"Anyway" Friend

An "anyway" friend  are those that are friends that in spite of your flaws they are your friends "anyway".  I am so glad to have a few of those in my life. 
A few weeks ago one of those great friends and her mom and kids came to visit with us.  I loved having Elissa here even though things didn't go just as we had planned.  I had really hoped to show her my life up here....our home, the town, the gym, the parks, etc.  The weather could have been worse but wasn't the best for being outside.  They arrived on Sunday evening and it was so nice that the kids just picked up and played like they see each other all the time.  Jada and Jonah have grown so much and are precious!!  Elissa's mom, Mrs. Shelley was great with the kids and I enjoyed getting to know her better after hearing so many good things about her from Elissa.  Monday we ended up just hanging out at the house and totally relaxing. The kids played and played and we napped and were lazy.  It was so nice to visit.  Tuesday the plan was to get up and go to the gym early and then hope the day would be nicer so we could maybe hit a park or something.  Our plans had to change.  Poor Caden woke up with a very bad stomach virus and I was torn between taking care of him and trying to keep him away from everyone and visiting.  After much debate and worry on both of our parts the decision was made for Elissa's crew to head back home to Tallahassee.  Their visit was cut short by a day and she saw nothing about my life here except the road to my house.  I can say though that the time we had to visit with each other I wouldn't trade! 

I have made that drive from FL to TN many times with the boys so I know that her time and energy to get ready and make that trip was a sacrifice.  I am so thankful that her mom was willing to come with her so she could come!!  We didn't expect things to turn out like they did and it wasn't ideal but that is why Elissa is one of those dear "anyway" friends.  She loves me "anyway"!!  Girl, I hope you know how much you mean to me and how much you coming up here meant to me!! 

Unfortunately this is the only picture I have....I do think Elissa took some others (which I would love to have a copy of...hint hint).  I wish we could have gotten one of us but I don't think either of us put on make-up the entire visit.  This picture is great though because the house had been very loud and kids running all over and hyper and then there was silence.  Elissa and I were upstairs getting things ready for bed and looked down to see this picture....her mom sure did have a way with all of them!

Miss you guys already!