Sadly, you can only leave if you first say good-bye. We planned a big going away party at our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Mezcal, in Norfolk, Nebraska. We know the owner, Rene, and he told us the best time for the party would be on a Sunday around 5pm, so we set the date for April 25th, a couple weeks before we were to fly to Uruguay.

It was a wonderful evening and we are so grateful for everyone that showed up to wish us well. I didn't get pictures of everyone, but here are a few shots of dear family and friends.

Here is Jed, his wife Julie, and their cute kids Mike, and Kyra. We're looking forward to Jed and Julie coming to visit us here early next year!

This is my dad's first cousin Neva. Thank you so much for coming to say good-bye!

Here's a "down the table" shot of everyone. We were in a T shape, so you can't see the people in the branching off tables.

Here are my girls, Laura, Makenzi (little Quinten couldn't make it) me, and Mary. Mary and Makenzi were my next door neighbors and Laura was a classmate who is also Mary's sister-in-law. Small world, Battle Creek. :-)

Here is my friend Rebecca! We met on-line and she was sweet enough to come to our party. It was the first time we got to meet in person. I'm sorry I didn't get to spend more time with her at the party, but I'm so happy she came! Thank you, Rebecca!

This is Karen. I've known her since I was like 5 or 6 years-old. That was when my mom started going to her hair salon. I miss her lots!

This is my great friend, Ellen. My mom was her 1st grade teacher and we became friends in the last few years. I hope you are enjoying the Magic Bullet, Ellen. :-)

My dear Mrs. Low! I posted pictures of the last time we got to see Mr. Low in my post Saying Goodbye. Mrs. Low was able to make it to our party at El Mezcal. I was so happy to see her. I love them so much!

Here's another shot of everyone sitting around.

These are our good friends Germaine and Dewayne. They are from Neligh and Dewayne sells the most amazing raw honey. It's delish!!

Here I am with more good friends, Steve and ViVi. We met them at the Farmer's Market in Norfolk where they sold chickens. I'm going to miss going out to their farm and seeing them on Saturday mornings.

Here is Shawn with Steve and ViVi. I love Steve's hat, by the way. :-)

And yet more friends, Chuck and Bev! They have a great grass-based farm outside of Norfolk. We used to have so much fun going out there. We're really going to miss them, too! Hopefully Bev will come visit us someday.

Now it was my turn to pose with Chuck and Bev.

Here is Rene, the owner of El Mezcal with my mom and me. Rene was so good to us that night! Thank you, thank you, Rene!

Shawn got to pose with Rene and my mom before we left. Thanks also to everyone that gave going away presents. We miss each and every one of you!