So this is the big week.

Obviously, I haven't been a very good blogger since last fall. I have no one to blame for that but the Coast Guard. :)

That being said, we're down to the wire now. The recital has come and gone (I posted video links and pictures earlier), we've laughed and cried through our Goodbye BBQ, suitcases are packed, little things here and there are being loaded into the cars, stuff is coming off the walls. The movers will be here in two days and our phone/internet/directv will be shut off after tomorrow. The last day of school for the kids is Friday. One last birthday party on Saturday, and Sunday we're off.

I can't believe this is it. I know I complain about the cold and the snow. I complain about the blackflies. I complain about being so far from home and missing out on so much. But deep down, I love Maine. This is the 2nd time we've left it and the 2nd time it has nearly broken my heart. I'll miss the girls' school. I'll miss the girls' dance studio. I'll miss our house. I'll miss my flowers. I'll miss our wonderful friends. I've been fighting back tears since yesterday night after everyone left. I hate goodbyes. And I hate starting over.

Still, there is something exciting about starting over again. New schools, new areas to explore, a new (much much bigger!) house. And the time we'll get to spend back home in Kansas this summer, even Andy, is going to be more than worth it. I'm just sad. I can't help it. Buffalo is going to be great, I'm sure, but I doubt it'll ever hold a place in my heart the way Maine has.