Reunions with the friends

It's always hard to have friends move away; but, we know that's the fact of life just the same. But, the nice thing is...when you know they are a true friend, and they do get to come home to visit, there's no awkwardness for time missed...you just pick up right where you left off! And that's exactly how it was getting to see old friends again this summer. First was getting to see Lori again. Lori & I go back to when I first started Jazzercise 12 years ago. We've had some fun times together for sure! Lori is also how we came about meeting Deanna (her best friend growing up), who became one of our Bonko Sisters a few years back. Two women I'm proud to always call my friends! She now lives in Arizona & glad to hear that life is treating her well!   

Next was Heidi. Now talking about going way back....the beginning of our friendship started when we were just beginning elementary school (which was 37 years ago...wow!). Melissa & I spent many weekends sleeping over at her house, and her Mom was so good to put up with us loud crazy girls for so many nights :} Heidi has been living in Oregon for a while & flying is not one of her favorite things to do! So, glad when she can bite the bullet, so we can all enjoy our visits with her! :} 

  Always fun getting together with the school friends whenever possible! :}

It was also great to see Kelly again (haven't seen her since our school days). I played softball with Kelly for a number of  years, as her Dad was also our coach for many of them. May he RIP!

Ruby & Chris, the wonderful hosts

And always great to see Sonya & Justin whenever possible!  

And Sandra as well...another life long friendship that I'm grateful for!

Everyone full of smiles getting to see each other again!

Yep, that would be Sandra's daughter for sure! :} Luv ya Talin! 

So, for some entertainment, they thought it would be fun to bring in poker tables & let everyone just play with fun money for some prizes.

 Dylan was thrilled he got to play along! :}   

Oh, Ms. Diva...what is it now? :}

Old buddies, Jeff & Mike, glad to see each other again

Also great to see Jared Ekstrom again, another neighbor growing up. Now there's another face I haven't seen forever!  

As well as Shayne Van Roosendaal

Now this was an awesome surprise seeing Christina & Jim! I also played softball with Christina for many years, as well as other fabulous times together in our school days. We lost track a while back. Fortunately, they got word, while at another event & we were thrilled to see them walk in!    

The last time we were at Ruby's house, Kaley was one happy girl as she got to wear Ruby's fancy shoes. So, this time she was at it again & gave us her own modeling show (serious, I do not know where she gets this from because we all know it isn't me! :}) 

 

Oh please, as if you DON'T want your picture taken! :}

Also always nice to see June & Rex again

It's never boring when Sandra's around! :}

Luv ya Edith Ann! :} 

I guess if I stood in the middle, that would have been a Sandra Sandwich! :}

Meanwhile, Dyl means business in this game!

Talin was certainly giving him a run for his money (even if it wasn't real money :})

And sure enough, who ended up with the most tickets but the two kids!

And the winner of the Eagles jacket is.....(and as his favorite team, you know why he's so excited!)

"Oh yea, I'm a stud!" :}

Oh, fun times! Just can't say enough how fortunate we are to have so many fabulous friendships! :}