"When are Mrs. Cary and Baby Joel coming back?"

I had the privilege of meeting Cary about 5 years ago on a beach trip in North Carolina. She was an old college buddy of Alison's and we became fast friends. A few years later, we met up again, in Texas this time, for another family beach trip. This one was a little more hectic and less relaxing as our kid to adult ratio spiked considerably. Needless to say, we had to be intentional to grab some one on one girl talk time. Last year, Alison and I flew out to North Carolina to hang with her and little Joel and had a girls weekend of fun. As Joel neared the 2 year mark, Cary decided to fly down our way and come live the nitty gritty, daily-grind life with our families for a few days. We were so excited for her and Joel to come!

Emmy colored this sign for Cary and Joel and taped it up to our guest bedroom door. It is still there as I write this, not because of laziness, but because of denial.

 First things first, Joel got a bloody lip from our swing in the front yard. What's a trip to Austin without a minor injury?

 Oh but it didn't stop there! Poor little man had a raging fever for the duration of their trip. Cary knew he was not acting like himself and she even ended up getting sick herself her first night at the Mezger's house. Had to get an IV and everything! But sickness didn't stop us. We tried to show Cary the best of kid-friendly Austin: Zilker park, a ride on the Zilker Zephyr, various neighborhood parks, and of course some Z Tejas to celebrate Melissa's birthday.

Easter was on Sunday and unfortunately Cary didn't get to go due to being so violently ill the night before. Kyle followed us to the Erwin Center and we braved the crowds with five kiddos in tow.

After the service, reflecting on all Jesus has done for us on the cross. Or...looking for frogs in the creek on our way back to the car.

 Franny (Kyle's mom) was so nice to let us crash their Easter dinner party. She made this awesome cake!

 We played outside, did cascarones, and ate to our heart's content. Cary and Joel were able to come and it was sweet to spend a little more family time with her.

All the single ladies, all the single ladies!

I could eat Maggie up she is so cute.

Silly man.

Even sweet Joel was feeling a little better. I mean, who can pass up riding toys?

Seriously? What a punkin.

Kyle and Cary

Laughing Ali

 Cary's last night was such a gift. Alison and Cary came over to Casa Foshea and we watched a movie and then stayed up way too late talking. We all paid for it the next morning (Hello early flight Cary!) but it was well worth getting some good chatting time. Since Cary and Joel left, Boone has been incessantly asking when they are coming back. I think he was secretly hoping they were moving in. It was such a gift having our friends come live life with us. It is a vulnerable thing to let other people come be a part of your world for several days, but it was a good reminder of how much I need friends like Cary. Thanks so much for making the trek down to Austin. We look forward to the next time!