A visit with great friends

 Our dear friends Matt and Kori came to visit a few weekends ago.  There was a time, a long time ago, when Jack and I had the privilege of seeing Kori just about every day when we worked together at Colorado State University.  The last time we saw her was in 2001 just after she and Matt had gotten engaged and Jakin was about 3 months old.  They live in Kansas now, and despite our good intentions, we just haven't been able to get together for the past 11 years.  BUT!  They are working this summer in Vermont.  Thinking that would be as close as we will be to each other for who knows how long, we jumped on the chance to get together.  It was such a treat to be able to host their family - now with three kids! - for the weekend.  Even though we haven't seen these friends for 11 years, and we had never spent much time with Matt before this weekend, there are some friends with whom you can easily just pick up where you left off.  Catching up was easy.  And the kids got along reeeeaalllly well.  It was just a happy time all around.

These pictures are from the hike we usually take visitors to.  Pretty easy, nice views...  The kids had fun catching little red newts.  Red efts, I think they are called.

Matt and Kori's three kids are about the same ages as our youngest three.  That made for fun times. 
Elsa, Lauren, Annie, Corban, Sophia, and Jakin

Aidan had fun riding in the backpack with Daddy

Asher dutifully took his nap while riding along with his mom

Later in the afternoon the girls headed down to the brook

Aidan and Asher traveled around the house together.  It was really cute.  It was like Aidan was showing his new friend around.  "And here's the pantry... there are lots of things to pull down in here!"  

Back from the brook, which was quite chilly, the girls wanted to warm up in the mudroom sink.  They started out by just warming their feet.  It didn't take long for Annie and Sophia to be all the way in the sink.

And of course Elsa and Lauren wanted to have a turn as well

After the sink, Annie and Sophia moved up to the bath.  These two little ladies really are kindred spirits.  The liked each other from the moment Sophia stepped out of her van.  They were inseparable all weekend.  And not a nasty word or mean moment for the whole time they were together.  I sure hope we can get together again this summer.

The family with kids in jammies ready for the late night drive back to Vermont

One last hug