buh bye jij. buh bye anon

We left behind some very good friends in Minneapolis. I always felt so well cared for and looked after by our neighbors. On every side we had friends who really loved our little family, loved our little boy and stopped by for frequent "Ivar Visits."

George and Katherine lived behind us across the ally. And we loved them and they loved us right back. When I put Ivar down for naps and bedtime, I'd hold him on my hip as we twisted the blinds closed and Ivar would say, "nigh nigh jij. nigh nigh anon."

And when we pulled out of the garage, Ivar would look at their house, wave and say, "buh bye jij. buh bye anon." Katherine often came over with a ball she found while on a walk, or a toy she found that her kids used to play with. Ivar got some cool trucks this way.

When we came home from the hospital, this sign was taped to our door waiting to greet our new little girl from Katherine. It's hard to put into words how much we are going to miss our neighbors and friends on Girard Avenue.