Happy New Year!

This year we had the privilege of spending New Years with some of our best friends in the world! We drove to The Woodlands to hang out with The Ray Family. We just love spending time with them and their girls. A lot has changed since we lived down the road from them three years ago. They have moved twice. We moved to Austin. We have another child. Richie sold the pharmacy. But no matter the time since our last visit, the changes we've made, or the distance between our houses, once we pull in their driveway, we feel right at home. It has if no time has passed. I love friendships like that. They are rare.

We drove in on Tuesday night at got to go on "date night" with Richie and Cece. We went to Kirby's steakhouse. I have been eating too much chic-fil-a and for got how tasty a nice pepper steak taste!! It was fun to catch up with them. Cece and I have so much in common. It is great to be around someone who thinks so much like I do. I know it is scary!

After dinner, we went shopping for fireworks. In true Richie fashion, he just about bought out the firework stand! I know he made that lady's night! Then Cece and I went grocery shopping. It brought back memories of our late night trips to Wal-mart in Montgomery.

Then we stayed up talking and watching "Little House on the Prairie" reruns. See I told you we are alike! The funny part is Rob stayed up too!

The girls were thrilled to take turns sleeping with Rylie, Reagan, and Reese! For New Year's Eve, Rob grilled burgers.The Honeycutts and The Limes came over to play Texas Hold'em and watch fireworks. It was great to see them and catch up with all that is new in their lives.

The firework show was better than most of the ones I have seen whole towns put on! The kids loved it! All except Kinley! She stayed inside through the show. After the fireworks, the kids watched a movie in the theater room. Their theater room has a movie screen bigger than the one in the Crockett movie theater! Honest! The kids thought this was extra cool!

The next day, we all went swimming in the heated pool. So much fun!

Here are the boys playing with the kiddos in the pool.

Sweet Little Rylie and Kinley

Our little Dynamic Duo- Reagan and Kinley

Maddie and Resse taking it easy.

Later on that day, the kids roasted marshmallows in the fire pit in their backyard.

My kids LOVE campfires!

Cade enjoyed helping daddy get the fire ready.

It was a great visit, a wonderful way to bring in the New Year. Who knows what 2009 may bring. It is always exciting to start a new venture. But whatever changes it may bring, it is so encouraging to know that some things never change.

Having good friends like the Rays is a good reminder of that for me.