I'm only 3 months late in posting this, I'll back date it to July even though today is actually October 19, 2024. Our summer was filled with the preparation of Olivia's departure. Honestly, the whole last semester of her senior year was filled with thoughts of picking a family, getting to know the family, getting the necessary legal documents and especially the visa. By the time I got back from taking her to Germany, school had started and the summer was over. Wow! She is gone but we had a lot of fun getting her there.
This blog post is filled with pictures of gatherings and good-byes. She had special lunch dates, coffee dates, surprise visitors and a farewell party. Our girl is loved by so many. It's so fun to watch her thrive in her element but also know that this new journey is going to be life changing.
July 24th
Here we go...Germany Bound
Lunch date with Oma
Liv loves Bella and Luna
I had a fun night with Liv, Michelle and Caitlyn making bracelets.
Liv and Kayla became BFFs at age 2.
Never ending Playdates, Sleepovers, Picnics,
Walking to school, Fights, Laughs, Dances,
Parties, Justin Bieber Fever
It's been fun to see the girls reconnect this past year.
Olivia spent every other weekend for 6-7 years volunteering in the kids area of our church. On her last Sunday I was suddenly very emotional. Just one more step closer to our girl leaving home. Don't get me wrong, I am so excited for her and also just a bit sad that this chapter is closing.
The fam minus a sleeping Willow
These two are so similar. Right now the 7 year span between Em and Liv seems big. But as a mom, I see who they are, two very beautiful spirits right here.
Everyone needs wonderful neighbors!
Josh and Rosie are the best
Our adopted Emma
Addison and Liv met each other at church in the very early years
Another life long friend.
These ladies have been incredibly supportive and wonderful mentors for Olivia over the last couple years. What a blessing to have women who are willing to pour into the lives of our children
Aw Po had to get in the picture too
Big sister love
Liv just might be Auntie Holly's mini-me
Crystal and Liv can talk show choir all day long!
***Hmm, this picture got deleted and now I can't find it. I will add it later***
As I go through these pictures I realize how many of these kids have been friends for many years. Is that normal? Morgan and Liv met each other in church and then also went to the same schools. Grace and Liv met in elementary school and remained friends through out their school years. Grace ended up going to youth group with Liv. So cool.
Liv's besties and their parents
Riffles, Raabes, McAllisters, Prows
Shayla getting Facetimed in :)
One more family meal at an iconic Omaha restaurant
If you are a burger fan you gotta go to Stella's!!
Riss, another adopted daughter
Joe, the best brother she has ever had.
We are so proud of our girl!
Caitlyn and Michelle met us at the airport bright and early the day we left Omaha. Best friends who are all ready to leave the nest and do exciting things. Caitlyn off to UNL in Nebraska, Michelle to BYU in Utah and Liv headed to Germany. Their lives will change greatly over the next year. When Liv gets home in 11 months, 2 weeks and a few days they will finally have a chance to reconnect. Looking forward to the growth each of these friends experience.
We are proud of our baby girl and can't wait to watch her journey over the next year in Germany! This will be an incredible adventure for Liv but also for us. As our children grow and leave, we too must learn to live without them under our 24-hour care. You got this Girl!!!
Love you forever and ever, Mom
There are two times when parenting is very difficult. When the baby first arrives at home, and when the adult first leaves home.
