5 years ago

When Andi and I moved here we did not know a soul.  (That's not entirely true for Andi, as she has some family living here in a retirement community, but they are not quite the "go out and party" types.)  I have never really had much trouble making friends, truly; I have gone to drinks with someone I met in the greeting card isle once.  Andi, on the other hand, is a bit more, shall we say, reserved. So I took the lead when we got here.  Now, the Pacific Northwest is not like anywhere I have ever lived before, and let's just say I had some adjusting to do.  I was always too dressed up, too loud, too upfront and too Chicago for most people we met.  Until we met these two. 

They just "got" me.  And from the first time we went out we were family.  So, years go by and we share sooo much...
engagements, birthdays, game nights, holidays, wine trips, tears, laughter that made our sides hurt, broken new years resolutions, acceptance of loss, comfort, encouragement, the birth of my much-desired girls, and the pending birth of a little Alaskan, and sadly, the departure of both of these gals from Seattle.


I have to say a piece of my heart broke each time.  First G-money and D-flow took off to the cold and dark Alaskan wilderness (they really just moved to Anchorage but this sounds more dramatic), only to find light in the promise of new life and love. Then Maree went off to the bright lights of the Big Apple to make rich the lives of countless people she will meet there.


Bottom line is, I MISS YOU and LOVE YOU more than I ever imagined, and I am terrible at keeping in touch.  My Chicago family will attest to that.  So here it is, my little shout out to two people who changed my life forever, for the better, and are always remembered and loved!  
I will say it again...

 I MISS YOU TWO KNUCKLE HEADS!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

some of my favorite things

My Andino family

my girls

getting mail

getting mail with gifts inside

bows, the bigger the better

little girls wearing bows

our Auntie Sue.

Thank you!

I love that Eme let me put them all in her hair. 

 Sometimes it is a task to get just one in.

Mama, how do I look?

Better call to say Thanks!

I think I called the wrong number, oops.

Anyway, we love them and will wear them with pride!

stats

 The girls are 15 months old, can you believe it?

Here they are... 

Marlo:

22 lbs and 3 oz and 31 inches 

that puts her in the 50-75th% 

not too shabby,

and super cute!

Emerson:

21lbs 5oz and 30 1/2 inches 

that puts Emecita in the 25-50th %

she is a cute little bit

with lots to say 

I love Jib jab...

...and halloween!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

letter to an old friend

Dear blogiddy blog,

I am so sorry that I have left you hangin'.  You see, my life is crazy, and so am I.  I have stories in my head of funny times, friends who have visited and super cute pics of the twins, but I can't seem to find the time to write them down.  Not to mention the fact that I can't find the words.  So, poor neglected blog of mine, I promise to give you some TLC later today, after a glass or two of wine, when the words come.

XO
Your old friend,
Maria aka "The Girls"