Goodbye Omaha!

I. love. Omaha. Its the place where I met my dreamboat husband 10 years ago. Its the place where we were newlyweds and lived for four years of dental school at Creighton (2005-2009). In Omaha, I got my master's degree in Medieval and Renaissance History and taught Italian for two years - both at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Its where my in-laws became my BFF's. We spend numerous weekends at their cozy three bedroom home so that Peter could clerk for hours on a Saturday night and I'd still be entertained. Plus, it was close to church, so we'd be able to get there quickly on a snowy Sunday morning. Ah, Omaha. Vivid memories include: living at Drake Court same time as Eric & Cass & Patalie, hanging out with Barb & Levi Murray, attending Elmwood Ward, roller blading the trails with Peter, going to Creighton gym, going to UNO gym, thesis research & writing, planning activities with the Faith in God girls, teaching Relief Society, throwing amazing Halloween parties with Mary, singing with Melanie Bartlett & Lauri Cunningham, lots of board games, Kristy White's baptism and friendship, Natalie still on her mission when she met Patrick (getting a tour at trail center from Sister Harwood), making a gingerbread creation with Mary, going to movies with Steven, etc, etc...

Recently, my father-in-law found a job in Scottsdale, AZ, requiring he and Mary to move. Their home is for sale in Omaha, and so a few of us had one last shin-dig reunion there last weekend. Eric, Andrea, Amy and I flew out for four days. No grandkids except baby Autum, and no spouses. An eclectic but fabulous group. We went to the temple, had a 2nd Thanksgiving dinner, saw a movie or three (Harry Potter, Social Network, the Namesake), played games (I let Eric beat me twice at the Train Game), and generally relaxed and reminisced. We caught up with old friends at church and went shopping (I may have shopped more than the others).

Once Mary & Steven move to AZ, its unlikely that we'll make it back to Omaha much. We all said a heartfelt goodbye to this wonderful place of dear memories and amazing people! Goodbye Omaha! How I love thee and all that you represent.