Starting a family and moving to Atlanta has made it challenging to have regular visits with my two dear college friends, Sandy and Sarah- especially since they started their families at roughly the same time and are both living in the Northeast.
Before kids, we tried to plan a once a year girls weekend, and this time the plan was for each of them to bring their oldest children to Atlanta. Sophie and Jack have both met Madison (Sandy's daughter) and Eli (Sarah's son) but we've never been all together at the same time. Unfortunately, Eli became sick just before the scheduled visit so he and Sarah were unable to make the trip. Jack was especially saddened as this meant he would be outnumbered.
Sandy and Madison arrived from Boston mid-day Friday, and after a longer than usual car ride home from the airport due to a much needed detour for fuel and Starbucks, we arrived home. Madison had picked out special treats for the kids at the airport - gummy lobsters (a dream for dietitians and dentists alike!). I found it ironic that Madison made this choice, since she was in the midst of a virtuous stage of avoiding sweets and juice after being told by her dentist that these things were not good for her teeth.
It's amazing how quickly being in the presence of an old friend (and her beautiful daughter!) can bring such comfort. Sandy has seen me through a lot of ups and downs in life, and we are always able to pick up right where we left off.
Sandy is Jack's Godmother so it was extra special for Jack to be able to bond with her. She even fixed his train tracks over and over again which won his heart from the very start of her visit!
The girls enjoyed a slumber party in Sophie's room and despite waking up earlier than usual, they did well. We enjoyed a pancake breakfast and leisurely morning on Saturday, after which it was time for us girls to head out for lunch and the Georgia Aquarium. I was thankful when we got to the aquarium that we left Jack behind with Eric to nap. It was a rainy Saturday and the middle of MLK weekend, so the aquarium was packed. Nonetheless, the girls enjoyed every moment.
Sandy and I had planned to head out for dinner after the kids were asleep, but we opted to stay cozy and dry and ordered take-out. This is officially a sign that I am getting old! But even more, it speaks to the fact that good friends don't need a restaurant or a change of scenery in order to enjoy each other's company and to reconnect. Simply chatting at the kitchen table proved to be more than enough for both of us.
The visit was short but sweet, and I only wish we could do this more often!
1 comment:
Wonderful, again. Makes me think of my visit this summer with my friend Miriam--who has known me longer than anyone except my mother, your Mom, and Jeff. We also pick up where we left off--isn't that an amazing gift?
We're so lucky.
Love, Laurie
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