Playdate, shopping, the Buchs

In my effort to give Doug some down time, I arranged a playdate for the boys with my high school friends and their children, so he could sleep in, relax and do whatever he wanted -- it is his vacation, ya know. So, we revisited Tent City, saw the animals, played in the kids' interactive area complete with haybale maze, tables of dried corn with play tractors, swimming pool w/sand to dig for potatoes and carrots, pretend barn, and even a wood cutout cow w/udders that could be "milked". Jenn's children are both a couple months younger than our two, while Joy's children are about 6 months younger than hers. We're definitely feeling the same stage of life right now! :) The kids enjoyed each other a lot and everything we did. Zach especially loved the sand pool and the corn table but mostly the freedom from the stroller! Sam would tell you that he "had fun with his friends". Of course, the three of us had bits of conversation along the way and cherished the time we could be moms together. My one observation... it seems ironic that I live in a big city and attend a small church, while both of them live in small town America and attend megachurches ... who would have thought?

In the afternoon, we remembered Mel, Tim, and Tiffany as Doug and I hit the outlets (Rockvale and Tanger) for good deals. Gotta love tax-free clothing purchases! It was nice to run around while the boys took their naps under Grandma's care.

We returned to 1324 to a full house ... Joy had arrived as well as our special guests, Uncle Dave and Aunt Ruth who had come to visit from SC. It was their first time to meet Sam and Zach. Dinner was delish--hamloaf, of course, along with lovely conversation as we learned more about the Buchs' church, routines in SC. Next year's Styer blowout was discussed with anticipation. Good times tonight and more to look forward to.

P.S. Karen, sorry I didn't mention you previously... yep, I'm writing for you too! :)