The Chaos Before Takeoff
Two nights ago we hauled the last boxes out of our apartment and handed over the keys. For this final week, we’re tucked into an Airbnb where clothes are draped over every chair and suitcase, and the kids are somehow pulling in more snacks and movie time than they’ve had in the last month.
Adding to the scene, the kiddos have also recently fallen in love with “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” Which means our last few days have been soundtracked by a seven-year-old and a three-year-old belting Beastie Boys as we walk through the neighborhood. We keep getting knowing smiles from anyone of a certain age who recognizes the song. It’s the most ironic farewell anthem possible.
Elisa and I keep looking at each other and asking, “wait, what the @#$!# are we doing?!”
One More Birthday in Brooklyn
Evelyn’s birthday party doubled as our “see-you-soon” party at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and so many folks showed up. Longtime friends, new friends, classmates, staff… it was an incredible collection of people.
When it came time to blow out the candles, the four of us leaned in together. We hadn’t planned on making speeches, but words just poured out.
“Thank you. We love you. See you soon.”
As we looked out at the crowd of friends, family, kids, and adults we love, it felt like home. Which again, is so deeply ironic given “home” will be an evolving concept over this next year. The moment hit us each especially hard.
I’ve realized this last week that we’re leaving behind things we truly love: Evelyn’s wonderful school, friends who feel like family, the staff we work alongside, and yes, even the coffee shop that knows how we like our coffee (black, no milk or sugar). This part of our story feels unique: this year off is not running away from anything. Quite the opposite. We’re putting pause on the life we love to step into another experience we hope will be just as rich. And we’re doing it together, with our little family.
Goodbye for Now, NYC
There’s a certain poetry in how tomorrow (Tuesday, flight day) will play out. Here’s some wild news: tomorrow morning, Elisa will be on set supporting one of Treasure Trunk’s amazing teachers (THE Mr. Kyle!) who’s being featured on the Today Show. The segment is about community, and about the love and support that Treasure Trunk has built for all.
And after the show wraps, that afternoon, we’ll be boarding a plane, leaving that very community… at least temporarily.
So New York, consider this our “see you soon” note.
Thank you for raising us, for holding us, for giving our kids a childhood filled with magic. Thank you for welcoming us 18 years ago, in your own gruff, unfiltered way. A young couple from Seattle who thought umbrellas were normal and air conditioners optional. Thank you for being the first home of both Evelyn and Dax. For teaching us what pizza really is (and no, it’s not deep dish). For forcing us to learn the difference between a cockroach and a water bug, a distinction we never asked for but will never forget. Thank you for being the place where I first stood up in court, scared out of my mind but exactly where I was meant to be. And thank you for being the birthplace of Elisa’s vision for a beautiful company, one that now brings magic, acceptance, and adventure for kiddos all across the city.
We’ll miss you fiercely. But this is not goodbye.
If this week reminded us of anything, it’s that home isn’t just an apartment or a city. Home is the people who make you feel rooted and loved. And that feeling, we’re carrying with us wherever we go.
Big Highlights
- Treasure Trunk Theatre will be featured on the Today Show Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning (10am EST)… tune in!
- Tomorrow night, we get on a plane and begin our year of travel.
- We moved out of our apartment on Tuesday and welcomed an incredible family who will be living there for the year.
- Thankfully I found the car title (PHEW!) and sold the car today. Was a bit sad!
- We’re living in Airbnb limbo this week, fueled by snacks, Disney+, and Beastie Boys singalongs. And OMG a lot of whining and tears (some from kids, some from us).
- First official stop: Tokyo, Japan.
