It was so hard to say goodbye to all our GREAT friends in Ohio. Thanks to the many people who made our 5 years there such a great experience. We will always love you and hope to have you come visit Utah OFTEN!!!!
First BBQ was with our friends the Dehners.. It's so rare to find friends that both husbands and wives enjoy each other equally, and the kids love hanging out. I hope they get pregnant soon so we can have our 4th's at the same time as well!! We hope to have annual vacations with these guys for years to come.
And of course the Laurences. They were one of the first family friends we met here in Columbus. Actually, the Kelly's introduced us to them just a few months after we moved here. Lucky for me, they ended up moving just down the street from us. I've loved getting all my cooking tips from Joy, AKA "the fanciest cook I know", and just think their kids Carly, Max and Tegen (in womb) are the sweetest. I'm working on them to get going on #4 child as well -- I think they are coming around! :)
The Dotsons! Taylor was super good friends with Jeff. He really valued his opinion on everything, especially at work. Jeff was a superstar Marketing PhD. They took a peanut butter twix break everyday together. I guess 2 bars is too much so they would just share it. I know Taylor will be keeping in touch with the Dotsons. They moved to Tennessee - he got a job at Vanderbilt. I never got to spend enough time with Holly, but loved when we could get our families together. Jake thought Henry was the coolest kid around!
The Larsens moved here the same time as us and we've been clogging, bookclub, and cooking club friends ever since. I think Becky is just an amazing mom and love getting her perspective on things. They are moving to NC but, since we know a few people moving there --- I hope we'll be able to visit.
Cute picture of all the crazy kids around. I will miss them all.
RB and Carolee were out of town for the BBQ's but I had to steal a picture of their family from her cute Blog. We loved having these guys as friends. Taylor played lots of flag football with RB and Jake and Luke Loved hanging out with Calvin and Bubba at the games. I wish we were close enough for Sam and Malcolm to grow up together too, but Pennsylvania may have to be put on our list of visits now. I look up to Carolee in many ways. She is so creative and talented and was always a dependable friend. Another family we will miss dearly.
Our Temple which we could see out the windows of our church in Columbus. Believe it or not, moving to Utah will put us the farthest away from a temple that we have ever lived. Even in NYC the temple was just 1 mile away. Crazy thought huh?
L2R back row: Susana Downer, Nicole Huff, Me, Holly Dotson, Rachel Larsen, Lisa Hymas, Beth Johnston, Lisa Nelson, Kristen Smith
L2R front row: Sarah Burt, Lonica Rowley, Ariel Silver, Jenny Allen, Kirsten Rassmussen, Candace Rowley, Jeannette Bowen, Carolee Jones.
Fortunately, the ward has a traditional memorial day BBQ that is kind of the going away party each year. With a ward that is full of students in all areas, there was a big flux in people each year. This year was quite a big year for people moving, I think 24 families in all moved out. It was a sad spring for everyone!
Just a couple of us girls with babies -- Candace come on!! we are waiting for your news.
Jamie Treseder (Lincoln), Carolee Jones(Malcolm), Candace Rowely, Me (Sam)
Jake and Luke had a blast at the BBQ, the primary always have fun activities and face "body" painting was one of them!
Another BBQ put on by our great friends and neighbors the Treseders. We hung out with the Rassmussens who also lived just a couple blocks away and the Bowens as often as possible. I just love those girls. I served under Jeannette in Relief Society and gained such a respect for her. She is completely selfless, and very organized. She makes 5 kids look easy! Kirsten is one of those people who can do 1 million things at a time. If you ever need a crafty idea she's your gal. Just check out her BLOG! Jamie and Travis Treseder have been our go to people the whole 5 years. They lived just down the street. I think they will be glad not to have us asking computer and doctor questions 5 times a day. Jamie is such an example to me, she invited us over for dinner the first week we moved in, and always shows that welcoming personality every time you talk to her! Please move to Utah!!
Of course we have to say goodbye to Taylor's classmates. Jerome Talliard and Rose Liao. What great friends and colleagues to Tay through the years. It was nice to go through the misery with company. They were so nice to us even though we always had the annoying babies with us. Not a common thing among PhD students, but they loved our kids and I'm sure were always happy to go home to peace and quiet.
This is Taylor's advisor Andrew Karoli. Boy was Taylor happy to finish his Dissertation. Way to go!
A little token family pic outside the OSU Business School. We'll miss this place -- I think. :)
The Kelly's were already moved to NC when we had this BBQ, but I stole a picture from her BLOG of our First Friends here in OHIO! I met Angie the first week at church and we both had our newborns with us (Jake and Olivia). I clicked with her from the beginning and was so glad Scott ended up getting a job in Ohio which kept them here a little longer than originally planned with schooling. Taylor really enjoyed Scott and they were one of the few couples we both enjoyed. Angie is another one of those amazing people I cried over when they moved. Now they are in NC and FOR SURE we are going to see them again! 
