One of the greatest components of our life is our community. The friendships we have made in Boise have exceeded all expectations, and we are extremely grateful for these relationships in our lives. Sophie and Cameron exhibit joy, excitement, and unbridled enthusiasm for their friends, too, and Doug and I marvel at the ease with which all four of us have connected with new friends.
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| strawberry picking buddies |
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| Cam realizing the perks of having an older sister... her friends... |
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| sibling staredowns |
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| "shaving cream party" |
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| One of my favorite friends... apparently we even dress alike. |
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| first attempts without training wheels |
Our community of special people expanded yet again this past weekend when Australia came to Idaho. Doug's cousin, Bill, his wife, Meera, and Sam and Maya flew up to Boise as part of their American holiday. They are enjoying Disneyland, San Diego, Chicago, and New York during their 4-week vacation, but they graciously flew up to Idaho as part of their adventure! Doug and Bill hadn't seen one another for nearly 15 years; within that time, both cousins lived in various parts of the world, established careers, married (amazing and beautiful) women, and had adorable and bright children. Once reunited, we all had the most wonderful weekend together. The kids clicked and bonded like only family can do, the adults caught up and laughed and appreciated one another's company, and we got to show them a new side of America! It was one of the most enjoyable and seamless weekends we've had with guests! The daddies shared stories from their childhood, they went on a bike ride together, and they picked up right where they had left off years ago. Doug and Bill could be brothers! It was so sweet to introduce Sophie and Cameron to more Australian family.
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| "Go Daddy Go!" |
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| Doug's cheering section for his triathlon |
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| Fast Friends/Family |
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| too much cuteness to handle |
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| No trip to America (... Idaho...) is complete without a trip to Cabela's! |
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| And no trip to our house is complete without Doug's homemade pizza! |
Our friendship with this special family will continue. And as, Sophie said, "Since they got to come to our house, that means we get to go to their house soon."
A strong community is vital to joy as a person, success as a family, support as a parent, and service to others. Time spent sweating up a mountain trail, laughing over a beer, dreaming of the future, listening to one's fears, teaching their children, encouraging the next adventure, sharing stories and swapping memories... these are the friendships worth investing in and appreciating. Thank you to Bill and Meera and their sweet children for reminding us that having a community of family and friends all over the world is such a wonderful gift.
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