Goodbyes

So, here are some pictures from our goodbye party we just had for Jayce's good friend Grayson (and my good friend Molly)...
The first however is a picture of our little ones at one of our earlier play groups... This play group started with seven of us moms and babes when they were all literally still in their carriers... We had the first one at my house in Old Quarter and I wish I had that picture of them all lined up in their carriers that first time... but it is on my old computer and I haven't gotten it on a disc yet... ANYHOW, this is one that I COULD find... and you can still see how much those who were pictured have all grown( it's always been a challenge to have everyone present for a group picture)!
I must admit this group was more of a play group for us stay at home mommies than it was for the kids most of the time.. It was an outlet, and therapy and reassurance for me that I was not the only one going through a challenging phase...For quite some time, we met every Friday, and rotated houses, most of the time even having a really nice prepared lunch most days! Then, the tots got a little more active and it became harder for us to fix lunch and so we simplified and met and had snacks or coffee... THEN, they became even more active and it became hard for us moms to even chat during play group, so we started a monthly girls night out and that has always been a highlight of my month! It was through this play group that I really made some great FRIENDS in Florence, that I really had things in common with!
So, the girls nights out have continued and we have tried to get the children together every several months since then...although the occasions for which we've met lately have not been to my liking! Our group has slowly dwindled... starting with Lauren and Mac leaving a few years ago actually... and Hope and Claudia left a month or so ago, and now Molly and Grayson... so sad... They all have had bigger and better things to move on to and I have been so excited for all of them, of course, but I will always remember and cherish the old days of Friday play groups and monthly nights out... where even on our nights out, we talked about the kids the whole time anyhow... I really do love these girls and their precious children and will always have wonderful memories of these good ole days!


PS these last pictures of Jayce digging into the cake are what happens when you leave your toddler unattended... even for a moment... don't leave cake out!