{goodbye}

The time has come.....to say goodbye! Wow...I can't believe that 3 years has come to an end. So many wonderful memories to reflect back on. So many in fact, that it got me thinking---what is it, that we will miss the most about our lovely corn country state: that is Iowa?? Could it be the downtown Farmer's Market? Or perhaps the Iowa State Fair? (Those fried Twinkies and fried Snicker's bars are truly something, that must be tried once.) And then never again! I have to give a shout out to the annual butter cow sculpture that is made each year and put on display (what a site to behold) I must admit, I am a bit partial to the Pella Tulip Festival (mainly for the Dutch food.)

The many days spent at Raccoon River park, Jordan Creek mall, or our trips to QT gas station to get our Diet Cokes and bug juice for Hunter. Sunday drives to Holmes Honda dealership, were also a family tradition. (That would be Steve's idea of a good time, so we went along for the ride.) The pumpkin patch and hayrides were definitely a favorite of mine as well. Swimming at the Aquatic Center with the boys was so much fun too (minus the subsquent sunburns that followed.)

But, one of my absolute favorite traditions, was taking the boys trick-or-treating at Night Eyes for Halloween. So many fun memories to reflect back on. Maybe it will be the corn that will be missed the most. Mmm....that mouthwatering, delicious Iowa sweet corn will definitely be missed.

I can't leave without acknowledging the humidity, or the below freezing temperatures, severe weather, lightening storms, flooding, and a personal favorite of mine over the years, has been those super cool tornado sirens that go off in the middle of the night-- and completely freak you out. "Taking cover" in your closet is always good times for the whole family! Umm...that will more than likely not be missed.

Although a lot of these memories have been very memorable and lots of fun--- what will be missed the most here in Iowa is our amazing......

friends.

The Girls
{Don't feel left out if you aren't pictured here! I have made so many wonderful friends over these past years, and please know you all have had a huge impact on my life!}



And then there are.....

The Guys

And of course, I can't leave out the......

The kids

Thank you! From the bottom of my heart.... for all of the love and kindness you have shown our family. Sunday dinners with friends, play dates at the park, game nights, celebrating holidays together, trips to the zoo, science center, Utes games, movie nights, pizza nights---the list could literally go on and on! I have learned so much from each and every one of you, and in very different ways I must say. I have been surrounded by such inspiring, talented, beautiful, generous, and uplifting friends over these past 3 years. And can only say, that you have inspired me to be a better person because of it. So, thank you for being our families away from "home." Know that you had a great impact on each of our lives, and you will be greatly missed by the Morris Clan.

PS: T-minus 5 days until the boys and I make the drive back to Utah. Obviously I have a lot to do from now until then....so wish me luck. And.... that I don't lose my mind. (It could happen!)

So until then.......