A few days ago I flew to my childhood home with Daniel and Nora. What is normally a routine flight to Seattle and a little hopper over the snow-capped mountains...transformed into an adventure of what to do about missed naps, forgotten solid foods, heavily-perfumed Russian grandmothers who want to hold the baby, filthy airport carpets that lure Noodle's attention like crack, and finally the glory of stepping off the plane into the crisp spring air...a bundled baby on my hip.
Her Godmother, Courtney, scooped us up after our journey. Smiling and lamenting traffic circles and offering the best chewing gum. Soon we were amidst her boys...Jonah (if you can consider a teenager a "boy") and Abram. These sweet gents surrounded Nora with offerings of toys and swings and laughter. Nora was bedazzled and instantly smitten.
And soon it was Friday...and the weekly photo shoot was upon us. Where better than in the Snapdragon Coffee Shop...Courtney's warm caffienated paradise in Cashmere. I swelled with pride as we drove up to the wood-shingled building. A train chugging along the tracks, majestic mountains rising in the distance, the Wenatchee river snaking aside the highway.
And then we entered. Each amber-drenched nook filled with quotes, popcorn, espresso, Indian elephants, alphabet blocks, knotted wood countertops, and the most inviting moss couch.
Here is where Nora splashed her gummy grin and this week's photos were made. I am so proud of my best friend...a business owner. Her very own shop. I loved her place. We sent the boys away and sat on her couch alone. Just the girls. Nursing Noodle. Sipping a chai latte. Reveling in the moment I'd envisioned since last July.
Snapdragon Coffee - don't miss it when you're in Cashmere, Washington!
And soon we were rolling along the river in my dad's monster truck. Towards his hilltop home and the merriment of a cousin reuinion. My brother and his family soon arrived. Giving Nora yet another glorious afternoon of fascination watching Sam and Rebecca hit golf balls, throw toys for Buddy, and create sweet chaos.
It is great to come home.
Oh how great to see all your families together, Courtney and sons, Sam and Rebecca with Nora. There is a completeness when you share a part of your life with people in your heart. I remember times that didn't seem quite real until I talked with my sisters, like there was a verification that was missing until they shared the emotion with me. I feel that with you in Washington.
Love to everyone.
Posted by: Susan Sanford Steyl | April 22, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Hi,
I live in USA. My name is Paul. Very nice pictures. God bless you all :)
Posted by: Children outdoor toys | May 10, 2011 at 04:03 AM