"You're going to love it."

When people find out that we are moving south, and specifically to Raleigh, NC, they almost always say, "You know you're going to love it."

Well, here's a little secret. I DO hope I love it! 

Why on earth would I want to live somewhere that I hate? I absolutely hope that I love it. Just from the five days we spent down there in March, I love it. It's gorgeous. There's SO much to do, the people are amazing, they have a Target, and a McAllister's - I'm pretty set. 

But then people follow that comment up with this one, "And you're not going to want to come back."

Well, I'm sorry to bust your bubble, but yes, I am going to want to come back. 

If you know me at all, I mean, if you really know me, you know that I want to come back. I honestly cannot imagine living away from both of our families for the rest of our lives. I know that people do it all of the time, I get that, but not me. I cannot simply leave behind everything that has influenced me, and made me who I am.

I want Dean to grow up going to Reds games like I did, I want him to go to Kings Island, see the WEBN fireworks, experience snow and the crazy Cincinnati weather. I want him to know and be close to everyone in our extended families. 

Ryan and I are all about family. My parents raised me to know and love my family and to be close to them. Ryan as well. I would never keep Dean and whatever other kids we may have, away from my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. 

I personally cannot imagine never driving the streets that I grew up on and know so well again. I cannot imagine not seeing my best friend's little girl grow up, or not being able to go to my best friend's house or hang out with her whenever I want. I cannot imagine leaving my parents behind.

I often times laugh when people say this comment to me, but inside I am often times irritated. It's as if they don't believe me. And well, if you actually knew me, you'd know I'm coming home. 

Are we going to have an amazing time in Raleigh? Yes. Are we going to love it? Yes. Are we going to be sad to leave? Yes. But are we going to come home - home to our families and everything we have ever known? Absolutely. 

So here's to being excited for a new adventure and to knowing that I'm going to love North Carolina. But here's also to knowing where my heart truly lies, and that's here. Here in Cincinnati. Where my parents grew up, where I grew up, and where I want my kids to grow up. 

xoxo,
Beth