We've always moved, my husband works in commercial construction and you have to follow the work. This will be our ninth move in about 12 years, so I am no stranger to change. I've known this day was coming since I first drove across the Ravenel Bridge almost two years ago. But I had no idea it would be so hard to leave.

When we moved to Mount Pleasant, we didn't realize how fortunate and blessed we were about to be. We didn't realize the friendly man walking his dog would introduce us to two of the best babysitters in the history of the world. We couldn't know that we would spend countless hours with our next door neighbors and that our children would run so often to our backyard neighbors, that grass would refuse to grow on the path their little feet made.

We didn't know we would find so many wonderful people- hardworking, caring and kind people. We were used to living in neighborhoods where everyone kept to themselves. We never could have envisioned the fun, loving and supportive relationships we found in Mount Pleasant.

When we talk about The Move around my house, I get a little weepy. 'Mo-oom, get it together,' my 5-year-old will say as she rolls her eyes. I'll sniffle and try to remember how excited I am to be closer to our families and to have a permanent address. For the last few years I've completely drawn a blank anytime I'm asked my zip code or my home phone number, so looking like less of an idiot in public places will be a welcome change.

As excited as I am about our new home and what the future holds for my family, nothing will ever be able to replace the wonderfulness that is Mount Pleasant. I had no idea as we drove up Highway 17 from Savannah that I would meet so many people who would change my life. I didn't realize a community could be filled with so many inspiring and caring people. And I don't know how to say goodbye. I'm at a loss for words. Because how do I say goodbye to people who have treated me like family, taken care of my children when I was sick, prayed with me when I was down, and celebrated with me when my wildest dream came true?

I can't walk away from that. I may have been born and raised in Alabama, and headed for Mississippi, but Mount Pleasant has turned me into a Carolina Girl at heart, and because of that I'm leaving pieces of me here, with the people and places I love. And I know I'll be back.

Truly spectacular

Last night instead of beginning our nightly ritual of bathing our girls, reading stories and tucking them into bed, my husband and I took our two oldest daughters to see the Charleston Christmas Spectacular. We dressed them up in their Christmas best, (which for Aubrey, involved wearing antlers), and drove over the Ravenel Bridge in the dark.

They were very excited about being out 'on a date' with Mommy and Daddy and I worried they might be a bit too excited as we settled into our seats. The lights dimmed right after our 3 year old dumped an entire bag of popcorn into the floor. Nevertheless, my expectations were high. I had heard great things about Brad and Jennifer Moranz's production from friends and neighbors, but I was nervously wondered if my children would be able to stay in their seats for almost two hours. As it happened, I had nothing to worry about.

From the moment the curtain rose, my children were riveted. The orchestra, the costumes, the lights, the singing and dancing, overwhelmed all of our senses as we sat back in amazement. My girls laughed hysterically in all the right places and were as still as statues as the ballads soared through the theater.

When Anna Schadd launched into her first violin solo, I braced myself. It was completely silent in the auditorium save for the sweet sounds of an expert violinist and I was worried my kids might take this heartrending moment to misbehave. Aubrey tapped my arm and leaned towards my ear as she whispered, 'Wow. She can really play that thing!'

I can only describe the experience as magical. As Brad and Jennifer Moranz danced, performed and entertained, my kids laughed and I cried. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I watched with wonder as my children were completely enchanted by a top notch theater experience.

 I was moved beyond words, by not only the show but the effect it had on my children. They laughed and clapped along as Elvis danced and sat captivated and spellbound as Casey Thompson belted out a rendition of O Holy Night that sent shivers down my spine. If you live in Charleston or Mount Pleasant, The Charleston Christmas Spectacular is one Christmas tradition you should never miss.

(Robin O'Bryant is a Mount Pleasant resident and mother of three. Read her blog online at www.robinschicks.com or e-mail her, zebandrobin@hotmail.com.)