Katie's Visit

In mid-September one of my closest friends came all the way from Virginia to visit us for a weekend.  Katie and I met our freshman year of college; we were next-door neighbors in the dorms and our friendship seemed almost instant.  We've been in each other's weddings.  And though we're now living far apart we've managed to visit each other now and then.  That last part, however, is going to get a lot more difficult come January; Katie is pregnant with twins!  Which is why I was all the more excited for her to come.

She had never met Mollie before, but once Katie read to her (for quite a while) they became fast friends.

Baylor was more interested in his train set ... and getting some one-on-one attention from Bryson.

We spent most of Saturday watching the MSU football game at my parents house (though Katie and I did take a quick trip to the mall to get her some pregnancy clothes), but we got to spend most of Sunday together as her flight didn't leave until late afternoon.  After much consideration, we decided to go to the Gardens with the kids for a little walk.  Baylor led the way, and for once we didn't go to the Children's Garden!

We got to see wild turtles ...

... and ducks a-plenty.

Baylor had a little trouble staying with us.

But we kept him in check, and before long we were at the farmhouse.  Complete with a working water pump!

After soaking her sleeves, Mollie wandered off to go see the farm animal statues.

And Baylor buddied up to Katie for a little hand-holding.

Then we had to go to the sandbox ... which is always so much fun after the kids have gotten themselves wet.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this other kid who was dressed as a police officer.  Way to get the most use out of your Halloween costume, little guy!

After much digging and sweeping ...

... we took the wooden walkway back to the main building.  The fall flowers were just gorgeous that day.

Back at home, we enjoyed a little lunch before nap time.

And soon, too soon, it was time for Katie to fly home.  While the trip was short, it was so great to see an old friend and to catch up before the birth of her little loves.

Thanks for visiting, Katie!