On the 30th, we spent the whole afternoon (and into the night) with my oldest dear friend, Shanna. She took us around the town to show us some really wonderful ways my hometown (and hers) has evolved over the years since we’ve been gone. She low-key sold us on all the town has to offer and I have to admit, one could make a lovely (and affordable) life here. After seeing the children’s storybook gardens we sat in a great local coffee shop and visited. Then we went to a local spot for dinner and visited even more. It’s the first time in years that the three of us have gotten to hang out together (since I always travel home alone, she and I catch up annually without Benjamin). I was so glad to have us all three in the same place at the same time!
On New Years Eve, we went into town with my brother and sis-in-law (SIL) to run some errands together. In addition to running actual errands we also lingered on the LEGO aisle at Target for a while and looked at various games and puzzles we could play with. After dinner together, we met up with Shanna and a couple of her friends for a screening of the movie “Big” at the local historic Paramount Theatre. Thirty years ago she and I were ballerinas together at that old theatre and it was so good to be back in that grand space, especially with someone who shares similar cherished memories. We enjoyed reminiscing together.
During intermission a pianist came out and filled the theater with live music. My brother and I were absolutely floored that it was the same piano player that always played at the town’s best pizza joint back when we were kids! In a world that feels like it’s always changing so quickly (rampant development in Seattle with skyrocketing rents along with plenty of development in the country town my mom grew up in) it was deeply comforting to see that some things stay the same. 💛
We savored coffee and visiting after the movie then came home to watch the New Years Eve broadcasts on TV, which has become a tradition for me and my SIL to do together.
My brother 110% won this round and also made me laugh. Playing possum has always been one of my favorite things to do. And still is!
New Years Day is also SIL’s birthday! She and I baked lemon cupcakes together that we topped with chocolate icing and a cherry. The four of us kids (me, Benjamin, brother and SIL) played Forbidden Island (it’s my favorite game. It was the first time we played with more than two players and it was much more of a challenge! It was so fun.) Then we played Telestrations (this time with the parents) followed by three hours of Apples to Apples! We all laughed so much and enjoyed the many hours of games together. It was a great way to celebrate her birthday.
Tomorrow is my birthday and I am ready for it. I’m not feeling very well, which I’m rather discouraged about. But still, I’m looking forward to the day. I hope I’m not too tired from staying up so late playing games this evening. :)