In the 'hood

So my birthday came and went. It was just another day. BUT I did get a really great gift from my friend and neighbor Tori. Tori has kids around the same age as mine and she has a 14 month old that she has shared with me since she got her first + pregnancy test. We were friends when I lived down the street and when we had to move, I picked the rental house right next door. I figured, what the heck, it would make or break the friendship! A few times when Bridger has walked into my bedroom to tell me a story when I wasn't quite dressed, I have wondered what we have gotten ourselves into. (He didn't even realize or care that I was half dressed. He just kept right on talking as I slowly reached for my shirt.) Ever since that first day our kids have been together. There is rarely a fight or disagreement. All five of them play together, and they work things out themselves. It has been a great arrangement.
Anyway, getting back to the gift. Tori gave me the fat-girl size bag of peanut butter M&M's (great friend) and a photo album. In this album are pictures of our families and our kids together. Pumpkinland, Halloween, birthday parties, Easter egg hunts, pumpkin carving, vacations, West Yellowstone, playing at the park, dying eggs the next year, seeing Santa, playing in the snow, etc. It reminded me how great it has been to have them in our lives. I complain to her and she sets me straight. I try to be a good listener and encourage her. We swim every Thursday afternoon. Sadie prefers me over just about everyone else. ( I like her, too.) Seeing all of those pictures, I have realized what a great opportunity it's been to have the Sumpters right next door. Not often do you find friends who get along famously with your ENTIRE family! These few years of our lives are special. We will never have such little kids who want to go and play with us again. It's a special time, and I appreciate what having a family like theirs does to enhance these years. We are always making a new memory, and I am sure we will talk about the things we are doing right now for years and years to come.... "Hey Mom, remember when the squirrel ate the nut out of Libby's daddy's ear? That was SOO funny!"