350.2 miles away from home

I think it's finally sinking in that part of my family is moving 350.2 miles, 5 hours and 53 minutes away from me.  Steph, Jeff, Noah, Carter, Gray & Ivy are moving to Canton, Ohio.  Jeff has already started his new job there, while Steph is packing and getting their house ready to sell. 
It all came as a big surprise several weeks ago when Jeff got a call to come and interview for a job with another Newspaper "The Canton Repository".  He and Steph drove to Canton, where Jeff would later get a call on their way back home that he got the job, which came with a nice pay increase.  I know that they were waiting for a new adventure in their lives and this was too good to pass up.  And I am so proud for them.  My first feelings when I heard they were moving was "Bittersweet"....As a parent, we all want our children to do well and be happy.  If they are happy and want to follow this yellow brick road to Canton, then I will try my hardest to support them and be there for them every step of the way. 
I have watched my parents say good-bye to a daughter and a son who moved half way across the United States and I know how hard it was on them as well as myself, not having my sister and brother around.  My mom told me that I will experience what it's like.  I'm so very thankful that it's close enough that I can go visit on a long weekend.  The grand-kids have already asked me if I'm coming for Thanksgiving....And I know where I'm spending my vacation time next year. 
Several people have asked me if I am sad and how I will cope with losing my daughter, son-in-law and grandkids.  I tell them, I'm not losing them.  It's not a death.  It's a new beginning.  It's a change for everyone.  I want to look at it as a positive thing, not a negative thing.  Sure, I will miss them knowing I can't drive 20 minutes and see them, but there is Skype.  I can see their faces and smiles any time I want.  We will always have a connection. 
I'm sure when I see the U-Haul pull away from their house, the tears will flow and the heart will be heavy, but I know that God will be with them and will guide and protect them and we will all be together again before we know it. 
I have always told Steph growing up to follow your dream...Her dream might just be in Canton Ohio......

Beauty and the Beast at Navy Pier with my 2 little Beauties

Steph treated me, my daughter-in-law, Elsa, Abby & Ivy to a fun filled Sunday by going to Chicago/Navy Pier to see Beauty And The Beast at the Shakespeare Theater.  It was incredible, to say the least.  It is very rare that I have the chance to be with both my grand-daughters at the same time, so I cherished this time spent.  We walked around Navy Pier after the show was over and had a very delicious lunch.  After the show, the Chicago sky was so dark and it started to rain.  I was so glad we parked inside the parking garage and didn't have to go outside to get wet.  The girls wanted to ride the huge Ferris wheel but it was closed during the rain.  It was fun to watch the two of them interact and carry on their own conversations.  I loved watching the expressions on their faces when Belle and the other characters were on stage.  They both love the story and were in Awe.  After the show, the actors met with and signed autographs and you could take pictures with them.  I would go see it again in for sure if I could.  We had the very best seats in the house.  We had front row right by the end of the stage.  I sat in the isle seat and when the actors would come on stage from the back they had to pass me.  I got side swiped several times.  What great memories we made on a wonderful Sunday afternoon in Chicago....