Every now and then I get to see my friend, Julie, who I know from Denver. We've been friends for over 5 years and we had babies 6 weeks apart. Julie and her family have since lived in 2 different states, but fortunately, we now live very close to where Julie's parents live and even more fortunate for us, Julie's family was gracious enough to share her and Leila with us for a day this month! Leila and Holly got along so great and I love adding to the collection of photos I have of those two. We had such a great day and I'm so grateful for friends who last.

Holly's tall enough to ride the roller coaster all by herself! And brave enough to ride it on her own too!

My dear friend Julie and her daughter Leila were in California and we were able to spend two days with them (one of the days we went to them in Hollister but I didn't take any photos of the kiddos)! We loved having them over and Holly and Leila played so well together. Greta loved trying to keep up with the big girls. Come back soon Julie!

I really wanted to throw a shindig with nanaimo bars and chocolate puffed wheat squares. I even bought tacky paper plates, etc for it. But it wasn't meant to be. Maybe next summer? Hopefully.

Special thanks to Nana for decking the girls out! We love you!

This is my reality. We have a long to-do list and lots of boxes that still need to be packed. And then I have to unpack everything on the other end.

This reality is so much cuter. Greta gets chubbier and chubbier every day. She is in or ending a growth spurt and is notably heavier and longer. She's so chatty and sweet and smiley. I could eat her.

Denver isn't my forever place, but I'm still so sad to be leaving. As I was rocking Greta to sleep, I looked around and realized how much I have loved having my own space. I love the paint colors. I love our wood floors. I love the amount of storage space we have here. I love playing in the pool with Holly. I really do like my kitchen. I love our big windows. I had so many dreams for this little place of ours. SO many. Honestly, my mind is brimming with all the DIYs, etc that I had planned for decor. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. And I'm choked. 

I randomly cry. Luckily my friend who I've cried in front of twice (I feel safe around her - she's the best) has been understanding and kind. I love the freshness of Denver. I love the mountains to the west. I love the blue sky that streches so big. I love the thunderstorms. I love the rain. I love the sudden snowstorms. I love how Denver and its citizens daily inspire and remind me to love the outdoors and be active. I love the easy culture. I love the acceptance I've found here. 

Both my daughters were born here. Conor and my relationship changed here into something it could've never become had we stayed in Calgary. We're different. I've learned so much about myself while living here. I'm going to miss it. I'm going to miss my friends here and Holly's friends. She can say the names (or a variation) of her closest friends and I love it. I know I'll make new friends in California and it'll be fine, but some of our friends here we've been friends with from the beginning. Hopefully I can maintain those relationships. Our door is always open dear Denver friends.

Thanks everyone for your support about our big news! It's starting to sink in that we're leaving Denver, probably forever and Conor and I are both feeling pretty sad. It's the only home our daughters have ever known!

Even though I don't think we'll be using this $30 pool all summer long, it's still been an awesome buy! Holly loves it. And so do I! It keeps her nicely occupied, plus, it's been so hot here in Denver (92°F on Sunday, did I mention we have no A/C?) that I will take a dip and play with her. Heaven forbid I get out to make supper or something. Just yesterday I was able to convince her that the slide was fun (but I still had to hold her hand). I love my little water girl!