Pinch me, because I can’t believe this is actually happening. We’re moving to Ireland. Today. What the WHAT?!

It’s pretty surreal that in a few hours I will actually be getting on a plane with our two children and going “home” to a house I’ve never seen before. Our “Grand Adventure” (as I’ve taken to calling this move) has been a long time in coming so I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. Nothing can prepare you, though, for something like this finally happening when it’s actually time to pack up and head out.

When we first found out about our potential move to Ireland 10 months ago I was excited, then nervous, then scared, then at peace with the whole thing. Now I’m at the point where I’m ready to be done with all of the planning and just be there already. We’ve been so BUSY for the last month that I’ve hardly had time to catch my breath, let alone get all emotional about the move (Do you know what kind of paperwork is required to move a family internationally? It’a NUTS! Now I see why all of the Mexicans just walk through the desert when they want to move…Good thinking, amigos.).

Now that I’m taking five minutes to sit down and write this all out, though, I’m realizing that I do have some thoughts that have been hanging in the back of my mind. Like, how I’m really going to miss this place and these people.

This is the house that we brought both of our babies home to after they were born, the place where our family became a family. I decorated the nursery when my belly was out to HEEEEEEERE. My husband hand-laid our wood floors with his dad. We installed the most ridiculous set of closet organizers and shelves that you will ever see in a house (that’s what you get when two Type-A’s shack up together). I’m going to miss all of that.

I’m going to miss Seattle–especially since we are literally moving during the first (unofficial) week of Seattle-Summer (FYI: In the Northwest, Summer starts the day after Independence Day). I’d say that I’m going to miss the rainy days, the greenery and the blue water–but, actually, I’ll have more rainy days, more greenery and more water when I move to the (damp) island of Ireland. I will miss the rush-hour-at-all-hours I-5 traffic, the legalized pot distribution center down the street from our house, and the CONVERGENCE ZONE (OK, so I won’t actually miss any of those things. Stay classy, Seattle.). No, I really do love Seattle and all of it’s unique and quirky traits. I will miss it dearly.

But, most importantly, I will miss the people. Our family and our friends who are like family. We live out our lives with the people we love, and it will be very hard to leave them. I know that we will meet new people and make new friends in our new home–but it’s never quite the same. So, to those of you who know us well, know that you will be missed (and there will always be room for you in our house if you want to come visit!).

I know this will be one exciting ride and I can’t wait to see where it takes us. Goodbye, Seattle. Goodbye, friends. Goodbye, USA.

Hello, Grand Adventure.