Old Friends, New Memories

So despite the rainy weather yesterday, we managed to have a fun day together. We went to the Kid's Castle in Doylestown and while the kids played, the parents hung out in the "dry" dungeon of the castle, trying to avoid the rain that was falling in a fine mist. these two girls share more than just the same name

Just when the rain was getting heavier, we left for Mercer Museum. The kids loved searching for the animals "on the loose" (4 animals they were supposed to find and then use the provided embosser to stamp their papers), and also playing dress- up at various exhibits.

We returned home in the late afternoon, and after dinner walked down to the "resi" where the kids threw rocks and fed the goslings.
We then put the children to bed and the adults played "Settlers- Cities and Knights" until about midnight. This morning was pretty rushed- after breakfast we all walked E down to the bus stop and then Chris, Angel and Co. left for their long 12 hr. drive back home.

As they were pulling out of the driveway N waved cheerfully until they were out of sight. Then he turned to me and asked, "When are they coming back?" I told him I didn't know and then his lower lip began to quiver as he realized they weren't just going on a little day trip. He said, "But I want you to know!"

I said, "I don't know- maybe you will see them again when you are six!"

At that he burst into tears and couldn't be comforted for several minutes, "I don't want them to go!!!"

E also had a similar reaction last night as she was getting ready for bed- not wanting them to leave. I must admit that I too woke up this morning with a heavy heart. It is always hard to say good-bye to friends that you know you won't see for a long time- years in this case. C and A are friends we have had since college, and we always have such a good time together. As Angel said last night, it is just so easy when we are together, so comfortable. We all enjoy each others' company, and it is wonderful to see our children together, playing well and forming friendships. When Angel and I were in college we would take walks in the surrounding neighborhoods. There was one set of houses- they were mirror images of each other and right next to each other. We would dream that one day we could live next door to each other in houses like that, and raising our families together. Even though that didn't come to pass, I am so glad that we are still close, that we can connect with each other on a weekly basis through blogging. Through reading of blogs, our kids' faces are familiar to each other, and we know about the other's life- dreams, struggles, hopes and even random thoughts. So when we come together in one of these rare visits, it doesn't seem like we have been apart for so long. That being said, there is nothing like a real visit, and I hope it won't be 2 years until we see each other again. Maybe a trip out to the midwest is order next year!