2008

It started out with a bang. We were able to spend an evening with some great friends, Aaron and Jill, and the rest of the Prenzies. It was a low-key affair, sitting around on couches in the basement, feasting on baklava and meatballs, and chatting late into the night. Some highlights of the party were Jake dropping an entire cheesecake down the basement stairs, turning dates into "Dacon", Jeff's "Cheese Crotch", JC's "Year of Cheering" and at midnight, dropping the cheesecake onto the basement floor. We didn't have a giant ball topped with lights. We stayed until I could barely keep my eyes open at 1:30am. It was our first New Years in a long time that we spent with a group of friends rather than just ourselves. We had a supreme blast.

Yesterday, Rob and I had been invited to spend the afternoon with Abbey and Anya, this divine lesbian couple who brings their son Oliver to my Kindermusik class. They have a wonderful story and an amazing relationship together. We arrived at their fantastic house in the Broadway district of Rock Island, and Rob was immediately fallen in love with by the two women. Oliver, who is nearing 14 months, was such a flirt and happy to see us. Within the half hour, Rebecca and Brian showed up with their twins, Logan and Olivia (also in my Kindermusik class). We spent a few hours chatting, playing with the kids, and snacking on cheese and crackers. Abbey makes a mean cup of coffee.

Oliver and mama, Anya



Rob and Logan, watching the birds and squirrels on the birdfeeder



Rob and the twins



Oliver and Logan


By 5pm, all the kids were getting tired, and Oliver was ready for bed. We said a reluctant goodbye, as Rob and I felt a great connection to Abbey and Anya. When we returned home, we had a lovely message from Anya, saying how much they loved Rob and how they think he's going to make a great Dad someday, and how much they enjoy having us as their friends. See? I'm already cultivating a new friendship. What a great couple!