Saddest Day Ever!

Well we said goodbye to Justin, Bernice, Cade, Medora, and Ryder tonight at a final party at Bella's.  It was heart wrenching to say the least.  They are headed to Japan for 2 to 5 years for a job transfer.  The saddest part was watching my children.  It was almost worse than a funeral for them.  These kids are their best buds.  They are the same ages as Braxton and Daktoa.  Braxton has a taken a particular liking to Ryder the 2 year old and it breaks my heart to hear Brax say things like "Mom, when they get back Ryder wont even want to play with me like he does now" and as he puts Ry on his shoulders he says "One last ride little buddy."  Or when he is trying to sleep crying his eyes out he says "Mom, why do they have to go?"  It was very sad for both him and Dakota even in the days leading up to their departure.  Japan is a world away from here.  We reassured them that there is Facetime and e-mail and letters and many ways to keep in touch, but in their heads all this is is Goodbye.

The worst part was when we left the restaurant and Braxton puked everywhere.  He had swallowed so much snot, it was disgusting!  Shane said that his mom called last night and had done the same thing as she left the airport, pretty emotional day for everyone.  We love them very much and will miss them tons, but know that this is where the Lord wants them to be for a short while.

Katie, Medora, Shannon, and the newest Weston--Tanner (2 weeks old)

Alisha and Alan

Grandma Becky and Michael

Braxton and Ryder saying goodbye with Grandpa Russ

Grandpa Brent, Grandpa Farr and Justin 

Shane posted a message on Facebook that I want to put on here just to have in our book:

Today is the day.
Farewell to Justin and Bernice family.
-Off to Okinawa, Japan.
Justin and Bernice,
As you begin this new chapter in your life, we wish you well in your travels. We hope that you find all that you are in search of on your new journey. Life is funny how things work out, we all know that this has been something you guys have been wanting for quite some time, for whatever reason it has taken a while to get to this point, but it is finally here. I am a firm believer there is a reason for everything that happens in life, we hope that you guys take this opportunity and make the most of this adventure, learn as much as you can, see as much as you can, and do as much as you can in the SHORT time you will be there. My favorite quote is “the greater the sacrifice the greater the reward”, this is an amazing sacrifice that I have no doubt you will be greatly rewarded. Thanks for everything your family has done for all of us, you will be greatly missed.
-Good luck to you little family, we love you guys.