{catching up}

You know those friends that no matter how long you've been apart, when you're together it feels like no time has passed?

Yesterday my friend Kristin came up with her kids to visit us for the day, and the instant we saw each other, we were right back where we left off.  We met Kristin and her husband Jake while we were in grad school, and we became fast friends.  We each had one little boy around the same age, and we spent a lot of time together. Then we each moved--to opposite ends of the country--and haven't seen each other for a long time. 
She's back in state to visit her family who lives a couple of hours from us, and  were able to meet up at one of our favorite places--the beach. They don't live near any water, and she really wanted to introduce to the Great Lakes.  The water was perfect for playing in--2 to 4 foot waves, and not too cold.

 

and just because Henry was cracking me up...

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed catching up on each other's lives (and the six children we've added to our families!), reminiscing about "the good 'ol times", and talking about the future.  We missed Jake, who was back to work already, but absolutely loved seeing the rest of the family.  Our kids meshed immediately, which was really great to see.

After a day at the beach, we went to dinner, then headed to our house to play some more.  The kids didn't want to stop playing, and even at 10:30pm it was hard to tear them away.  I so wish they could have stayed longer, but I'm grateful that we were able to steal away a little time to be together.

So, here's to friends...and how much they enrich our lives whether they are near or far. And if anyone else would like to come visit, we would LOVE it!!!