Labor Day Weekend with Sisters

I was able to share this Labor Day weekend with the sisters. Valerie (8) and Katherine (soon to be 6) spent a few days with us... sleeping in, staying up late, swimming in the pool and the ocean, watching the dolphins, visiting the Wright Memorial, and putting on shows. But these are not the sisters I am talking about. These sisters are my girlfriends: Dawn, Susanne, & Carol.

Dawn was in Norfolk on business for the week prior, and told me that she couldn't come all the way from Atlanta, and be that close to me, and not visit. For that I am grateful. (A few Summers ago, I had a friend drive right past my house and tell me she didn't think she'd have time to stop for even a quick visit. Hmmm... surprising that we are no longer in touch?)

Susanne had intended on coming down with her kids for a few days, which left me filled with anticipation. "Note to self: Buy Cheerios and Oreo's. And more milk. Kids need that stuff." Carol was a last minute addition to our Girls Weekend, for which I was THRILLED.

The big girls spent the days laughing, sharing, counseling, eating, and chasing the kids that were chasing my dogs, and getting too much sun with not enough sunblock. We watched The Sound of Music. Twice. We caught Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bag only once. We played a lot of Wii, thanks to Chip's new video game purchase.

Speaking of Chip, my husband is amazing. When the big girls get together we are a tough crowd. Friends since Jr. High, we know just about everything about each other; opportunities & accomplishments, strengths & faults. We are story tellers, all of which he has probably heard a zillion times. To see him playing with the kids and engaging my friends in thoughtful debate about subjects that interest THEM, and being incredibly helpful and patient... well, it made my heart grow. I am so very lucky.

Dawn left on Sunday, and the rest of the gang left this morning. I was quite sad to see them drive away, yet so happy that, through the years, I have managed to find such fantastic friends sisters. I am eternally grateful for each of them. Each one a little nuts, and yet still perfect in my eyes. Yay for them. Yay for me.

Here are a few more photos... enjoy! (PS, Katherine LIKES to do windows!! God bless her!)