Obie, Shelbey, Cooper and Drake: Our Big, Sweet Surprise

This is the post that we wanted to add way back when, but we were too busy during those last few days before we flew out, so here we are now.

Midra and Giff flew Obie, Shelbey and the boys out the weekend before we left as a surprise to Luke and me, and to enjoy those guys themselves, of course! It was a total surprise and so awesome!! We found out later that Giff had been nearly spilled the beans that they were coming, but we were so preoccupied and consumed with lining things up for the trip, that we missed it. They day they came, Luke was home working and looked up to see some kid who looked like Cooper walk through the door, and then he realized that it was indeed Cooper! I was away for the afternoon visiting with a friend and came home to see Shelbey first---I was so happy and surprised, my eyes and my heart just welled-up.

We had a great visit together, even though Luke and I were busy, busy. We got up to Brainard together, had Black Bottom Pie (thanks to little Coop!), we played around the house and got to see Cooper ride his bike like a total champ. I got sung "Happy Birthday" and opened my b-day gifts from Shelbey (thank for that amazing tea and Indian beach recommendation!). Obie and Shelbey helped Giff and Midra make the back garden an even more beautiful place to have a evening dinner with friends. They also let me ask them some tough questions about being parents and they totally delivered, and with honesty. Luke and I some great parenting advice and insight from O&S, who are two really awesome parents.

The visit wasn't long enough though, and Luke and I are hoping to visit them in Cali this winter for some skiing and more time together.

Thank again for making the trip guys---we love you!