Top Ten Throwbacks #4

Oh, be still, my little beating heart.

In my pilfering through old posts, I came across this one from days of yore when I was single and my life was mostly filled with caring for bonus nieces and nephews. You know, I am so grateful for the families who welcomed me in and gave me a place when I didn't have a husband to fill my days. It's something that Ryan and I try to make sure we do for others now, because we remember how much it meant to us when we were on the receiving end!

Back in those days, my little buddies loved to come over and play at my house, and upon occasion, they were even able to spend the night. A treat all the way around!

I learned from this post that I was deep in the era of sleeping until eleven, noon, or sometimes even later on the weekends. I had forgotten just how late I used to sleep! (My preferred day begins at noon and runs until about four in the morning.) Anyway. During this weekend sleepover, I learned that kids of that age really don't sleep until noon. Or even nine. (Bet these two do now!!)

This is the same family we saw just a few weekends ago at a birthday party, so I have updated pictures with these two.

This was Liam nine years ago when he was snuggled up on my couch watching Cars.

(There are those pink walls again!) I still have this couch. I'm actually sitting on it right now while I'm writing to you. It's starting to get to that season of life where it needs to be replaced, but it's just so comfortable. It'll be next to impossible to find anything in our price range that's this snuggly.)

Here I am with Liam this year. He's hilarious, just like he's always been.

And Savannah! The night of the sleepover, she was busy giving me a manicure:

And now? All grown up:

I'm not only grateful these families welcomed me in back in the day, but I'm thankful they still welcome me with open arms. Ryan too!

And I'm grateful to have such great memories with these fantastic kids.