We were supposed to spend the beginning of July in Pennsylvania for a family reunion, and on the way stay with my friend Marla. But then we moved to Phoenix instead. No family reunion and no meeting Marla face to face.
But then her family decided to take another zoo trip--one that included both Denver and Phoenix. We missed the Denver dates by a week, but they came through Phoenix this past weekend.
Marla and I have emailed back and forth for years, skyped, and talked on the phone. So meeting each other in person--along with our families--felt totally normal. Toben and Gabe have talked on the phone together, and our girls have even emailed back and forth and skyped a couple of times.
I had to keep reminding myself that this was the first time we'd been face to face because it feels like we've known each other forever!
Our girlies became instant friends and were only too glad to pile together for a slumber party on the floor.
(Hey! Where's Olivia?)
Gabe and Marla took my girls to the zoo with them on Monday morning--I couldn't believe I couldn't go! (I had to get my picture taken with Toben for his job--the ONE appointment I've had in the past three weeks!)
The zoo was a hit, but I think they need to come visit again so I can go too--and when it's not 110 degrees. After the zoo, we headed over to the pool and the girls swam while Marla and I sat in the water up to our necks talking about this, that, and everything in between.
And while Nina took a nap, we were sure it was hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk...
...but not quite. It just sorta dried up and got gross. (I remember doing it--and it working--when I was a kid one summer in Memphis. I think we'll have to keep trying.)
Anyway, we had a great time. And if you were one of the lucky people to host them on one of their zoo trips (they've visited 52 in the past year--you can read all about it here), you know what I mean.
Gabe, Marla, Olivia, Ava, and Nina--we love you all and can't wait to do it again!
How fun--Marla is too cool! Hope to meet you one day in real life!
Posted by: Holly B. | July 22, 2009 at 07:12 AM
So glad you got to finally meet face to face. They were indeed a joy to have--and I'm you were the absolute conduit of that blessing we received.
Love you, friend...miss you, too!
Posted by: Holly @ Crownlaiddown | July 22, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Oops! I meant "I'm sure you were..."
Posted by: Holly @ Crownlaiddown | July 22, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Those 5 girlies are all so beautiful and looked like they had tons of fun together!
I love all the pictures and I'm glad you had fun with my family! They are pretty cool. :)
Posted by: Bethany | July 22, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Glad you guys had a great time...so sorry we couldn't meet them in NY!
Posted by: Kristen | July 22, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Thank you sooooo much, Joanne, for your hospitality and friendship!! We looooved spending time with all four of you!!
I do request that you move back to Denver before we visit you again though. ;)
xoxoxoxo!!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | July 23, 2009 at 08:59 PM
such happy photos !
I really like Audrey with her hair short !
and I can see you have beautiful new hair style as well ! (Did the two of you go together ?!!) :)
Posted by: SierraMoon | August 02, 2009 at 09:34 AM