Friendships and Field Trips!

Last night my girlfriends Cindy and Jenn came over for a bbq and to play the Wii. I love these women and I'm having such a great time getting to know them better. They are such kind hearted, giving and fun women and I always feel so good when I'm with them. Lately we've been getting together once a week to either meet at a coffee shop to talk (4 hours one time!) or walking around this HUGE park nearby. It doesn't really matter where we are, there's always lots of great discussion and laughter.

I met Cindy in a weird way. We have a mutual friend who sent me a joke email one day and copied Cindy in on it. She recognized my last name and called the friend to ask if there was any way I was related to Ian. Turns out she works for the same company, in the same building, as Ian. Talk about a small world. Cindy is such a selfless person and she would do anything for anyone. It amazes me what all she does for others. I like how I feel when I'm with her, like whatever I say to her will be kept in confidence and that my heart is safe with her. She is a real "quality" friend and I appreciate that in her.

I remember the day I met Jenn for the first time. She and I were in the same study at our church a few years ago and when I met her I knew right away that I wanted to be friends with her. It's only been in the last few months that we've talked more, and then recently started spending time together. She and I have similar Irish-Catholic backgrounds and similar sense of humour. Cindy ended up leaving around 9pm (boo... party pooper) so Jenn and I ended up having a great conversation about a variety of topics and ended on the topic of friendship. We have a lot of the same thoughts about things. I loved listening to her talk about her walk with Jesus and how she became a Christian. I could easily feel her desire to walk even more closely with Him. I'm excited about these "new" friendships.

Today was yet another beautifully sunny day so the children and I headed to the beach and met up with my friend Jen and her daughter. I have never seen the beach so busy before but I think the four bus loads of day camp kids and it being 1/2 price day had something to do with it. Thankfully Jen got there early and secured us a spot in the shade so I didn't have to worry about Jordan getting any sun.

Here are my two creeps digging in the sand before the crowds arrived.



And then a little later on, swimming.



The water looked so cool and inviting but I didn't swim with them because I had Jordan with us and I didn't want to take her out of the shade in case she got sunburned. I forgot her hat... and towels for the children. Oh well.

Eventually it got so hot and crowded we decided to head back to our beloved air conditioned home. The children had a good time.

Being that gas was on sale at a crazy $1.31 I had to stop! This was all my $50 got me today.



Pitiful.

Here is a breakdown of the cost of gas.



Yes, I know...very blurry picture. I think my hands were shaking from anger and disgust therefore it wouldn't focus. More realistically due to the fact that I was hurrying because the guy inside the gas station was shouting at me through the intercom "Hey Lady! What you think you doing?" over and over so I thought it was a good idea to get out of there in case he came to kick my a$$.

Not a bad day.