One of my closest and most supportive friends, Jana, and her family have decided to embark on the Great Californian Adventure, and return to the land of sunshine and triathlons. I am so excited for her and am already plotting my first visit (I might give her time to unload the UHaul, if she's quick). However, the kids and I are going to miss them so much! Luckily, while her husband is scouting out living arrangements and getting settled into his new job, Jana and the boys, Henry and Tommy are staying with us. It has been a fun couple of weeks so far and we practically have to pry the kids off of one another every night and into their separate beds. Jana and I have been enjoying some solo shopping trips and lots of relaxing girl-movie nights. We find the kids playing in all different combinations of ages and gender and coming up with new, messy things to do every day. There have been frequent campfires and probably about 10 gallons of "Power Oatmeal" prepared (my sure-fire recipe of quick cook oats, walnuts, raisins, wheat germ, and blueberries). Jana has gamely eaten my whole-wheat bread and home-grown sprouts (unfortunately, I can't say the same for any of the kids) and makes a killer salad.
I'm going to miss coming home to her and the boys and our long talks in the evenings. I know that the kids are going to miss having their great friends in the same house, or just down the street (where they used to live). I feel so fortunate that we've had the last few weeks to hang out together and nurse our kids through colds, ear infections, mild pneumonia, tantrums, and the "Naughty Rules" (Rule #1: Never Listen to your Mother!!!).
Here are some pictures from the kids together:
The unprecedented "Triple Timeout." I
t proved quite ineffective...
