Over the course of the past year, my family has been dealing with a work-related relocation. The announcement came last summer followed by the official offer in the fall. We reluctantly agreed to go but hoped for another opportunity to present itself. We didn't want to move out-of-state. We didn't want to start over, to leave great schools, or to say good-bye to good friends. By the end of February this year, it seemed we had run out of options and the move was happening whether we liked it or not. I started researching schools and neighborhoods in the other state. Because this was our first relocation with children, I checked out the Macaroni Kid site where we would be moving. (You do know there are more than 600 sites across the country right? Each one published by a mom living in the community.)
I wrapped my brain around being uprooted. We prepared our young daughters for big changes. We purged and organized and staged our home - inside and out. Photos were taken, the listing was prepared. And just days before the house was set to go on the market, my husband got a job offer that allows us to stay here! Talk about perfect timing! We are so glad everything worked out and we get to continue living in this beautiful place!
Amidst the stress and chaos, I developed an appreciation for other families going through the same thing. You know how when you're pregnant, you see other pregnant women every where you go? Like you're more aware of their presence because you share a commonality. This year I have encountered so many people who are either in the process of relocating or have recently moved to Washington. I have a soft spot in my heart for those families because even under the best of circumstances, moving to another state is a stressful, challenging process. However, I can also imagine the wonderful adventure that lies ahead for them. I've seen both sides of the relocation coin!
For families who moved here to Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, North Bend, and points in between, you have ended up in a place where community matters, where there's a plethora of local businesses catering to parents, kids, and families, and where there is absolutely no shortage of outdoor recreation options - most of them family-friendly.
Whether you were born and raised here or recently moved to the area, we hope you find Macaroni Kid Snoqualmie Valley - Issaquah to be a tremendous resource for you and your family. If you've recently met someone who's new to the area, please share our website with them. Let them know that Macaroni Kid is one of the best ways to get to know the Snoqualmie Valley (including Issaquah and Sammamish).
This week on the Macaroni Kid website you'll find ...
- Simple, mostly FREE, guaranteed fun ways to explore our community
- a list of featured Summer Camps to make sure your kids are entertained, enriched, and exhausted while school's out
- an online Event Calendar filled with everything from story times and farmers markets to trolley rides and a cougar birthday party!
- the inside scoop (plus a discount code) on Fall City Floating, a new family-friendly adventure service opening in June!
- a pre-summer To Do List that will have you in-the-know, organized and relaxed before school gets out
- all the details of the 2nd Annual Toy Swap hosted by Recology CleanScapes in Gilman Village
- some expert advice on raising a money savvy kid
