One of my best friends since childhood is moving back to the States from Europe, where she has been living and raising her family for several years. A few weeks ago she came out for a visit and the rest of us (3 living here in Seattle and one in Montana) took the opportunity to turn it into a reunion.
Katie arrived on a Sunday and the following night we had a wonderful dinner with her family, the rest of the Girls + S.O.’s along with Katie’s mom, Karma (visiting from Bozeman) and Sarah’s parents, Karen and Dave, at the very family friendly Tutta Bella. Of course when we’re together, talk goes to all our memories of growing up in Juneau, and with the parents there it added to the reminiscing (ok, so perhaps some things we did as teenagers might be better forgotten, but there are parents to remind you of where you came from!)
Wednesday night, our dear Danielle arrived and the 5 Girls had to take the opportunity to go out for drinks. Oh, wait, did I say go OUT for drinks? Well, yes, there was that, but this party got started with Kristin passing around a KEG cup full of beer as we all drove to the airport to surprise Danielle. Then we were joined again by some of the S.O.s and Chris Anderson, another dear old friend from the AK, for drinks downtown. Man, was I cursing Katie all day the next day when I had to pretend to be sick (cough cough, sniffle sniffle) lest my co-workers discover that the real reason I slept during a morning break AND through my lunch was because my head felt like it was in a VICE. Thanks for encouraging me to drink that glass of champagne, Kate!!
A very special part of the week was having a slumber party at Sarah’s house on Friday night—Take out food, lounging in the PJs (no, boys, no naked pillow fights this time—but as I recall, very drunk Kristin and Katie DID do some air mattress wrestling, much to Sarah’s chagrin), and of course lots of talking, laughing, and crying late into the night!!! Sarah even arranged for her Dad to act as surprise Chef the next day and make us pancakes for breakfast, just like Old Times… what a treat!
The rest of our time together, we were able to go on some nice walks and hikes around town, and were able to check out Katie’s new hood (she will be moving to Queen Anne this Summer, only a 10 minute walk from ME!!!!).
Oh, I have to mention a special highlight for me (and I hope this earns me some points in the ‘favorite Auntie’ contest! Yes, Girls, of course there’s a contest!!!)……
Earlier in the week I called in sick (cough cough.. I know, I know, would’ve been better to call in Hungover after that Champagne, but who can predict when those nights are gonna happen?). Anyway, after enjoying my coffee-er-TheraFlu on the sofa Tuesday morning, I called Kate over at her hotel. My thought was that I would try to coordinate for a lunch date with Katie and Seth in between their morning and afternoon appointments. Instead, I was invited to go to the Seattle Center with Grandma Karma and Jackson (5) and Kari (2). Seemed harmless enough. As Ive told Katie several times, it really was my pleasure, but WOW did I get a taste of just how difficult it must be to have 2 little ones (Kristin, are you reading this??). We took 2 modes of transport to get to the Center. With little ones that’s no easy task (on the upside, we did get to ride the SLUT (South Lake Union Trolley—not its official name), and the Monorail. Then we had fun at the Center House at Seattle Center (Auntie Jennie, luckily having met the height requirements, got to ride lots of rides with the kids. One made me want to vomit, but I kept a brave face). In order to leave the rides, I believe I told Jackson that we could come back this Summer “anytime you want to”! (but he didn’t get anything in writing, so we’ll see). We followed up the Center House with the Children’s Museum, where I had to let go of my planning nature (“Let’s try to see all the exhibits, Kids!”) and allow things to flow (which meant spending nearly an hour in one exhibit where wiffle balls are blown through tubes using air.. Pretty cool). One of the highlights was feeding Katie’s kids ice cream for Lunch. Yah, being an Auntie is GREAT!
When Katie came to meet us at Westlake Mall I was about ready for my nap, with a much better appreciation for parenthood! I think the experience earned me some babysitting street cred and apparently Jackson did talk about me the rest of the week, which is good. (Favorite Auntie points, remember?) It’s a good thing that Kari is too young to remember that I put her shoes on the wrong feet and caused her to repeatedly fall while running down the hotel hallways- maybe we’ll tell her when she is a bit older).
Saying goodbye to both Kate and Danielle after the week was difficult, but we are all excited that Katie will be here in Seattle this Summer and hopefully now with 4 of us here, Danielle will make more frequent trips this way!
As the years go by, I feel more and more fortunate that I have these 4 women in my life; to support me in hard times, celebrate with me in good ones, and of course to remind me how really horrible my bangs were ‘back then’!! Most importantly, when Im with my friends I feel true unconditional love. Thanks, Ladies, for reminding me how lucky I am.
