Yesterday we said goodbye to our friends and neighbors in Boise. We got my van packed, had a picnic at Brooke’s school and hit the road.
Even though we were only in our home for 12 1/2 months, I will miss the big, beautiful kitchen, the two offices, the playroom, my walk-in closet, my huge bathtub, our not too big-not too small backyard and all the glorious room we had.
A year isn’t a long time to get to know very many people, but we got to know so many wonderfully kind, giving and selfless people. After Gordon left, I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage getting everything done that I needed to. But so many friends volunteered to take my kids, sell my stuff, help me clean, bring me diet cokes (my life blood these last four months), organize my garage and pack pack pack. I am so grateful for their friendships. I learned so much from all of them!
As we were passing the last Boise exit on our way out of town, I had the kids scream “bye bye Boise!!” a couple of times. That was fun, and the kids giggled but it made me so sad to think we will never be back. I didn’t want to leave. We were happy and thriving and saving money in Boise. We were fulfilling the reasons why we decided to move to Boise in the first place. We had a beautiful house and amazing neighbors.
But, as Gordon pursued this dream job and moving to New York City became more and more of a reality, we have felt a pull towards the east and the quiet, calm confirmation that this is right for our family had gotten stronger over the last few months. Once he officially got the job, it wasn’t a question whether we would move or not; of course we would!
So, even though we are SO sad to leave (biggest understatement of the year), we know our family is supposed to be in New York City. Bigger and better things await us in NYC. We don’t know what they are, but I’m sure we’ll figure that out in the upcoming weeks and months 😉
Thank you for all the emails and well wishes I have received from you guys over the last few days! You all are always so supportive of us, and we completely, 100% could not be here without you! I have 5 more days of driving with just me and the kids, so keep those happy thoughts, good juju, and prayers coming 🙂
40 Comments
Alex
June 3, 2017 at 7:06 amHit some DDD’s along the route! You’ll experience some fine eats with the kids!
http://m.dinersdriveinsdiveslocations.com/road-trip.html
Lauren
June 5, 2017 at 7:46 amThat’s a good idea!!
Jane S.
June 3, 2017 at 8:23 amLauren, I really admire your adventurous spirit and positive attitude! I wish you and your family all the best in this next chapter of your lives, and can’t wait to see where it takes you. Thanks for sharing it with all of us! Safe travels!
Lauren
June 5, 2017 at 8:22 amThanks, Jane!!
Elizabeth
June 3, 2017 at 8:59 amSafe travels and enjoy the journey .
Caryn Lance
June 3, 2017 at 9:29 amGood luck and safe travels Wonder Woman!!
Jan Blaylock
June 3, 2017 at 11:41 amSweet, sweet Lauren! You are an amazing woman to drive across the USA with three children! God Bless and Protect y’all! We’ll continue to pray for you! ❤
Lauren
June 5, 2017 at 8:21 amThank you!!
Patricia
June 3, 2017 at 3:46 pmYour patience is admirable. I would have lost my mind doing all that your doing on your own. Best of luck and I look forward to checking out the new digs in NYC. I always thought it would be so cool to live there.
Lauren
June 5, 2017 at 8:21 amI almost did lose my mind several times!! Ha!!
Jenafor
June 3, 2017 at 5:21 pmSafe travels to you and your family Lauren. Looking forward to seeing what NYC has in store for you all.
Wanda
June 3, 2017 at 7:07 pmYou are super mom!! Here’s to all the adventures that lies ahead for your family!!
Lauren
June 5, 2017 at 8:18 amI don’t know about super mom but thanks for the compliment!
Tracie Hymer
June 13, 2017 at 6:30 amSo excited for you and many new opportunities for your family!
Tracie Hymer
June 13, 2017 at 6:31 amSo excited for you and for many new opportunities for your family!
Cindy Martinez
June 13, 2017 at 6:58 amMoving can be so stressful and exciting all at once!! My husband just recently retired from the Navy and we moved to PA and we love it. How exciting to live in NYC. We just took our youngest son to a Yankees game and it was so awesome!! Enjoy NYC!!
Becky Kelly
June 13, 2017 at 7:09 amGlad you made it to NYC safe….Kayla misses Brooke and wishes she was next door to play. We really needed to get these two girls together before your last weeks here. Hope the unpack process goes smooth for you – as smooth as unpacking can go – LOL!
Brandy
June 13, 2017 at 7:12 amI have been in such awe of you as I read your adventures moving to New York City. I have 5 little ones ages 5 months to 8 years and I just cannot imagine doing all that you have done on your own. You really are a super woman! I hope and pray that you all will love New York City. I am a country girl in South Carolina so that would definitely be a change for me! Ha! I do wish you all the best!
