Bon Voyage!

This weekend was sad, because it was the last weekend we got to spend with the Minnesota Clark Clan 1.0 before they made the big move to India.  We made sure to steal them every moment we could, so that Miley could enjoy all the time she had left with her cousins, and so we could hang out with them, since we won't get to see them for two whole years!

On Friday, we met at their hotel (they sold their house, and moved into a hotel for the week before they left) and went out to Famous Dave's for dinner.  The older two kids, Kayla and Collin, were out with friends, so we had a little bit smaller of a group, but had lots of fun.  I think Don and Cindy were savoring every bite of beef since that is going to be a hard find over in India!

On Saturday, we got to spend the evening with them celebrating Miley's birthday (see post below).  I am so glad that the timing worked out so we were able to do this.  Miley would have been devastated if she hadn't been able to have her cousins with her for her birthday (techincally, they won't be here for her real birthday, but she was so excited to have a little party with them beforehand!).

Since Sunday was Father's Day, we had them over for dinner, and I took on the dinner for everyone.  We had taco stackers, and I made an angel lush cake for dessert.  We spent the evening Skyping with some family members, for them to be able to say good-bye (and Don and Cameron were also very caught up watching the PGA).  It was fun to be able to celebrate Father's Day with them, but sad that it was their last night. 

I think they were all a little worn out after their long week of packing and saying goodbyes to friends!

Nathan didn't get too much of a break with Miley around though!

Cameron had to go with them and do some car duties that night, and had to say his good-byes since he had work the next day.  Fortunately, they didn't leave till about 11:00 am this morning, so I was able to take Miley and Landon over to their hotel and say good-bye.

We are so sad to see them go.  Cameron and I moved up here three and a half weeks after getting married, and they totally took us under their wing and have really taken care of us for the past four years.  We have done holidays, weekly dinners, road trips, birthdays, and double dates with them.  They have been there through three moves and two babies.  Don picked Cameron up for work every day when he worked at Target for two and a half years, and never expected anything in return.  I can't even count how many times they have baby-sat for us so we could go out, and can't even begin to calculate how much money that has saved us.  We have sat together in church every week for four years.  We have been to their kids baseball games, soccer games, musicals, dance recitals, and award ceremonies.  Miley would rather be with those kids than anyone (and that is including Cameron and me!).  I definitely feel a little empty with them gone. 

But, we are SOOO excited for them and their adventures.  They are going to get to travel to so many fun places, and it is going to be the experience of a lifetime.  It is probably going to be good for us, too, as we learn to do some new things on our own (anyone want to come for Thanksgiving this year, when I try to make my first turkey?!).  But we certainly hope these next two years go by quickly so they can be back here again!

Bon Voyage, Don, Cindy, Kayla, Collin, Nathan, and Ben!  We will miss you guys like crazy and are looking forward to our weekly Skype dates!