....housewarming.....

....Sara and I decided to head up to New Canaan, CT to visit our old neighbors, Cristen, Caitlin and Milo.....it was to be the maiden voyage....we were bringing food, wine, a blow up pool, cupcakes, and 3 very anxious children to see Caitlin's new house.....

.....and then it was one of those mornings where I was in tears before we pulled out of our parking garage.....several toddler tantrums, another teething toddler that prefers a high pitched scream, a packing problem with the stroller, a potty training accident, two wine bottles smashed into a million pieces in front of our apartment and a GPS that considered my friend's home "invalid" while both girls yelled at me for more yogurt raisins......all of those mini calamities seemed to add up to one big quandary, especially when Momma only had 4.5 hours sleep....

..... I thought I just might repack the newly unpacked stroller, strap the kids back in and scream DO OVER at the top of my lungs......but one deep breath, a silent prayer for a pinch more strength and patience and WALLAH.....we were off.....

....did I mention that Elsie also got a hold of my pen?.....

.....Caitlin was thrilled to give us our tour of her warm and inviting adobe.....before long, we made it to her Daddy's loft and that seemed like a perfect place to play TAG....

......Callie wanted to play with the big girls and boy so very much......and as she weaved her way in, I winced every time she was spared by a torpedo toddler.....

.....Cristen's home is full of abundant light with windows everywhere.....so as soon as these toddlers spotted the inviting backyard and the sprawling green grass, it was pool time.....

......Elsie has had that adorable buddha belly since the day she was born....

....I LOVE IT!.....

.....William is always the gentleman......he helps me bump my stroller up our apartment building steps, he holds doors open....and on this day, he was adamant about helping me fill the pool......

.....although I think he was trying to impress Callie.....

.....they are genuine friends.....always each other's side kick....

......Elsie was very considerate that Penny, the dog, also participated in the merrymaking.....

.....and that the doggie stayed plenty hydrated in the hot sun, repeatedly offering Penny more pool water to drink....

.....her innate nurturing disposition is touching.....and her flair for style and individuality is just who she is....

.....and I think about how quickly Callie is changing......and I can't wait to hear all of her little thoughts and perspectives.....my happy girl who waves to everyone, even the stuffed animals in her room get a good night wave....

.....as the sun sustained our day, we splashed, ran around, laughed, enjoyed friends....

......shared accessories.....

.....the only thing that would lure these toddlers inside was the thought of baby cupcakes from Two Little Red Hens.....our favorite NYC bakery.....

.....a treat for the McCaughey's from the ever so thoughtful Sara....

...pure delight.....

....as the day moved along and the toddlers roamed about the house.....they would find new things to capture their attention, nooks and crannies to explore, a lonely guitar waiting to be unpacked in an oversized box....

.....aside from the fun, one thing was certain- they were overjoyed to be together....

.....the original three....all born within 30 days of each other......first time friends that are etched in baby books, photo albums, and our memories....they will always be in each other's hearts.....no matter where we all end up.....

.....and the clan grows.....welcoming new littles.....and future littles that are already loved.....

....as the maiden voyage ran its course, it was time to head back home.....the chaos of my morning was long forgotten....I was renewed with a different exhaustion....the kind that has you in a happy state of I can't wait to hit the sheets.....dreaming of our old friends....happily waiting until the next visit.....ever so thankful for days like these....