We have met some really, really great people out here and for that, I'm grateful. The community we've developed over the past two-ish years is sustaining and fun and helpful and kind. Still, there is something irreplaceable about old friends and I am really super grateful that there are actually still people out there who put up with us after all these years. And it sure is fun to remember all those old times (those "times" perhaps involving some suspect choices, a little bit of alcohol induced fun, and apparently some really high waistlines). It's very hard to describe how comfortable and hilarious and happy it is to sit back and slip into an old groove with great people that you've known for many, many years. It's even sweeter when you've got little people running around thoroughly enjoying their little buddies as much as you're enjoying your big buddies. So yes, I'm thankful for the Seattle folks but I'm even more thankful for the childhood/college/early adulthood (I use that term loosely) friends with whom we've seen a lot of thick (we're breeders after all) and thin (ah, sprint-triathlon training) times. It's the girls' weekends, the quick dinners, and the longer trek-out-west visits that nourish the soul and lengthen the evening.
And with that, a heartfelt thank you to the Owens family for coming out to visit for several days this week. Everyone squished into our little house and hopefully (despite some very tired Doyle children), we were the merrier for the more. I know that I had such a great time and I think the little people may have had an even better time at the kids' table and running each other ragged. We were blessed with great temperatures and sunshine, but more importantly, wonderful company and more than a few laughs.
The seriously good-natured, super-sweet boys (sorry Will, I think Jack is showing off his should-be-patented choking/hugging/tackling embrace)
The saucy ladies: pretty in pink
All the small folk
Protective big sister #1
Protective big sister #2
Buddies
