Unconditional Bonds

As summer came to an end this past weekend, we were fortunate enough to spend it with dear friends, who are more family than friends to us. All Friday, Kevin looked at me as though I had lost my mind, as I raced through the house cleaning and making sure things were "perfect". Little did he know that we had friends arriving that evening that we had not seen in years and that they would be spending the entire weekend with our family! For over a month, I had spent time "scheming" with our Glenda and Rob Kiser as well as Kris Valencia on their trip to Macon. For those of you that are not sure of these friends - we were all close to inseparable in Germany. We have seen Kris since our PCS from Germany in 2006, but not The Kiser Family.

Friday afternoon, our doorbell rang and for once I refused to open the door. Instead, I continued sitting in the living room, reading a book I was reviewing for Family Of a Vet, Inc. Kevin, not very happily, went to the door and peeked outside, then slowly looked at me, quite pissy and said "I'm not opening the damn door. You get up and do it". With an irritated look, I simply told him he was there, so go ahead and open the door. With frustration because he had no idea who was on the other side, he opened the door and ended up with the biggest smile on his face as he realized that Kris Valencia was at our house. The look on his face brought a smile to mine!

As we all hung out in the kitchen, making dinner, Kevin decided to pick up my phone when a text alert rang. For those of you that know Kevin, this NEVER happens! He honestly never messes with my phone. However, of all days - this is the one he decided to check it out. When he saw Glenda's name he instantly assumed that they were coming out as well. Now, if you know me - you know I suck at lying and even though  said "no" the answer was written all over my face. In that one moment, I wanted to cry because of month of planning was reveled instead of being a surprise arrival. Yet, to see the look in his eyes made things okay. He was truly excited to see Rob and the family. He looked like a little kid.

We spent the rest of the evening catching up with Kris and laughing until around 9:30 when I received the text that the Kiser's were right around the corner. Without hesitation, Kevin and Kris decided to go outside to "smoke". We were all standing outside as a truck slowly approached out house and whipped into the driveway - parking incredibly crooked and making it hard for anyone on the passenger side to get out. Full of enthusiasm, Robert hopped out of the drivers seat and him and Kevin were guy hugging.

From there, the kids all rambunctiously headed into the house and upstairs. It was like they had never been apart. Nicholas was the only "new" one to the group since Germany. All of the adults migrated to the backyard, where we stayed until after three in the morning, catching up and laughing. I took quite a few pictures that I sadly lost Saturday morning when I attempted to update my cell phone.

Me and Glenda

On Saturday morning, we started preparing for more people to arrive at our house that evening for our small Housewarming gathering. To all that made it out, thank you so much! We had a fabulous time with all that showed: My cousin Courtney with her husband Nick and their son, Eli; Aunt Denise (who I have not seen in so many years! What a blessing to hug her and see her!), Aunt Susan, one of my oldest and dearest friends, Sarah Norris with her husband Chad, and children Matthew and Kaylin (Chandler Norris - we missed you!!!), and Kev's last surprise visitor and our friends, Jason Brentzel with his wife, Heather and their kids, Hayden and Logan. To say everyone had a great time together, would be an understatement. We all enjoyed hanging out, laughing, chatting, and eating! The men of course ended up migrating to the backyard drinking a few beers and the ladies stayed inside, sipping on cocktails, while the children played. To all that came, thank you so much for leaving us with such an enjoyable evening! It was wonderful seeing each of you and we cannot wait to do it again!

Kris, Jason, Rob, and Kev

Sarah, Kaylin, and Chad (being silly)

Heather and me

Me and Glenda

Jason, Kev, and Susan

Nate, Naisha, Hayden, Nic & Bre

The Adults - Taken by a child

Me and Aunt Susan

Bre and Naisha helping set up

Adults

*If you read our blog posts by email updates, please go to http://www.biddlebuzz.com/2012/09/unconditional-bonds.html to watch the 3 videos below.* No we do not normally let our children do what they are doing in the videos, it was only fun for this one night. Yes, the middle video is Glenda. She had to be a kid just once ! lol

Sunday was spent being lazy. We said our goodbyes to Kris as he headed back to Florida. We cleaned up for a bit and then ate dinner together at our house. Schnitzel, potato salad, pasta salad, and I cannot remember what else! It was quite tasty and enjoyable. We all called it a night fairly early compared to the two previous late nights. Our kids had school the following morning and the Kiser's would be beginning their six hour journey back home.

Glenda and I saw this at Publix and she immediately said it was perfect for Kevin. 

The kids licking cake mix out of the mixing bowl

Silly kids - posing after licking the bowl clean. We were just missing Naisha in this photo.

The little monsters decorating cake balls

Me and Glenda. I love this pic!

Glenda making her yummy schnitzel

Love the look, babe! Kev and Rob

Riley decided to steal Rob from Glenda last weekend!

On Monday morning, we all woke up around 7ish to get ready for the day. Kev and I wok the kids and got them all ready for school as the Kiser's started gathering their belongings and preparing for their trip home. The kids of course didn't want to go to school that day, Nic being the only one who ended up not going due to being a bit sick. Kevin took the girls to school and the rest of us met him at Waffle House for breakfast, where we stayed for well over an hour - prolonging the dreaded goodbyes and hugs. 

In life, it is rare that we fall into relationships that leave us with unconditional bonds. It is even more rare that these bonds tie two couples together.

The one thing we learned over the weekend is that no matter the amount of time that goes by, when friendships truly exist, distance will never be an obstacle. Nerves may have been in existence as the time approaches to see people after so many years, but the truth in relationships shines through the moment you see someone and the moment you are all engaging in hugs. Everything seems to fall right back into place and you feel comfort of being surrounded by people you realize you would be lost without. Until next time Rob, Glenda, Nate and Naisha, we love each of you and are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for being friends/family that is a rare thing in life. We cannot wait for our next weekend together!

And more than anything, Welcome Home, Rob! Robert returned from Afghanistan the week before they made the trip to our house! Not only was this past weekend to celebrate our new home and being back in Georgia, but also to celebrate Robert's homecoming!