Goodbye Newport Beach First Ward...

{Bruce and Alicia Furst}

{Valerie and Denis Vichikov and Daly}

{Katie and Will Garcia}

{Mercedes Attig}

{Bishop and Sister Frost}

{Heather and Scott McMullin}

{Annie tuckered out after the party}

Before we left Newport, the Fursts hosted a surprise going away party for us.

I was so shocked and honored that I was horrible at taking pictures of the beautiful event.
I wish I could have gotten a picture with everyone in the ward.

Alicia always knows how to throw a wonderful party!

James and I had hoped to quietly say goodbye and not make a big scene.

But Alicia had other plans.

It was a Monday night and we had decided to postpone our usual FHE dinner event

{and possibly bachelor watching}

with the Attig's and Garcias.

The Garcia's made up some excuse in order to free us up to meet up with the Fursts for dessert.

Of course we were in.

Although they are similar in age to our parents - 

we ADORE the Fursts and think of them as dear friends.

 We were always up for a visit at their place on Balboa Peninsula.

So off we went.

I was shocked to see so many of our friends gathered in one place with such divine desserts.

Mercedes, Katie, Alicia and Sister Frost sure do know how to whip up some tasty treats.

I ate my feelings in sugar as we reminiced about our experience in the ward over the last year.

Truly all of these people touched our lives.

I get teary just thinking about them.

You may remember that James and I just knew we were supposed to be in this one apartment 

but didn't know why.

Now it is so clear.

We all agreed that we weren't saying goodbye -

just see you later.

I will be back in September to pay them all a visit and am practically counting down the days.

Although we will miss the beach dearly, 

our love for the scenery doesn't even touch our love for our friends in California.

And on that note - I must stop before I get too sappy and too weepy. 

Love to you all.