A FEW DAYS WITH FRIENDS

We had some friends roll into town late Wednesday night and stay with us for a few days. It was so much fun to hang out with Shon, Devry, and Michael! 

Tim and I left while they, as well as the little Ws, were sleeping on Thursday morning so we could celebrate our 20th anniversary, but then we came back and soaked up time with our friends. Michael helped me cut out dozens of sugar cookies for our 4th of July picnic dinner and the two of us made a pact that we'll bake cookies every time their family comes to visit.

Meanwhile, Devry and Tyler goofed off with bubble wrap.

Michael spent a bunch of time strumming the guitar and playing the piano.

Devry did some tree climbing.

All the little boys spent lots of time playing Legos, but I only got a picture of Devry.

Later we carpooled to Centennial Park for Woodburn's 4th of July celebration. Shon's mom, Cindy, happened to send me a message right as we pulled into the park's driveway, so Shon suggested we send her a selfie. Good idea!

We found a spot to set up camp, then everyone went their separate ways to run around the playground, listen to the bands, do the various activities that were set up, and check out the vendor booths. I took advantage of that time to just sit, relax, chat, and laugh with Tim for a while.

I eventually wandered around, found Silas, and made him take a picture with me. He's the only little W I got a picture with, but he's also the one I see the least these days. Balance, right?

It was important to me that we get a group shot of both families together before the day was done, so everyone cooperated and granted me my request.

Not only that, but they also played along when I asked for individual pictures a little later and took one of me. Such good sports!

We all hit the sack soon after getting home from fireworks, then everyone except Silas, who had to be at work, slept in the next morning. Shon and his boys took off for part of the day to visit some family members and play together, then we all hung out again in the evening.

Silas had been more entertained the previous evening by Michael's enjoyment of the fireworks than he was of the display itself and had recorded the whole thing. Michael waited with anticipation all day for Silas to get home from work so they could watch the recording together. I'm pretty sure that video was playing within thirty seconds of Silas walking in the door.

Shon and Devry headed out for some errands later in the evening, so Michael and I built a tower together.

Shon set off some 5th of July fireworks for all of us as the day wrapped up.

Kids hit the sack and the adults stayed up chatting for a while longer before we all called it a night.

This morning was low-key. Our three bigs took off for various things this morning and the rest of us, including Gabi, ate pancakes, played games, shot silly string, and chatted some more. Looking at these pictures, I told Tim that we seem to collect little boys.

Shon's crew just left and I let out a big sigh as they pulled away. Tim, knowing me and understanding how much their family means to me, smiled and asked if I was full. Yes, my tank has been filled up with laughter, conversation, and shared meals with two families who enjoy each other's company. We'd been looking forward to their visit and I'm so grateful for the time we all had together this week.