Final Goodbyes

Well, it's official! We leave TOMORROW for South Korea!  We've spent the past 2-3 weeks visiting friends and family, saying our last goodbyes before we take off for a year. 

For the first week, we enjoyed the gorgeous weather and company of Kyle's mom, stepdad, and brother in Florida last month.  Kyle's brother Tyler is in fourth grade and competed in the Science Fair while we visited.  We got to see him win a college scholarship, first place in his section, and Best of Show out of all the fourth and fifth graders! Congrats, Ty!

Jim, Kesia, and Tyler with all his awards

After visiting Florida, we flew into Columbus, OH for a weekend with Kyle's brother Ryan.  Having lived together in Columbus last year, the three of us were excited to visit some old favorites like Northstar Cafe, the dollar movie theater, Jeni's ice cream parlor, and Half Price Books.

The past week has been spent in Akron, where the majority of my family resides, as does Kyle's dad's family.  Last weekend we had a Bon Voyage/Birthday party with all of our closest friends.  Most of us have been friends since high school, and it was the perfect farewell. Some were kind enough to drive in from Cincinnati, Toledo, and even as far as Nashville!  Needless to say, we had a BLAST!

Friends

Thanks so much to everyone for making the effort to be there!  I can't imagine a better group of friends :)  Thanks again to Mary and Dave for putting up with us all night...you're both troopers!

Last week, my baby sister Anna signed with Walsh University to play softball!  She's recovering from ACL surgery for the next several months, but she will be a true asset to the team once she's 100%.  Hope I get to see her play after we get back next spring!

My dad, Anna, and Popo after Anna's signing

Anna signing with Walsh!

Here are a few more pictures of various lunch dates with family and friends...

Last day in the U.S. with Kristi and Brooke

Sisters after dinner at Olive Garden

Kyle with Great Baba, Aunt Candy, and Aunt Marilyn



Thanks to everyone for making time to visit with us while we were home! We love you all and can't wait to share our experiences with you through this blog!

Thanks for reading, and until next time :)