goodbye gadekens

For two years, Brandon and Ryanna saw each other daily. They played daily. They fought daily. A few teachers at their school even thought they were brother and sister! They deserved each other and love each other. They had to say goodbye and Ryanna was heartbroken to leave. Here's their story:

In August 2007, five-year-old Ryanna was getting ready for her first day of Kindergarten.
We were both so excited! We went over to her school, she stood in line and they hadn't met yet, but there was a potential friend in the picture. (Isn't that weird?! We didn't know them yet and yet he's HALFWAY in the picture! And notice how she's in stripes and he's in plaid).
See how little she is! (she's in stripes)

They were instant friends. Here is their class for their fist Barn Dance. Do you spy Brandon and Ryanna? (he's in plaid and she's in stripes)

We had play dates over the summer and had kept in touch. Then the first day of First Grade came...they were in the same class again!! (he's in stripes)


We started carpooling. It was such a blessing because I taught piano right after school and it was so much easier for us to split up the week and take turns carpooling. A HUGE blessing!!
Their second Barn Dance was a lot of fun too!
(Brandon's in plaid)


Ryanna passing out her birthday treats on April Fool's Day this year. Do you spy Brandon? (he's in stripes)
For Ryanna's birthday party this year, it was a costume party. Brandon came in his grandfather's uniform and was very proud to be in it. (neither are in stripes nor plaid!)

This is one of his beautiful mom, Stacey. She's such a sweetheart! This was taken at Eastside Park for Dawson's birthday party in September 2007. (I'm sure he's wearing stripes or plaid underneath his little jacket!!)

The day before we left, the kids got to say their goodbyes. They look so grown-up! (and I couldn't help but notice...the metaphoric change of their clothing--polka dots and solid shirts. No more stripes and plaid pictures. Sad!)
Dawson, Brandon, Ryanna, Wyatt, and Carter.


Ryanna sure made some really special friends in Moscow, especially in this past year. Stay tuned for more posts about Isaac and Colby! (why are all of her closest friends BOYS?!!)