Road Trip 2014- Part Three

We had one more stop before returning home...and it was a good one.  Everyone in our entire family was sooooo excited, and it was the perfect ending for our big road trip.  After leaving Katy's, we headed up the road a few hours to the Dallas area where we were reunited with some of our best friends ever...the Garner family!  When they moved from Iowa almost 3 years ago...it was really hard on all of us.  Honestly, a piece of me just left with them when they went.  We have missed them beyond words.  In fact, I have never really gotten over Kim moving away....so an opportunity to see them was truly something special!!!

When we pulled up to their house, we could hardly contain ourselves.  There was a cute welcome sign on the door, and we were greeted with screams and cheers and hugs and laughter!  Even though they live in Texas now, it was like we had never been apart.  Kids scattered all over the house to talk and play.  And parents got to sit down and catch up on our busy lives.  I just wanted to bottle the feeling and save it forever.  The whole day I just kept trying to soak it all in because I love this family so much.  They are just the best.

We spent some time hanging out at their neighborhood pool and just enjoyed being together again.  I wish we could have frozen time for just one day.

You have to be pretty good friends to hang out in the tub after a swim!

This was the first time for the Garner clan to meet our little Luke man.

And these kids all share a big love of Legos.

 This picture is my one evidence that Tod and Craig were present at this event!  You can see them on the couch behind Cole.  It was great to see them together again too.

Of course, all too soon it was time for us all to say good-bye again.  Kim and Craig were up early to help us get all packed and ready to hit the road for our last leg of our journey.  They sent us on our way with a carefully prepared breakfast of fruit and muffins and other snacks.  So thoughtful!  I really had to prep myself so I wouldn't be depressed about leaving Kim again.  She is such a good friend and an amazing person.  I am so proud of her as she has rebuilt a beautiful life for her family in a new place.  She has overcome challenges and come out on top.  And this trip truly made me realize that although people may not always be physically present in daily life, their influence and love can reach across the miles.  Thanks Garner family!  Until next time.....