Ray arranged for his parents to come hang out with the kids for an hour or two so that we could go have brunch and actually eat and talk instead of breaking up fights and cutting up someone else's food. As I am settling in and ready to order, someone comes up and wishes me a happy birthday. I think in my head - oh, must be one of our friends that happens to be eating here and somehow knew it was my birthday, right? I look up to say hi and see a face I know. But, it doesn't compute. It's not possible. That's Mitchel's face, but he can't be here, in California, at the restaurant. Right? And Heather, too? What?! I was so shocked that I couldn't even register surprise for like a full minute. Best birthday brunch ever.
So, while they were here we rented a "really cool big minivan" (Roscoe's words) and cruised around town. I thought maybe, just maybe, if they saw something they liked they would be be willing to uproot their life and pack up their family and transplant themselves somewhere in between the mountains and the ocean. Realistic hope, right? At night we hung out on the back patio and Ray and Mitchel sipped bourbon like old men, Heather drank hard cider like the twenty-something she is and I ate cookie dough like the pregnant mama that I am. It was great. Roscoe hasn't stopped talking about Uncle Mitch and Auntie Heather. Luka played hard-to-get until the last night, carefully observing with a straight face. Once they passed inspection, though, she was all kisses and hugs and smiles. I am so grateful for everyone that made this surprise weekend happen and will treasure the memories forever!
Roscoe showing Uncle Mitch everything he owns with wheels:
Refusing to leave Uncle Mitch's lap even during dinner:
"Wow, this car is really cool" - Roscoe
The spirit of the CO crew is with us:
Family fun:
That minivan looks good on you, Ray ;)
Poker Face:
Warming up with a little Ugga Mugga:
Happy faces, messy house *heart*:
