A Special Visit

Do you ever have that feeling when you meet somebody in person that you have "known" for so long that you feel as if you have known them for forever? Have you walked into a home and instantly felt as if you were walking into a house you have been in before? Do you look at your friend's children and just want to scoop them up and hug them because they are there in real life and "you" know them and have watched them grow but refrain because if you did, they would look at you like you are some kind of lunatic, deranged friend of their mother? (It was hard... those kids are gorgeous.)

Well, I had the most wonderful opportunity to visit my dear friend, Heather, while she was in my neck of the woods visiting her family for Christmas. She invited us up to her in-laws house less than an hour from me. When we pulled up in the driveway, this devilishly handsome man (her charming husband, Donnie) came out and gave us all a hug and invited us in. Grant, Sophie and I were immediately welcomed into the warmest, coziest home by the Duckworth family.

(picture off of Heather's blog)

Donnie's parents are so wonderful and immediately, they welcomed us into their home and offered us all kinds of goodies and generous hospitality. Thank you so much Grandma Claudia and Grandpa D for having us!

(picture stolen off of Heather's blog)

Grant found the boys, Kyle, Devin and Brandon playing their Wii and seemlessly fit right into hanging out with and playing with them while Heather, Donnie and I took Sophie and Allie to the basement to play with toys and get to know each other live and in person! I didn't even catch a picture of the boys together!

Allie is so precious! Ten times more beautiful than her pictures do her justice!!

She and Sophie played next to one another tentatively for quite a while. Donnie's parents had saved all their Little People playsets from the "olden" days and the girls had a ball with them! Allie is great at taking turns!!!

The mama- and papa-razzi were too busy talking to take too many pictures and we really enjoyed watching our little miracles playing together! We asked the girls to pose together and little Allie was all over it! Obviously well trained to cheese it up and show her beautiful smile! Sophie stayed her quiet, shy self for most of the visit, but I could tell really liked Allie. And it helped that Grandma Claudia kept offering snacks of M&M's!!

We really had the most wonderful visit and it was so wonderful to meet the Duckworth family... they are every bit as loving and wonderful as they are on their blog!! We thought we would try for a mommy/daughter shot on the couch before we left but one little girl (ahem) was not all that cooperative.

But, I think the girls had a nice time playing with each other and were sad for the playdate to end. They gave each other a hug goodbye, it was so sweet! I think Heather got some better pictures from her camera angle.

Bug was finally warming up and shared her smile before we headed back home.

I look forward to more opportunities to visit with this beautiful family in the future! It was amazing how all these years of laughing, crying, loving and FROGging with them and we had actually never met.

Thank you, Heather and Donnie for inviting us into your family's home for the holidays! It is obvious how much love is between all of you. You are a blessing to so many and I am blessed to call you our friends. You are all AMAZING!