Daniela C
June 13, 2017 at 9:06 amHats off to you for pulling this of on your own. I know you say you had lots of help from friends, but having been in your shoes, I know it is NOT easy regardless. Best of luck in NYC, I’m close by in NJ 😉
Tracie Hymer
June 13, 2017 at 9:45 amWishing you all i
the best in your travels and new life in New York!
Tracie
June 13, 2017 at 9:51 amWhat an exciting new adventure for you and your family!
Brigitte
June 13, 2017 at 10:10 amI know leaving your big home will be hard, but NYC is an absolute amazing place to live! There is so much culture and food and activities 🙂 You’re going to love it here! I’d be happy to provide you with recommendations if you want any more than I’m sure you already have.
Severiana Tupai
June 13, 2017 at 12:32 pmWow!!! Such a huge change! I admire you!!!!
Carolyn Hawrylciw
June 13, 2017 at 6:31 pmYou made the right choice, I rarely saw my father beause my mother refused to move.
Cathie Tubbs
June 13, 2017 at 7:06 pmI commend you! I think you are so brave. Traveling across the country by yourself with 3 small children is difficult and even a bit scary. Its hard enough with my husband I can’t imagine doing it by myself. That trip is something you should be very proud of. You are setting a wonderful example of strength for your children. Well done!
Cassie B
June 13, 2017 at 8:16 pmBest of luck on the move!
Caitilin Summerhays
June 13, 2017 at 8:59 pmOh man. My heart is feeling for you, girl! Those cross-country moves are NOT easy! But, every move we’ve made has brought new adventures, new people to cherish forever and new food to fall in love with. ???????? Currently, its Tex-Mex in San Antonio! Lots of love and luck on your newer adventure; take a big bite outta that ‘apple’ and enjoy the ride! ????
Nina
June 13, 2017 at 11:18 pmI’m a long-time reader (since before Blake was even on the way I believe) and the reason why I stuck around, as opposed to many other cooking blogs which may have good recipes too but get boring to read, is that you write such fun stories about your family in between. And they’re so *real* too. You don’t pretend everything is perfect. I love that. It’s been especially interesting to read the last few months, though of course they’ve been hard for you…but I’m glad your family is almost reunited and can’t wait to read about your life in NYC (one of my favorite cities in the world…no actually, I think it’s my actual favorite).
Nina, mom of a boy and another baby on the way
Kate
June 14, 2017 at 7:43 amI am so glad that you enjoyed your time, however short, living in Boise!
My husband and I have been Idaho residents, living 2 hours north of Boise, for about 9 years and can’t imagine living anywhere else. {And we grew up in the East just a couple of hours from NYC!)
Enjoy your time NYC and maybe the West will beckon you back some day down the road.
Good Luck!
MaryLou
June 14, 2017 at 9:28 amIt is always so bittersweet when we move, so sad to leave friends and all things familiar, and excited to start over in a new place! Good luck to you and your family, good luck to Gordon starting a new job on top of everything else!
Cheryl Newton
June 14, 2017 at 1:47 pmYou are taking this huge change in stride. You’re amazing!
Amy
June 14, 2017 at 3:14 pmYou are very brave to be tackling this move with such grace.
Amy
June 14, 2017 at 3:15 pmI left a comment. Good luck to your adorable family!
Sarah
June 14, 2017 at 5:43 pmExciting! I was so thankful for friends when I had to pack our house with a 3 month old and my husband had already left. Even someone holding the baby for an hour was a huge help! Good luck on your move.
Mary
June 15, 2017 at 3:56 amI am in awe of all that you manage to do! And driving cross country is not for the faint of heart! Best wishes in NYC!
Peggy King
June 15, 2017 at 6:42 pmWhat a cute picture of you and the kiddos!! Love to read your stories! NYC will be an awesome adventure!!
Diamaris Magarin
June 19, 2017 at 4:37 amBest wishes to you and your family in this new chapter of life!! Wishing you lots of success in all your future endeavors!!
This Week at the Brennan's - Lauren's Latest
September 11, 2017 at 1:34 pm[…] it, then Blake, then Brooke. Haha! I’ve had my kids with me 24/7 since June 1st when we were rolling out of Idaho on our way to NYC. So yeah, this day couldn’t come fast enough for me. We all thrive off of […]
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June 20, 2018 at 6:51 pmThis post always leaves me feeling lazy AND amazed at how much you get done!
Melissa D.
June 22, 2018 at 6:58 amStill amazed at how you did this with your little ones!