Old friend, new friend

Last week, one of my oldest friends came to visit for a few days. She brought along her 2 1/2 year old son, Anthony, who turned out to be a perfect playmate for the boys. Aside from the inevitable (and only occasional) battles with sharing, everyone got along beautifully, and it was so much fun for Dina and me to watch our boys enjoy one another's company. Plus, it was nice for me to enjoy Happy Hour at home with an old friend. :)
The last time Dina and I saw each other was in April 2007. I was about 5 months pregnant with Alex, Jacob was 2 months shy of turning two, and Anthony was just 6 months old. Of course, neither of them remembered their first meeting. But, naturally, I had to take a look back at the pictures from their introduction. They hit it off right away back then too.

"Nice to meet you."

"What about now...is this too close?"

"Let's see who blinks first."

Open mouthed kisses are the customary greeting.

"I feel like I've known you since birth."


Fast forward two years later, and they were able to have even more fun together. Plus, Alex was able to join them this time.
Here are a few photo highlights from their visit, which of course seemed entirely too short. (And Dina, how on earth do I have no pictures of you from this visit?)

Understandably, Anthony wanted to scope out all of the toys in the house. So we spent our first afternoon indoors playing with everything. After only knowing each other for an hour, a rock band was formed. And if you know Jacob, you know that's not at all surprising.




"Table for two, please."

Who knew dinner could be so much fun?


Aunt Tricia invited us to join them at the museum the following morning. It was moderately difficult keeping track of 6 kids, so I don't have too many pictures to share. You'll have to take my word for it that they had a good time.

At the museum, our first stop was the Sound Space room, where everyone likes to run, fall, and jump(thanks, Tricia, for the great running pictures!).



Stirring a cloud with Lainey.


Beware...sometimes those clouds will get ya.

Turning a big wheel. (Worst caption ever. Clearly I have no idea what this is.) Oh, and look! There's Dina in the background.


"Oh, look, it's crystals and gems."


Jacob was fascinated by the baby alligator. Or baby crocodile. Definitely one of those.


"How did you find me in here?"


Jacob, Alex, and Daniel braving the rock climbing wall.


He isn't really supposed to be sitting in there. I think I pulled him out approximately 15 times. On the 16th time, he decided to throw a huge tantrum, which is always fun. Especially in public places.


"Anthony, pay attention. It's time to read about the 'Mission to the Moon'."


Everyone was worn out after the trip to the museum. After Anthony & Alex had a much needed nap, we decided to stick around the house that afternoon.

A post-nap snack calls for a little affection.


It was such a beautiful day, we had to spend some time outside as well.

Driveway art.



Bubbles are a necessary outdoor activity. (Oh wait, there's Dina in the background again! Guess I do have some pictures of her.)


Time to run (or ride) down the driveway as fast as possible, making moms of sometimes clumsy boys just a wee bit anxious.




Of course, there was some football to be played. I don't think we're looking at any future receivers since neither of them could catch, but we do have a couple of potential quarterbacks.

"Anybody open over there?"


I love the way Anthony is holding the football.


"Go long, Anthony! I know you're right in front of me, but GO LONG!"


I think the pictures speak for themselves. Not only did they have a blast, they sure did look cute doing it.

P.S. Dina, clearly you guys have to relocate. :)