Forever Friends

My high school friends are some of my best friends, and they are so special to me. I met them when I transferred to Plantation High School in 10th grade, and even though some of us went to different colleges or moved away after graduation, we have stayed close friends for the past 18 years. While we have all changed over the years, many aspects of our friendship are still the same, which is what I love the best. No matter how much time passes, we can still laugh at jokes from high school, we understand each others quirks, and most importantly, we support each other. We have been together to celebrate birthdays, graduations, jobs, weddings, children, and other special events in our lives. We have helped each other through hard times too. I know that no matter what the circumstances, we will always be there for each other.  

Here is our page from the Plantation High School senior yearbook of 1997.

And here we are 16 years later.

Since we will be moving overseas in a few months, Lauren, Danielle, Paula, and Priscila, and some of their kids came up to visit for the weekend. Paula brought Marina, and Priscila brought Ayden, her oldest son. Marissa would have also joined us, but she is expecting her baby boy anyday so it was best she stayed at home this weekend. We had 6 adults and 4 kids total in the house. We were packed in tight, and I was so glad they stayed with us, so we were able to spend as much time as possible together.

They arrived right in time on Friday for the snow and freezing weather, but that did not stop us from getting out. We went out to lunch, and then hung around and let the kids play. Auntie Lauren came bearing gifts. The kids got coloring pads, puzzles, sock monkeys, and Ben got a toy and cute outfit. Thank you Auntie Lauren! And did I mention that my friends are amazing cooks too?  That evening, they prepared a delicious homemade antipasta appetizer, chicken and pasta dish.

Ayden and Marina were like two peas in a pod this weekend. It was monkey see, monkey do! Caleb loved having the big kids to play with, and Ben just smiled at all of his aunties!

First kiss?

Nathan is great with kids, and they all had fun playing, reading, and watching movies with Uncle Nathan throughout the weekend. 

On Saturday, we went to the National Aquarium and out to lunch at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. The kids loved seeing the fish, sharks, dolphins, and lots of other marine life. The adults maneuvered the crowds so the kids could see the exhibits...and we had fun all being together.

How sweet is this?

We took a break from the aquarium to eat some crab cakes and ice cream, then we went back for round two at the aquarium to see the dolphins. Don't worry, Caleb wasn't in that much pain from Marina's choke hold!

The dolphin show was underwhelming for the adults, but the kids enjoyed it.

Auntie Priscila carried Caleb around the aquarium in the afternoon because he was tired...but no nap...for 2 days!

Marina loves 'baby Caleb'. He was named that when she met him when he was 4 months old, and she named some of her dolls after him:). He is a little boy now, but I think he will always be baby Caleb in her eyes ;).

Auntie Danielle hanging out with the kiddos.

Marina and Mommy

That evening, we had a breakdance competition in the house, and afterwards Nathan babysat Caleb, Ayden, and Marina, so we could go out to dinner. They watched Cars 2,while we got sushi - thank you Nathan! We laughed and laughed, like we always do when we are all together!

It means so much to me that the girls all came up to visit us. I know that no matter where we are all, we will always be the best of friends. I love you girls so much! Thank you for the wonderful visit this weekend!