sunset

Wow.

We have seen a lot of amazing things over the last few days. We have also seen a lot of not-so-amazing things (wheat fields that go on forever, for example). There are so many images to share and so many stories to tell, I don't even know where to start.

That being said, traveling nonstop for three days straight is utterly exhausting. It's amazing how quickly driving (or, in my case, managing the iPod and setting the GPS) can deplete your energy. At this point, we could probably sleep for months.

So -- until I can sort through all of our photos and find the brainpower to actually write, a small preview will have to do.

sunset // idaho

Four states down, three to go! Halfway there!

lovies

Love these kiddos.

For the last 14 years, I have had the pleasure of watching these two grow up. They are the best kids in the world (no bias whatsoever) and I have loved every single moment of being their aunt (except maybe that one time at H's piano recital when she played first and then we had to listen to 15 other kids sing Disney songs in a very hot, non-airconditioned room in July -- that was a little rough). But moving across the country means no longer being around for birthdays, plays, concerts, games, graduations, etc. It's going to be heartbreaking, to say the least. These two mean the world to me. 

But I am determined to stay close, no matter how many states are between us. 

H&B: I may not be there physically, but I will always be rooting for you. Always. No matter what. Miss you already.

so long, chicago

picasso // daley plaza

Today is our last day in Illinois. And wow, what a perfect, beautiful, sunny, magical day.

As I was strolling around downtown this afternoon (avoiding the trip back to Oak Park on the dreaded blue line), it finally hit me. We are actually leaving. Like, for real. TONIGHT.

The thing is, we will always be in touch with the friends and family we're leaving behind. We can always come back to visit our favorite spots in the city. But from now on, we will be mere tourists in a place we once called home. How strange it will be.

Of course, we will make new friends in San Francisco (and reconnect with old ones, too!). We will find new favorites - restaurants, bars, parks, sights. We will even, eventually, call San Francisco home.

But until then, I sure will miss my beloved city by the lake.

the hardest part

We had a few, small goodbye gatherings over the last two weeks. Boy, it's tough to think that we won't be seeing our friends for a while. But we will skype/facetime often, right guys? RIGHT?!

  

But really, this is not goodbye. 

It's see you later. 

all things go

Chicago, you will always have a special place in my heart. 

When Milo Greene covered Sufjan Stevens's 'Chicago' during their Lollapalooza set this year (above), I nearly exploded with joy. After all, 'Come on Feel the Illinoise' was released mere weeks before I decided to move to Chicago, nearly seven (seven!!!) years ago. My love affair with this song was so profound, it may have actually been the deciding factor :)

As of Friday, we are completely moved out of our Chicago apartment and we are now living with my sister in Oak Park for our last few days in Illinois. Even though we can still see our beloved skyline from here, we are - officially - no longer Chicagoans.

BUT, in only a few more days, we will be Californians! San Francisco, I am so very excited to meet you!

Now, we just need to figure out how we are going to get there...

As my college roommate always used to say, 'IT'S GO TIME!'