A Carolina Goodbye.

When we moved to North Carolina, we were excited and for a fun adventure, and a great experience for our little family. Well, our fun adventure turned into an amazing (almost) 3 years, in which we absolutely fell in love with the people and the South. Our family grew from 3 to almost 5 (one month short). When we left, there were many tears, and although our business adventure was over, we weren't sure we wanted to be finished there; but Benson found a business to buy in Evergreen, NC, and so it was time to officially conclude this chapter of our lives. But it is a chapter that we will reread often.

A family picture of us shortly (about 6 months after arriving in NC)

Probably our last family picture in NC. Some major changes. A couple more kids and a few extra pounds=).

We were blessed to be a part of the Apex ward - which became a family away from family (The Apex ward and the Hope family). This ward had many amazing people and fun traditions. One such tradition, was a good bye party for a family that moves from the ward. The amazing Bethie Taylor offered to throw such a party for us and although we were very flattered, as we walked to their house that Sunday evening, we wondered what we'd do if nobody showed up! Luckily I knew that Bethie had assigned 10 families to bring food, so I knew at least a few would stop by. Well, as people trickled in, before we knew it the house was full, and Bethie said that she lost count after 220. Now, I don't claim credit for this sort of a turn out, I know that this is just a testimony of what an amazing place Apex is and how even more amazing the people are. Thanks Apex for 3 great years!

Bethie & Richie Taylor. The amazing hosts.

Some of my close friends: Jill, Mary Mike, Dawna & Suzanne.

Benson & buddies: Rob, Darrin & Seth Packham. And I can't believe there's not a picture of Aubrey in here. She is one of my all time favorites! The Packhams were our hang out buddies.


Trish Hope & Sessions. Two amazing families! Sessions- parents to Ashy's 3rd Carolian boyfriend, and Trish, one of my BFFs who also happened to also be my next door neighbor.

The Anna & Brent Johnson family. One of our first, dear friends we made. And their son Ben, was Ashy's 1st boyfriend=).

Ashy & another boyfriend, Owen. They also share the same Bday.

Talie and some good friends: Maddie Bleak and Sydney Isgett

Dallin and a buddy, Jake Passey.

The Greens. Benson worked with him in YMs. And Allison asked our family to be in the Apex Ward movie

Traci, Bernie & Ivy Porter. They lived up the road and I went to a Dave Matthews Band concert with her.

Greg & Allison Gibson. He and Zach help us move in and out of our house.

Clark & Kim Whitehead. Benson was their home teacher, and she was RS Pres.

Rob & Ginger Bennett. She was my early morning walking partner & dear friend. She was put in as RS pres., just as we were leaving - she'll be amazing!

Blater Family. Brian was our home teacher and Alicia came & helped me pack up my kitchen. Thanks Alicia!

Kinney Family. Peyton and Weston were only 6 weeks apart.

Debbie & Aarron Peart. Always hosting game nights at their place. And I VT Debbie.

Jill & Darrin Smith. We swapped kids for piano lessons.

The Del Bianco's. He was our Home Teacher.

The Benoit Family, with the new addition(#4).

Peyton enjoying the goodies along with everyone else.

Dawna. My good friend. Her house was the 1st home we ate dinner at. And one of our last fun activities in Carolina was at a beach house with their family.

My VT & friend Jamie Cannaday, Troy and two out of six of their kids.

More of the Sessions with adopted Grandma Bennett.

Suzanne & Kent Shoentrup. A fellow bunco buddy and Always through GREAT holiday parties.

Talie with some of her buddies: Madison Miller, Hailey Smith, Alex Bennett and Rex Taylor.

Hope's Hotel

Our last morning in Carolina was filled with ward members and friends helping squeeze every last possession we own into a U-Haul. Benson, Talie, Dallin, Ron, Scott, Bart, Hailey, and John Knight piled in the caravan of vehicles and pulled out about 12:30pm. Trish and I did one final walk through and locked the doors to our Carolina home. Then we went shopping, ordered Chinese and watched "The Break UP" at the Hope Hotel. This was Ashy's first sleepover with Abby. As you can tell, they had a blast!



Trish took Ashlynn, Peyton and Big 'Ol me to the airport to catch our plane to Denver. We made it to the airport and both burst into tears. I think my eyes were finally dry when I loaded the plane, but then I happened to find a book with a picture, letter, and poems that she had slipped into my carry on bag - what a mean trick! And it started all over again. So the crazy, way pregnant lady with two kids did make it, through the entire move and airplane ride, to Denver, without going into labor! Thank goodness for a Heavenly Father who watches over us and answers prayers!