Rochester! (Friday)

Friday was our last day in Rochester, and it was as lovely as our first.

It started with a visit to the RAC where the childcare workers greeted Nolan with glee!  It was awesome to see them, since they started taking care of Nolan during my workouts when he was - what? - 2 months old?  I struggle with the childcare services at our current gym in Scottsdale, and the RAC reminded me why.  Was just fun to see them see Nolan again.

And it was MORE fun to work out with these friends again!  There's practically a Steph-shaped hole in one of those stairmills. We missed you a lot.

After having lunch at the RAC with just Nolan, we drove downtown to catch the very talented Ashley Hall and her husband Nate Tighe as they performed a beautiful trumpet concert.  It was such a treat!  Several of the other girls came with their kids too, and while we might have ruined the ambiance with all of our crawlers chattering and cruising around the back of the room, Nate and Ashley are gracious indeed and assured us it was fine.  Oh well -- I didn't really care that much what other people thought... I was too happy for the chance to hear Ashley perform.

So much talent in this lady!

And look who else we found at the performance -- fellow Calvary choir singer and worship teamer Julianne Hagan!

Julia (Reed), Kamber (McKinley), Carli (Evelyn), Ashely (missing Morgan!), and me with Nolan

After the performance, I couldn't resist walking the few blocks to Methodist to pay a brief visit to my old work unit and say hello to my manager Rachel Eickhoff.  Glad I did, as that place meant a lot to me. 

********************************

Then it was time for dinner and our chance to say goodbye to the Sviggum family before heading to teh airport.  Thank you again, Rachel, Hans and crew so much for everything!  The meals, the toys, the warm clothes, the giant cozy bed which you so graciously forfeited for us, the quiet place to rest and touch base for nap times...  I'll say it again - you are wonderful.

Rachel, I'm especially thankful for the time I got to spend with you.  You are too much good wrapped up in one body.  Can't wait to have you in AZ soon!  Thank you, friend, for sharing your obvious gift of hospitality.

************************

The whole visit feels like I dreamed it.... which means we'll be due for another reunion soon.

What do you say, ladies???

Thankful.