Summer is for time spent with friends!

Friday night we enjoyed the company of the Stiers. They moved to WI a few years ago and in spite of our vote that they move back to the cities, I think they're staying put. . . Bummer for us! We enjoyed an evening of catching up (some of us staying up way too late, one of us grateful to not be sharing a room with a 14 mo old who decided to play at 2:30 am!) and then Steve and I got to be baby-sitters Saturday morning while the grown-ups went to a Bar Mitzvah.

Their daughter Ellie is absolutely adorable and a whole lot of fun. That being said, she's also a bit mind boggling to me! At this stage of the game, I can imagine having a baby. I can picture myself buying groceries wearing a sling with a child and having an even harder time getting out of the door to work because I'm having to load up a baby and all his/her stuff. However, at this point, I cannot fathom having a 1 year old! They're mobile and quick and oh so curious! All the joys of being with them are causing this mom to be a teensy bit of anxiety about all the changes that are to come. I think that the fact that we cannot possibly imagine all the ways that life will change, first with a baby, then a toddler, then preschooler, on up through teenagers and adult children, is a psychological blessing. This whole pregnancy thing results in being parents. Forever. Of people. Wow! Seriously, it is a lot to wrap your (or at least my) brain around.

That being said, it's also incredibly exciting! I got to spend a few hours with Ellie alone with the zoo while Steve was with a client. We went to a neighbors yard sale (where I scored all sorts of great stuff for our baby), played with a ball, and hung out with the zoo. Once Steve got home from his client, the 3 of us took a walk over to the park and played on the swings. Parks are so much more fun with little kids squealing with laughter as they swing!!

I was so impressed with all members. Queso, not surprisingly kept well to herself upstairs. Emmitt was in the mix of things, allowing Ellie to pet him occassionally and following her around with a very curious look on his face. Charlie was curious, but somewhat aloof. He was not as polite when Ellie was having snacks, assuming that a cracker in her hand at his level was an open invitation, but he did keep his distance after that. Hankers on the other hand was Ellie's buddy. He sat calmly by her on the ground when she ate her snack, only picking up things that dropped on the floor (later he wasn't so polite when he stole a graham cracker she was 'offering' to him by walking around with it in her hand. . . Too close to eye level for him I think). It's reassuring that with all this chaos and this small zoo of ours that they do so well with a tiny little 14 month old toddling around the house.

Charlie & Emmitt seeing if she wants to share
Hank & Emmitt with Ellie
Hank & his new buddy

All of the fun and excitement made for a tired Murray household and the zoo and myself got a long nap in the afternoon. Thanks for the visit Stiers, it was great seeing all of you!!