only in a new location.

To mom and dad - I know this hasn't been easy for you. This has been your home for almost 25 years and uprooting everything you know isn't an easy (or pleasurable!) experience. But - enjoy your extended vacation and your new home in November. Dillon, Luke and I are so excited to have you here and to be with you on your new adventure!

The house when we first bought it.

First Christmas there.

Oh yeah...

Blizzard of '93

Why our pictures were always in the living room or on the front stoop is beyond me!

Graduation

One of many Easter pics.

Luke's first visit home.

The Color Run

I "ran" my first 5K yesterday. In all reality, it was a saunter, a stroll, but still fun and enjoyable!

A few months ago, Dillon's mom had asked if I'd like to run the Color Run with her and Kenzie. I knew it would be fun so I said "sign me up!" Everyone arrived late Friday evening and we enjoyed the company out on our screened in porch. We all stayed up late talking about this and that, even though we knew we had to be up early Saturday morning.

Saturday morning came and we all got dressed and ready. We were out the door by 7:15 and when we arrived the music was pumping and people were all excited. We got our packets, pinned our numbers on and began our "run." It was great fun to run through the color stations, everyone was happy and I think some of the volunteers were a little too happy to pelt people in the face with the colored powder.

After the run, we came back to the house and got ready for lunch. It took several sprays with the garden hose and scrubbings in the shower to remove all the color (I think I even had glitter in my ears this morning). We enjoyed lunch at 9 Mile and then traveled out to the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River. We walked around the grounds and enjoyed the outside bar while Luke was able to run free on their grassy areas. We returned home and grilled out some yummy food and enjoyed the company even more.

This morning we went to Sunny Point, one of our local favorites and ate until we could eat no more. Then we walked around downtown for awhile and went to some of our favorite stores. I more or less limped everywhere, because even though we didn't really run that 5K, I'm super out of shape and my body hates me today for attempting exercise.

It was a great weekend for sure, one that we all enjoyed (I hope! I at least speak for Dillon, Luke and myself!) And now it's back to the grind tomorrow. My parents close on their house this week and will be staying with us for a few weeks until their grand 2 month beach trip! Busy times, for sure, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Luke and I after the run. It was too loud for him and he didn't really enjoy it.

Luke and Dillon say "Number 1!"

We made a pit stop for ice cream...

Running free, everywhere.

This water fountain was very forceful. Luke figured it out and decided he wanted to play in the water.

The pretty garden at Sunny Point this morning.

... And tonight. Luke is still laying on the couch like this with little Lola as his protector. Looks like he's skipping dinner and heading straight to bed. Tuckered little fella.