Road Trippin'

Between Christmas and New Years, we took a road trip back to Mechanicsburg and then onto Aaron's parents' farm.  It was SO nice to get to visit with friends, who we miss desperately, and it was a ginormous emotional boost to Alex to get to realize that even though we moved, he hasn't lost his friends.  Here are some of the highlights.

Like father, like son ... the first thing that attracted Harrison's attention in the hotel room was the PHONE!

Who needs toys when there's a luggage cart on which to play?

Since Alex was disappointed that the hotel's pool was an OUTDOOR one, we took him to the Colosseum for dinner and games.  Most of them were wayyy too old for him, and it was deafeningly loud, but he loved it anyway.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to sit through a meal watching your whole family eat, and for you not to even have one bite because you know you're meeting up with girlfriends soon at the Olive Garden?  ... Well, it's tough.

'Da Ladies.  Goodness, how I've missed these wonderful women.  There's not much we all have in common, but we each have bits and pieces in common with everyone else.  God brought us together at a time when we each needed strong friendships, and I totally cherish my friendships with each and every one of them! It's not every group of friends that immediately "goes deep" over dinner and supports each other's hurts/pains/trials/frustrations so well - the joys too, of course!.  (Missed you, Gina and Katie! And congrats Kiersten on a healthy baby last week - I can't wait to meet him!)

My two main groups of closest friends were from MOPS and small group.  Since I visited with the ladies Wednesday night, we spent Thursday visiting with the families in small group who's wives aren't part of the MOPS group.  Alex had a blast playing with his friends!  Harrison did too - just not during the photo.  He was more excited that no one was grabbing the Leapster out of his hands.

We got to meet a precious little bundle of joy who was born since we moved, and Aaron was reminded how small little babies are.  I believe she was about 10 weeks in this photo.

We also found out for the first time that Harrison absolutely LOVES babies!  He was content for almost 5 minutes ooh-ing over the wee one!  He stroked her fingers - gave her kisses on the forehead - and talked gently with her.  We had no idea!  When she was taken away he begged to hold her again!  Too bad he'll never be a big brother, 'cause it looks like he'd make a great one!

And Alex got to play for HOURS with his best-friend (and twin from different parents).  It was definitely the highlight of his entire WEEK!

Then after a couple more visits (that I didn't get the camera out for - oops!), it was onto the farm.

Harrison loved chasing various dogs and cats around the house. He was pretty gentle with them, but they hid anyway.  Guess it was just the relentless play - they wanted a break.

Alex, on the other hand, decided to focus his attention on a very willing puppy!  They spent hours amusing each other.

The cousins had a full-day of visiting & exchanged Christmas gifts.

I think Aaron had more fun with Alex's new rapid-fire Nerf gun than Alex did!  You can't see it, but Aaron was shooting his MOTHER! Guess it was pay-back for all the spankings he got as a kid... (wink wink)

 More puppy time.....

(and yes, his slippers are on the wrong feet)

And finally it was time to say some sad goodbyes and head home.