So, we met at a circle K and then went on to IHOP as planned. Elsie had her friend's two little twins with her, Keenen and Kira, and they were SOOO adorable!
Brabs and Wlfy got a bit rambunctious at lunch, in fact I think the twins were the best behaved at the table...after eating we went to the kids schoolyard, so that Wlfy and Brabs could both give Annie some soccer practice and hints, since she just started out in soccer this month.
Aside from Annie insisting that using her fingernails wasn't using her hands, and Brabs trying to make Annie drop and give her 20 (push-ups, that is), Wlfy and brabs also got a bit competitive on the soccer field, and they got pretty rowdy out there at times. I stood around, occasionally kicking the ball back to someone half heartedly. I really admire people who love and excel at sports. I was always exceptionally bad at sports, always felt awkward and foolish and really hated it. But it's a joy to watch someone who loves it throw themselves into it. I can relate in the sense that I was like that with my cello. But sports- never.
Annie likes to joke around and trade sarcastic barbs with Wlfy and Brabs but I think a lot of it did sink in. I think she's gonna be great at soccer, and we're definitely going to have more soccer practices in the future with "the AZ gang."
Let's see what else happend- Elsie scaled a rock wall, I almost fell over my own feet kicking the ball, Brabs displayed an impressive soccer manuever, Wlfy was attacked by small aliens, played Doctor and was the victim of a prank or two. *innocent smile* Keenen got sand in his eyes, Kira helped fix her brother up. Annie's shoes were a trial to her, and Wlfy got a workout in more ways than one! I'll post pics soon that will make all of that much more clear. We took plenty of pics this time!
We sat around and talked a bit too, in the grass, and relaxed. It was a beautiful, gorgeous January day in Arizona, (well, in my opinion- Brabs was dying of heat stroke, but that's only natural when you're used to Alaska winters!) mid 70's, clear blue sky with a few white fluffy clouds. Wide open sky and desert. The drive was beautiful. I was afraid Annie and I might run out of gas on the way home, but luckily we made it!
Our little group feels like family to me now, it's really amazing to have such good, close friends nearby. I really appreciate it so much, especially after feeling so isolated the past few years. It's really something to know that you have friends who will literally do anything they can to help you, should you need it. I always knew that about them but now I have seen it in practice and action. I'm just really blessed to have all of them in my life.
I missed my baby today and wished she was here with us too...it reminded me of how wonderful it would be to have her here with me. But, I'll be there with her in 25 days! *happy sigh* Oh yes, they all got to hear me babble about my upcoming trip to England too.
Miss you guys, and I am so looking forward to cooking dinner for you and seeing you all in March!
Elsie climbing the rock wall:
Annie nursing her sore feet:
I'll post more pics soon






















