Roommate Reunion!

It's been about 4 years since I've seen my college roommate, Laura. I'm so grateful that she traveled all the way out to California to spend a long weekend with us!

She and her daughter Eva arrived on Friday afternoon, our first day of summer vacation. We spent Friday evening and all day Saturday around the house--swimming, chatting, and relaxing. Saturday afternoon Laura and I relaxed by the pool while the girls swam and Brian grilled pork chops for dinner, served us margaritas, and adjusted our chairs and umbrella for shade. Laura said, "Brian, I couldn't get better service at a 4-star resort!"

Katie and Eva hit it off right away, before we even made it home from the airport. They really enjoyed each other throughout the weekend, playing Harry Potter, swimming, doing sand art, making pom-poms, and being sweet little girls.

Sunday we decided to escape the heat wave and take everyone to the coast. It was 104 degrees in Bakersfield and only 70 degrees at Avila Beach. Unfortunately, we didn't realize how cold that would feel with the coastal breeze. We loaded up the car with beach chairs, an umbrella, Heidi, and a cooler full of food, ready to spend an entire day at the beach...and we didn't even last 3 hours! Avila Beach is a cute little town with shops and restaurants that we piddled around in before calling it a day. Although it was chilly, and the water was freezing, the coast is always beautiful and lovely, and worth a visit.

On Monday we took the girls to Rush Air Sports, an indoor trampoline and obstacle course facility. They had so much fun trying all the different obstacles. That Eva is a little monkey! She did a great job with the climbing wall and the obstacle course, inspiring Katie to keep trying. Sarah burned some energy on the trampolines, perfecting her double back-handspring-back tuck.

After Rush, we headed to the mall for Eva to get her ears pierced. She was so brave and they look beautiful! I'm glad we were able to support her as she experienced that rite of passage.

Laura and Eva left Tuesday morning for a long day of travel back home. It was such a perfect visit, a little bit of adventure and a little relaxation. Katie made a new friend in Eva and Laura and I picked up right where we left off, like it was yesterday. Spending a weekend like that with a friend who knows me inside and out (and still loves me!) is just what I needed. Now I'm re-energized and encouraged to continue seeking friendships and developing relationships here in my new community. Laura's visit was such a blessing to me and my family! I hope it was a special time for her and Eva too!