Labor Day

Our conversations used to be about teachers and homework, now they are about how we’re going to school our own kids. We used to discuss boys and dream about our future, now many of us are married to those boys and discuss how many children we plan to have. They were the ones I called when Scott first told me he liked me, and when he first kissed me, and when he asked me to be his wife. They were also the ones I couldn’t wait to tell when we were expecting our first baby (and our 2nd, and our 3rd, and our 4th).

So many things have changed since we were in high school. We’ve traded in the plaid uniform kilts for nursing bras and maternity clothes. We see each other a lot less frequently. Used to be we saw each other every day, now months can go by without a phone call or a visit.

But when we get together again, in many ways it truly feels like nothing has changed at all. Because these friends knew me then, but they know me now as well. They’ve been around as I’ve grown and changed and so our friendship isn’t solely rooted in the past, but very much in the present and the future as well. In fact in many ways, I feel more closely bonded to them now, than when we were teenagers.

This month 3 of the 6 girls from my high school circle of friends had babies. And this week the gang all got together to swap delivery stories and introduce the newest babes to each other, and celebrate these precious new lives!

And even though I got home at 1am and still had to feed my baby and get up a few hours later to feed him again, I truly had a fantastic time and left with a full heart… so grateful for these women who have been part of my life, my heart, and my family for so many years.

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"It takes a long time to grow an old friend."
- by John Leonard

Nothing says labor day weekend to me, then a house bursting at the seams with friends. For the past 8 years, we’ve spent labor day with my group of 6 best friends from high school and our growing families. While we’ve changed locations over the years from rustic accommodations, rental homes, and friends houses, some things have remained constant. If ya wanna see some pics of how the group has grown and changed through the years, check out this post.

As the kids grow, it’s been fun to watch them interact with each other. It adds an entirely new dimension to the gathering.

Believe it or not of the 34 pictures I snapped of the gaggle of kiddos (ages 5-1 month), this was the best one as it was the only one in which you could see each of their 14 faces (and the one with the least tears).

This year the kids put together a talent show for the parents (much thanks goes out to Andrea for corralling them for this).

Check out their moves in their opening number.

Nothing like poker chips to keep the kids entertained.

I find it rather poignant that while we are enjoying the comfort and familiarity of our lifelong friendships, our children are simultaneously cultivating their own friendships.