More Visits from Friends!

This week we had the pleasure of hosting Krista, Dan, and Sophie, who we have not seen since April. Krista and Dan used to visit around New Year’s Eve every year but they missed last year. I think they more than made up for it.

They arrived on Tuesday and left Thursday. During that time we shared meals, laughs, lots of coffee and tea, and time outside. Here are the girls eating a snack on a hike we took:

 

Both girls are fantastic little hikers. Fiona also squatted on her own twice and had no accidents. She loves going outside and does not need help from at all.

Krista and Dan holding hands on the trail:

Looking out at the islands:

  

It was an amazingly clear day, and if I look at the photos full sized on my computer, I can see the arch of Arch Rock on Anacapa Island:

  

Another snack break:

The girls took off by themselves because the adults were dawdling:

 

What a funny family!

Krista read to the girls:

A trip to the park:

We were treated to a lovely chorus when Sophie began to sing and Fi imitated her.

Swinging:

Walking on the pylons:

During the visit, Krista and I had a chance to get away. We got our nails done, shared a biscotti and tea lattes, and went to the supermarket. Those activities seem so mundane until you realize how rarely a person with a child gets to do them alone. For example, I had a pedicure the weekend before Fiona was born. My next pedicure was this August in Texas and this one is the next one. I so rarely get time away during the day, and it was really nice to do it with such a wonderful and close friend.

After Krista, Dan, and Sophie left, the house was so quiet and seemed so empty. I think we were all sad, as we are whenever friends visit and leave. I keep consoling myself with the idea that I will see them again sometime this year and that in the meantime, another friend is moving much closer (I’m looking at you Jen).

Fiona and Sophie got along really well and I think they had a good time. Fiona has asked about Sophie and Krista (sorry Dan) several times today. She always has fun and learns so much from Sophie.

Safe travels dear friends! Enjoy your family vacation and have a safe trip back to Hamburg! (for Krista, at first I accidentally typed HUMburg) And Stay warm!