a weekend of birthdays

It was a big birthday weekend for some close friends of ours.

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On Friday, we celebrated Amanda's 29 birthday (ages have been blocked out to protect the innocent). It was a great day - I went into Amanda's first grade classroom to celebrate with her cutie kiddos. I love how excited kids get about birthdays - even if it is not their own. They know the excitement they feel on their birthday, and they just want to get near it any time they can. They love Amanda, and I love seeing the amazing impact this incredible woman is having on them. They have no idea the hours that Amanda puts in to making their year memorable - one day they'll realize!

Saturday, we headed to Richmond to surprise Hillary and Emily for their 30th birthday (hint: it's a big one for the twinnies!). Jesse (Hillary's hubby), along with Hill's and Em's parents threw a great party, complete with McDonald's double cheeseburgers for Emily and a pinata. We've been looking forward to this party for a while - we got to see friends (and new babies!) that we haven't seen in a while. Our little gaggle of friends has stayed close since we graduated 7 (SEVEN?!) years ago from JMU. We've added to our number with husbands and wee babes, and it is still so sweet to get together.

We got back home today to a snuggly dog, a few loads of laundry, and a couple hours worth of catching up with the DVR. What is better than a lazy Sunday afternoon?

All in all, Paul and I come away from weekends like this saying, "we needed that." I think I said in my last blog post that in this adoption wait, the worst thing is to sit around. Opportunities like this to be with friends, to laugh, share struggles, and just play together are invaluable. One thing I love so much about Paul is how committed he is to his friends and the value he puts on making sure we stay connected with my friends as well. Our weekly Amazing Race and dinner dates with Amanda are a highlight for both of our weeks. Parks and Rec on Thursdays with the Kisers, weekends to Columbia for football games, camping trips, or trips to Richmond are necessary.  Lunch dates, phone calls, Bible studies. We are so thankful for the community and the friendships that God has placed as a hedge around us - loving us, protecting us, praying with us!

To finish up tonight, I leave you with the least flattering picture of Mallie that has ever been taken. Enjoy the beautiful weather this week!