The Piotrowskis!

I love living in a place where people come to visit and vacation.  Glory! 

Josh's brother and sis-in-law, Jesse and Leah, moved to the valley very shortly after we did.  We were so lucky to catch Josh, Beth and their boys when they came from Rochester to visit their family over the New Year's holiday. 

We had the pleasure of hosting them at our house for dinner on New Year's day.  Nolan had so much fun playing with 2.5yr old Ben!

 Sweet boys

 Nolan trying to gently "bonk" heads with Ben -- one of his new favorite games

 We were excited to see you, Josh and Beth, but we were EXCITEDDDDD to meet sweetie pie Owen for the first time!  You're lucky I didn't storm your door when we arrived in November.  :)
Josh is such a great, hands-on dad.  A pro, for sure!

*****

Beth has been one of my dearest friends since early in residency.  We served together in Side by Side as care leaders and then co-lead a Tuesday evening Bible study for several seasons.  I've spent many, mannnnnyyyyy an hour perched on the bench of her kitchen table eating home-baked goodies, pondering Scripture, praying together with her, and sharing life.  She is one of the most genuine and truly kind people I know, and I miss her.  

 Deserving of an XL slot.  I love you, dear friend.  And I will never again eat a sugar cookie or a s'more without thinking fondly of you!

 We are so thankful that these friends took time away from the family they really came to visit to spend an evening in our home.  I hope it was as refreshing for them as it was for us!  Can't wait until next time.

 *****
 The next day while Mikel brought home the bacon, Nolan and I were invited to join the Piotrowski clan at Jesse and Leah's condo for an afternoon of more food, fun -- and swimming!  God bless Arizona in January.  :)

Pool bound!  Super Josh carried these two tanks all the way there.

Why yes, this lovely lady DID just have a baby 12 weeks ago.  Who would have thought?!?  You look great, Beth!

Josh was a swim instructor for years, and he put Nolan through the training paces.

 I wonder how many pool shots just like this one we will have before Nolan is grown?  I think this is already number 856.

 *****
When we got back to the condo, the ever-hospitable Beth moved their pack&play into a nice dark room so that Nolan could join ben in crashing for nap time.
While the big boys slept, little Owen got a warm bath in the kitchen sink.  He wasn't overly impressed.

 But when he was done, guess who got to snuggle and squishy, soft, good-smelling little baby????

This was a happy day indeed.  I have no idea how I failed to get any shots of the others in attendance (Grams and Gramps Piotrowski and Jesse!), but Nolan and I are so thankful to you all for letting us join you for the fun.  Josh, Beth and boys - we hope your next visit comes very, very soon indeed!!