Ludington

We have driven a lot in the past three days.  Probably too much.  We have driven close to 800 miles... oof.  We are TIRED.  But it was really good visiting with friends that live far away.  :)

This time we were visiting friends DJ and Hannah.  They live up north in Ludington, so it was a bit of a drive up there but we had a lot of fun.  We only get to get together with them a few times a year because of our locations but every time we do we feel so good after visiting with them.  It's nice being around other couples our age that have children our age.  And I think they are the only friends that fit that description!  Hannah is actually expecting their 2nd child at the end of July... so their kids are in between our kids age, but they get along great.  :)

DJ and Lucy

It's really nice visiting with them because even though we don't see each often, it doesn't feel that way.  It's also really nice that Hannah is an AMAZING cook.  We have some of the best meals there.  :)  I think another reason why we like visiting with them so much is they are at the same point in their lives we are.  They're young with young kids, they love Jesus, they are just starting out financially (although they have a super cute house) and we are interested in the same things.  I know the kids like being around each other too... and their child Benjamin (their first) isn't around a lot of other kids either so I know they enjoy the company.

The boys playing legos together

Sitting at the counter eating a snack together.  :)

It's really nice because we can bounce parenting ideas off each other or give suggestions on how we do things.  Its nice having that understanding too that little kids who are tired or hungry will be mostly be a bit more sensitive, and they're not upset by crying.  I also like that their styles of parenting are similar, and they respect the things that we tell our children they can or cannot do... which may sound ridiculous, but it's amazing.

We seriously just played and hung out.  They live in a pretty secluded area so we were outside a lot.  Tristan LOVED that.  And Lucy pretty much just wanted to be doing whatever the boys were doing.  On the way home it was thunderstorming like crazy, but it was peaceful.  Looking back through the patter of water on the windshield at our exhausted kids, and getting to hold hands with my husband was just perfect.

Driving

Trying to show Benjamin that the blow up toy is actually a lot of fun

Lucy was jumping with Papa in it.

I'm hoping to be able to visit with them after Ethan is born.  Hopefully we will be able to help out in some way.  :)  This way I can get my baby holding fix in too!

JVG