Our little house was filled with fun and laughter this morning as we hosted two families for brunch and a playdate. I grew up with Kevin Knopf and Jessica (Berro) Vermette at temple and camp, but this is the first time we've all gotten together with our families. It's so grounding to hang out with people as adults that you knew as a kid - really gives you that "full circle" feeling.
Kevin Knopf, who hasn't change a bit since we were kids, save for the corporate job and "dad" hat:
Morgan, who looks so much like mom Jessica, it's almost eerie:
Jessica and Kevin grew up next door to each other, and now their families are close. Their kids go to Temple Akiba's pre-school together, and Jessica and Cindy seem to be helping each other survive Mommyhood:
Morgan went missing for a few minutes. She was found rockin' out in front of the the mirror in Riley's room, getting her groove on to her own internal beat:
The big kids decorated heart cookies:
And then they ate their creations:
Ethan Knopf:
Jaeden Knopf:
Best trick ever - a little lap bouncing and Ethan was out:
Jessica was in the group of my first campers when I became a counselor at day camp the summer before the 9th grade. Her class was always very special to me - I feel I watched them grow up and was their counselor for quite a few summers at day and residence camps. Jessica admits she was a "trying" camper. I'd just say she was dramatic!
As Jessica and I watched our kids hug good-bye, I made a comment about how, if you told me 20 years ago my kids would be hugging Jessica's kids, I wouldn't believe you. I didn't mean it like "there's no way I'd be friends with this girl," but more like how quick time goes by. The last thing you can possibly imagine when you're 15 years old is having kids, let alone that your kids would hang with the kids of people you know. It seems like a lifetime ago, but I remember those summers like yesterday. Those were special times in my life and am excited to see the next generation on the verge of such friendships and experiences.
Ryan Vermette with no nap but tons of smiles:
Ethan, still pooped:
Jessica imbibing in her own orange juice/margarita/tequila concoction:
Rowdy, quite possibly the bestest friend a girl could ever have:
JJ from Ohio had a blast on her first surfing adventure:
Christie and Tanya showed JJ how to conquer the waves (Note: this will also likely satisfy one of my landscape photo assignments this month!):
Christie, JJ, Tanya:
Super Dude Wes, 5, came by for a bit with his mother. About a month ago, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Kidney is gone and he's fighting on:
Christie and Porter:
JJ and Jess getting dinner ready:
Bill will always be with us:
On the right is Meg, and I can't remember the name of the woman on the left!:
Gayle, Tanya and Jess
Jess and more friends:
Meg hottubbing in morning:
