About 6 weeks ago, Brooks and Tim headed off to a scout meeting. Little did I know, Tim had a plan and he was headed to explore the possibility of accompanying Brooks on his first scout trip 30 hours away. They both came home as 2 very happy boys - there was an opening and Tim was headed to Minnesota. 
Once I realized they would both be gone for the 4th of July, I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to visit some friends who lived in Ocean Springs, MS with us. Our girls were in preschool together and it had been a few years since we had been able to visit. Imagine my amazement when I called to inquire about their plans and found them to be in town and available!
So, the first Wednesday in July, we hopped in the car for a ride to Alabama. It was quite the reunion for Caroline, Borden and Hannah. They hadn't been together since Caroline's 10th birthday party. The girls just picked right up where they left off last time - they stayed up late and had a blast at the lake. Cole and Reed hung out with Jack, fishing for minnows and catfish while pestering their sisters at the same time.
Of course, all of those kids did need chaperones and a driver for the waverunner. I can't decide who had more fun - the girls or the moms. We spent our days reminiscing and catching up on what has happened since we separated to 3 different cities. We definitely had the "good ole days" discussion and the "thank goodness the kids aren't quite so little" discussion. We laughed and laughed at stories we remember about each other. I even reviewed the real purpose in
washing the undies in their very own load. I still haven't come up with a good enough reason to separate them all out - but I did clarify - the undies, undershirts, and socks all go together and are washed on "warm". I guess that ensures extra cleanliness although if one were really concerned, shouldn't it all be put through the "sanitary" cycle? Jennifer is still apalled that I throw caution to the wind and wash all whites together. She was a little worried about sitting next to me - she didn't say as much - I could just tell. (just kidding, kind of). I do feel more confident in my habits since Joy is like me and "tosses it all together" - but she has 6 loads rather than my 3. She sorts reds, and specials for their own wash.
I will attribute a major discovery to my laundry loving friend, Jennifer. Her sheets are folded neater than I have ever seen in my entire life (sorry, mom). I have finally discovered the secret to folding fitted sheets - I unfolded a few at the lake to figure out how it was done. Her sheets were folded perfectly without any bulk, and they were tied with a ribbon - can you believe??? I tried to copy her folding at home tonight and it was a flop - guess I'll have to try again tomorrow. All the way home I contemplated the task of refolding all of my fitted sheets and having a neat and tidy linen closet to give me the title of Ms. Domesticity! I guess that will have to come another day. There's my clean and neat obsession taking over again.
We stayed up till midnight every single night (1:00 am my time). I haven't done that in years. I even tried to get them to join me in crossing off
#25 on my "40" list. Too bad for me, they didn't go for the idea. I thought it would be a great memory maker - but they disagreed, and I wasn't about to do it alone!
Joy and I maintained the patriotic tradition of wearing red, white and blue on the 4th. Jennifer continued the tradition of appearing put together at all times and looking adorable - just like a true Southern Girl. We got home from the lake and she disappeared to "throw on" the cutest little sundress - leaving me to look like this groom's cake Joy saw that afternoon at a wedding.
Can't you see the resemblance??
Saying good-bye is always hard. But reunions can't happen without the reality of an end, can they? We took lots of pictures and made plans for another weekend. The girls will continue to grow and change and yet, they will always be our sweet 5 year olds who looked like the 4th of July just a few years ago. and the moms? Well, you won't find any pics of us in patriotic leotards, but we have all of the memories and fun of those early years with our families together in Mississippi.
