Family, Friends, Goodbyes, Oh-my!

ATX Adios

On our US tour we were so fortunate to see so many people!

The goodbyes started in that place we will always call home, Austin, TX. Friends we hadn’t seen in way too long were able to gather and it was a grand send off. Thanks to each of you who helped but especially to Lupe (who housed us and let us use your car to finish our endless chores and runs to REI) and to Brad (for storing our precious pinball machines)!

My coworkers also gave me a sweet going away. Potluck lunches, happy hours, and memories never to be forgotten! Lots to be thankful for and I’m not sure I will ever work with peers I respect so much.

I regret not taking more photos but I'm thankful for what I did get! Thanks to my friends Cat and Erica for remembering to take pictures!

Granbury and Dallas Goodbyes

Spent several days with my parents and sister's family in Granbury. My mom was so proud and introduced me to anyone who walked by as "her daughter that is traveling the world for two years." Sometimes that introduction was to people she knew and I am still not sure if some of those were greetings to total strangers, including all the sweet people at the mani/pedi place. She gave this announcement with both smiles and tears. She did good though, I know this isn't easy for everyone.

Mom and Jim have been fantastically supportive, picking us up in Austin and mailing stuff last minute for us as well as managing our mail while we are gone. This would be much harder without their help!

Then we headed to Dallas to see Brent's Dad and a few friends. It was great to hit a few of our favorite Dallas spots including Nova on our way out. Saying goodbye to Brent's dad was especially hard. I think saying goodbye to him represented a final goodbye to Texas. I will miss everyone but also know I'm going to be able to come back with some amazing stories!

Florida Farewells

Florida was our final family and friend farewell. Our friend Andy generously let us crash at his place our first and last nights in Florida. Our buddy Bryan just moved to Orlando from ATX and it was a great treat to see him before we left.

Next we went to Titusville and stayed with Aunt Sherry and Uncle Jeff. Great food, margaritas, and laughter were had here! What a great time. Uncle Jeff was so nice to take us out to the wildlife refuge for some gator spottin, bird watching, and beautiful butterflies! The next day we went to NASA where I totally nerded out on some outer space action.

Then on to Mimi's where we hit the ButterBean (yum, yum, yum!) and celebrated her 87th birthday! What great timing as her bday brought in all the family on my dad's side so I could see everyone in one stop. So glad to spend her birthday at her house.

Last we stopped at my cousin Brook and Bryan's house. THank you for hosting a gathering for us! Here I was able to see my mom's side of the family. What a great relaxing day with good food, beer, and the final round of Q and A's about our trip!

I'm certain I forgot someone in here I was supposed to thank BUT thank you all. I love you all. We'll see you soon and keep you posted on our adventures as we are able!