Old Friends

When we first started talking about how to celebrate the Fourth of July about a month ago, we talked about spending the weekend in Atlanta doing the aquarium, the Coke Museum and maybe a Braves game. But, as it got closer we opted to stay here and just lay low. It turned out to be one of the best long weekends I can remember in a long time and the perfect chance to catch up with some old friends.

Friday night we grilled out and the kids played in the cul-de-sac....pretty much what we do every weekend, and it's the best. Saturday we spent a little time on the lake and even got Alex out on the tube. He just felt like the coolest kid around. Saturday night we had an early supper and went to Carowinds with our neighbors to ride the rides until the park closed at 10pm. It was the perfect night, not to hot, and it's refreshing as a parent to realize we've finally got to a point where the kids can stay up late every once in a while. Sunday, we slept in (until 8:30!!)went to Starbucks for breakfast, hit our friends' annual 4th of pool party, came home for naps and then had our friends the Goguens over for a BBQ and to watch the fireworks.

We've known the Goguens since before either of us were married. Scott and Jason work together, and Scott and I were some of the first friends to meet Jason's new girlfriend, Sara. Scott and I were in Hilton Head when Jason proposed to Sara. We celebrated several New Years Eve's together and had regular game nights before the kids were born. Our big boys are 2 months apart in age and our little boys are less than a month apart. So, we've been friends for a LONG time. We don't see each other as much as we'd like, especially considering we live in the same city. But, getting together on Sunday was just like old times. Well, maybe a little louder, more dramatic and crazier than old times, but pretty close.

Monday we spent on the boat with some other friends that go WAY back. Scott and Rob met in Nova Scotia many many years ago, Rob moved to NYC and met Robin. Scott and I took full advantage of having friends in the city and visited pretty regularly. Rob & Scott taught me how to Rollerblade in Manhattan, Rob & Robin were there to celebrate after Scott proposed in Central Park and we were all on vacation together in Hilton Head when we heard that Lady Di had been killed in a car accident. When Rob & Robin decided to leave the city life and move to NC, we were thrilled. Like the Goguen's, we don't see as much of them as we'd like considering we're only 30 minutes away but it's just like old times when we do get together. We had a great time on the boat with them and their 2 boys, tubing, skiing and eating.

I couldn't have planned a better long weekend, and love that we got to catch up with two great sets of old friends. I think these relationships really do get better with age. It really sets the bar pretty high for next year's 4th of July festivities.