June 15, 2006 North Garden

Thursday, we went to Walnut Creek Park. We arrived before the lake was open but there was plenty to do. We parked and walked out on a dock, threw rocks into the water, chased after Canadian geese, and the children made all the adults nervous....The wait was worth while. The children played endlessly in the water. Due to the overcast day, there were not many people, making it easy to spot our little one. Eva was daring, wanting to go out as far as she could on a noodle or in Shu Shu's arms. Eli spent much of his time, walking the shoreline. He would swim on his belly some and splash around. Eva needed some daddy-time so found a daddy to talk with. He soon knew everything about E+ E. After snack, some more splashing it was time to head home for lunch. The Arlington crew left soon. At this point I was convinced we needed to see everyone again, so we'd stay with them on Sunday night. I could not bear to separate these cousins for long. The children and I visited with Jolie for a few hours. Eva found Charlotte's room and played with Polly Pockets. We dipped our feet in their lovely pool. It is always fun for me to see my old friend. I can not believe Eva is almost the age I was when Jolie and I started our long friendship. We met Shu Shu at the Chateaux du Gas for a Doctor Ho's pizza. What a tasty treat. Shu Shu got the news that we'd not be back for Christmas. It was not easy to tell her but we'll just have to make some plans for a visit soon.