Last month when we were in Indiana, I had the chance to meet up with a few of my friends. I always try to meet up with a handful of friends when we go to IN to see family.
We arrived on Friday evening, so Saturday evening, I met up with my friend Jenny. We went to a restaurant and just sat and talked, catching up with one another's life. We ended up leaving when the restaurant closed, at midnight! I have always appreciated Jenny's friendship to me. She's one of those friends where we can go months without talking and once we do finally get back together, it's like no time has past at all.
The next night, I went over to my friend, Sarah's house. We enjoyed chatting about life. Then, we decided to head out to the local festival's Food Alley and get an elephant ear. YUM! We had a great time catching up and and reconnecting. (Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of my time with Jenny, or Sarah.)
On Monday morning, the munchkins and I headed over to my friend, Julie's house to see her and her kiddos. Julie and her husband just adopted their second child in May. What a cutie pie he is! Julie and I have been friends since the 3rd grade. We were both in each other's weddings and once again, she's a friend I can just sit down and chat with about anything, even when we haven't seen each other in a year, or two.
Julie with her kiddos.
My munchkins with Julie's little girl playing in the sandbox.
On Tuesday, the munchkins and I met up with my friend Chrissy and her 3 kiddos. Chrissy and I met at a bible study about 11 years ago. We were both single at the time. Then, in 2001, she got married and we continued with the bible study, along with a few other ladies. Then, I got married in 2002 and moved away. So we lost touch for nearly 6 years.
Last year she found me on Facebook and I was so excited to reconnect with her! We had been corresponding through Facebook over the past year and when I told her we were making a trip out to IN, she wanted to see me, if it worked out. So, we were finally able to see each other and catch up in person after 7 years of not seeing each other. The last time I saw her was at my wedding! I was thrilled to get a chance to see her and meet her kids. I just cherish her friendship to me. She is a sweet friend who I know is always praying for me.
(Once again, I don't have any pictures of my time with Chrissy... I need to be better about taking pictures!)
After we met up with Chrissy, I dropped our munchkins off at my sister's house. Jon and I then headed up to Lake Hamilton, about 45 mins away to see our friends, Tim and Ang. Tim and Jon have been friends since they were toddlers. He was Jon's Best Man at our wedding. It was so great to see them and have a little vacation within our vacation. While we were there, we went out on their boat tubing, and everyone but me, went skiing. I think I was just too chicken, but I enjoyed watching everyone else take their turn. (Sorry, no pictures of us tubing or them skiing!)
We stayed overnight and did the same thing the next day, tubing and skiing. Tim has been a wonderful friend to Jon all these years and Ang has great advice and experience with parenting. Tim and Ang have 5 kids, all teenagers right now. We were glad to be able to spend a little more time than just a few hours with him and Ang. They have already invited us back up to their lake house next year and want this to become an annual event for us. Sounds good to me! Can't wait 'til next year!
Jon, me, Ang, and Tim
... and here I am with my best friend, Jon!
I have realized that God has blessed me with wonderful friends and I never want to take any one of these friendships for granted. I'm so thankful for each one I have! You know who you are and you are each a blessing!
