Every time we come over the pass into Seattle, into the deep varied greens, my heart aches for my old city, the water and bridges and sushi and good coffee. Many people talk of the dreaded rain and grey of Seattle, and yes it exists, but on a sunny day in June there is no place I would rather be than Seattle. The trees are so deeply green, the air so clean...it's marvelous. I dare you to feel one moment of sadness on a sunny day in Seattle. They always feel like such a gift. You know what makes it even better? Standing in a friend's back yard, who you've been really looking forward to getting together with, watching the kids who have just met immediately start to play and fall into real conversation with ease, while sipping French press in the sunshine. I love women who have the ability to be real and humble and open, who don't have to spend a good amount of time convincing you of their awesomeness. It's because they are awesome. Thank you Kristen for such a gift! What a blessing you are!
Our little journey was a bit short because today is Sydney's last day of pre-school for the year and I didn't want her to miss it, so we weren't able to get together with as many friends as we'd hoped to squeeze in to our trip. But, we were spoiled with love and food at Gramma Judy's house and my friend Kassia gave us unused passes to the zoo, so the kids were able to run all around the zoo in glee, trying to keep up with the busloads of elementary school kids. Elias gets so excited by louder, older kids, so he just starts yelling with a big smile in an attempt to keep up and fit in. Nick is in a training for the week, so Sydney could not be convinced that Daddy just might be on any one of the school buses we saw in Seattle and as those piles of elementary kids filed into the zoo, she was sure that Daddy would be the next kid off the bus. I love the enthusiasm of little ones. They make friends in 3 minutes and immediately call my sweet brother-in-law's mom Gramma and supply her with daily doses of hugs and kisses. I wish we all had the open, loving ability of little kids.
We also were able to have dinner with my sweet friend Naomi, whose home is a piece of art with her paintings adorning the walls and her unique, creative touches everywhere. I immediately feel happy in the presence of places that Naomi touches and I often wish she was still my roomie so she could add her touch to my own home. Elias was completely out of sorts at Naomi's (after being put back in the toddler bed 73 times the night before and being up for reasons unknown from 12:30-2:30). He pretty much cried the whole time we were there trying to eat yummy salad and enchiladas. But, you know what? Instead of looking at me out of the corner of her eye as if to say "dude, you kind of suck at your job," Naomi was on the floor with me trying to find the perfect combination of play drills, orange hammers and train sets that would get him happy enough for us to share a few sentences in peace. I so appreciate friends like that, who allow my kids to have off days, and don't judge them or me, but try to get us to the other side. Another huge gift! Of course, Sydney and Hannah Mae fell immediately into step and were having dance and song shows involving HM's awesome pink guitar.
As we began our journey back, we stopped at my dear friend Suzanne's house for a quick play date/lunch date. It was so wonderful to be back in the presence of such a wonderful friend. If ever you need lessons on how to be an amazing, loving, wise, empathetic and super-fun friend, call Suzanne. I sometimes refer to her as the friend I waited my whole life to meet. The kids were a bit shy at this point, but happily played on the opposite side of the room from Suzanne's little cuties, so we were able to catch up quickly as we ate. Again, what a blessing!
Now we are home and it seems the Seattle grey has followed us, I have drip instead of French press and I'm really missing Nick. But, we will revel in the good time we had and look forward to our next little adventure to Wenatchee in a few short days!
And, on the way home as soon as we hit the rolling hills of the Palouse I got all giddy to be home.
2 comments:
tiffany, it was my joy to have you and your precious children over for the morning! thank you for blessing my heart with your humor, your kindness, your truth-telling, and your hopefulness. i wish we lived closer so we could spend more time sharing life together (over mugs of hot french press coffee, of course!) you are an inspiring mom, and i just loved your presence with your kids (and with mine, too). thank you, again, for getting in touch with me to suggest we hang out. it was such a highlight for me, and i am already looking forward to next time! love to you and your family, and may your summer be blessed!
Kristen, thank you so much for your kind words here. It would be SO lovely to be able to share more backyard coffee and play moments with you and your boys! We will just have to look forward to our next chance to visit!
Post a Comment