Catching up

Friday was all about catching up. My Grandmother came over from Mississippi and my friend Mari and her two children came up from Opelika. The day started off kinda rainy but that wasn't slowing anyone down. Mari, Auston and Aby arrived around lunch. This was the first time i have seen Aby (what a doll!) and Auston has grown into such a big boy. The last time we saw these guys was in Idaho. Too long. We brought out all the NAPA trucks that Dad and Mom have in the attic and put them on the back porch and Mrs. Mari brought a large bag of goodies for the kids. Mom picked up the bounce house (I always forget how heavy that thing is). John and Auston thought it was plenty of fun as we were unrolling it. All the toys kept them occupied while Mari and I ran to get lunch. A run for some happy meals and Durbin's sandwiches for the adults. After lunch we all relaxed in the back yard and watched the kids play. Occasionally an adult was caught in the bounce house. :) Ben was definitely missing his swing but got lots of love from Mawmaw and Mrs. Mari. Aby went down for a good nap but the rest of the kids tried to hold out on their naps. John made it for awhile but eventually fell asleep on Mari in the swing. It was kinda cool out but it still made for a beautiful day to visit. I got to catch up with my Mawmaw. She is a wonderful grandmother and words could never describe how lucky i am to have her. I am so glad she was able to make it over. Ben was just as happy. He seemed to like her a lot. She had to get back home so that just left the kids. Just like energizer bunnies they kept going and going and going. Eric came in and had his play time in the bounce house. After PB&J sandwiches we had the "boy bath" with Jack, John and Auston and, after a quick wash of the tub from the dirty boys, then it was the "girl bath" with Ella and Aby. We got ours in bed as Mari packed up to leave. They had a bit of a drive but i was so glad she had taken the time to drive up for the visit. The kids had a blast. Maybe we will end up on jobs close to each other or maybe on the same job again so the kids have playmates (okay and me too). She is also the one who snaps all the great pictures of the kids. They headed out about 8. Right about the time Kim arrived. Kim, Eric, Ben and i left to go meet some old friends for Mexican. We arrived and spent the next 3 or so hours talking and reminiscing about the high school years. It was quite fun since i don't often get to see them when i am in town. Another long day full of fun and catching up. Good times.