Dear, First House...

We move TODAY!

It's midnight and I just polished off the trash bags with a load of pots and pans, and our cars are jammed packed with odds and ends. I feel like we're finally in the home stretch and in these final, quiet moments in our house, I'm going through the many memories our first home brought us.

The emotions of this move have been never-ending and swung from high highs to very low lows. As I sit here in the room where I watched so many movies cuddled up to the hubs and stare at the walls that I painted with such pride, I can't help but to think about how much I'll miss this place.

There is no doubt in my mind that this move is the best thing for us, but I almost feel guilty leaving this house without telling it how I feel and why we're leaving. So in honor of our final night in our first home, I wanted to write it a farewell note to give me some closure and officially end a very important relationship...

Dear, First House -

I'm guessing you've noticed the boxes. I've been meaning to tell you that we decided to move. Don't worry, a very nice, young couple are moving in and I think they'll take good care of you. Although, I've heard their Wildcat fans, so sorry in advance for any non-UW memorabilia they may hang on you. Just remember to stay open minded, but never forget that the Badgers are and will always be the best.

So why are we leaving you after we've had so many wonderful memories together?  I know it's cliche, but its not you, its us - we needed more space and we just felt like it was the right time for us to embark on our next home adventure.

I want to thank you for being a first home we could be proud of. Even though we got off to a rocky start (remember all the holes in your wall and that horrible carpeting??), our relationship has really matured over the past four years and you have been a place that I've shared with the most important people in my life.

I promise to never forget you and when I'm ready, I just might drive by you every now and again to say hello. I hope you enjoy your new owners and always remember where you came from.

Thanks for the memories,
Stephanie