Sweet Visits

Alex had an out of town meeting this week,
and the kids and I decided to tag along at the last minute.
I surprised two law school friends and asked
if we could pop by while Alex went to his meeting.
Embarrassingly enough, I hadn't made the trip yet to see either of these sweet babies --
one is already one and the other is about to be!!
So I texted them around 10am to see if I could stop by around nap time --
sooo convenient but both obliged! :)

First we stopped by Christy's house to meet baby Christopher:

He was darling and the boys became fast playmates:I love their elasticy bottoms.

Other people's toys are SO interesting and new!
And I love how Christy had out fresh flowers. This is so Christy -- she has a sweet appreciation of beautiful things.
I love how she attaches flowers or greenery to gifts.
So inspiring to me to take the time to add sweet touches.
It never feels like a magazine spread or over the top --
just a sweet thought of something special!
And she was a precious new mama -- fun to see her in her element!


Next we were off to the Fitts house to see Rebekah and her three little ones.
Rebekah's husband was in law school with Alex and we became fast friends.
Rebekah was the first person I knew that years ago read people's blogs.
Like people she didn't know.
RIDICULOUS I told her.
Why on earth would you want to read someone's blog you don't know!?
Eating my words.

We entered the Fitts house around snack time overwhelmed by the smell of fresh bread.
It almost made me want to revisit bread making.
Really because I want to make this to go with it.
But my first attempts were not so hot, and I abandoned it!

She buttered them up and we enjoyed homemade bread and tea for snack.

Kirkley was thrilled to get to drink from a little teacup. I think she and Noble wore Libby's ears out.
Libby (4) and Noble (3) were hilarious to watch with K.
Noble and K were chatty chatty with each other. 3 must be a chatty age for all.

The young ones were sweet and quiet.

Noble declared, "He can marry Murphy."

Perfect, we'll go with that.

Kirkley introduced them to our new favorite activity of silly faces for the camera.

I love Noble's curls. I hope Jay can pull them off cute like this!
We left the Fitts house with our own bread and trail mix -- thanks Rebekah!

Next we were off to their first trip to a bakery.
Our town is so lacking that they've never done this.
Kirkley had a blast picking out which ones to take.

Lastly, we hit up Penzey's Spices.
This is such a neat place if you like to cook or bake.
I came out with these freeze dried items to use in place of the real thing.
I typically avoid shallots/green onions recipes because of cost/time
so I'm really excited to see how these work.
And the vanilla sugar is awesome in coffee!

You know it's a great trip when both kids crash as soon as we hit the car.
We enjoyed a quiet ride home with time to talk!
Thanks girls for letting us swing by on short notice --
I am always so encouraged and inspired by other mamas!

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thess 5:11