After the kids’ last day of school, with papers and projects spilling out of their backpacks, we decided to take one final adventure on the East Coast before our big move back to Washington. The destination? Kittery, Maine. It wasn’t just a random spot on the map—it had special meaning for our family. Justin’s Nana and Papoo had visited Kittery once upon a time during his time in the Navy, and Nana used to talk about it with such love. She dreamed of living there, of fresh seafood and days spent with her young kids by the ocean. She also told us Pop hated the cold and moving there was just a pipe dream. We never got to take this trip with her, but going there felt like we were doing it for her—a full-circle moment for Justin and our kids.
We packed up the car and hit the road, with a mix of excitement and heaviness. The kids were so excited and honestly, I think we all needed this moment—to step away from the stress of the impending move and just enjoy our final bit of East Coast magic. Kittery became our way of saying "see you later" to the Atlantic, and in a sense, to this entire chapter of our lives.
Justin and I were most excited about the lobster. Maine is famous for its seafood, and we’d heard so much about this top-rated lobster spot called Bob's Clam Hut. We had to try it—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The kids devoured it! Watching their faces light up with every buttery bite made me realize how these simple, shared experiences are what our family will remember long after the boxes are unpacked back in Washington. It’s moments like these that stay with you.
After our feast, we spent time wandering through Kittery’s little shops and streets. There’s something so calming about small towns by the sea, with their hidden treasures and slow pace. We made our way to the beach, where the kids ran straight to the water. They were determined to put their feet in the Atlantic one last time. Watching them splash in the waves, I had this bittersweet feeling in my chest. It’s the kind of goodbye that feels like more than just leaving a place—it’s saying goodbye to a piece of our story. The ocean, the East Coast... so much of our family’s life has been shaped by these places.
The highlight of the trip, though, was visiting the Nubble Lighthouse. It’s such a stunning place—standing tall and strong, surrounded by nothing but ocean and rocks. There’s something about lighthouses, right? They’re these constant beacons of light, guiding the way, and it felt like the perfect metaphor for where we are right now. We’re in transition, navigating the unknown, but just like that lighthouse, we’ll find our way.
As we stood on that beach, toes in the sand, I knew this was our farewell to the East Coast. It's a place we’ve lived and grown, where we’ve made memories, and where our kids have experienced so many firsts. There’s sadness in leaving, but there’s also excitement. We’re headed back to Washington, back to where I grew up, back to family and familiar faces.
This trip wasn’t just about saying goodbye—it was about honoring the time we’ve spent here. And as we move forward into the next chapter, I’ll carry this moment with me. Kittery, the lobster, the lighthouse, and Nana’s memory will always be a part of our story, one we’ll share again and again with our kids as we find our new rhythm back home.
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