Three Musketeers: Zachary, Wyatt, & Yannick: C5 v. E5

Two men, two women, 6 boys - not the start of a strange video game, but a reunion of old friends. The E family also has 3 boys, their middle son is the same age as Zachary. Art and I were super excited to see Joel & Emily, but were very curious how our 5yr old, 3 yr old, and 6m old would get along with their 9, 5, and 2yr olds. Turns out GREAT. Andrew, their middle son, had it the best b/c he got along with either Zachary or Wyatt, whereas Ssam, their oldest mostly hung out alone or with Zachary. We stayed with them right after Karl & Laura's wedding, hitching a ride with both Joel and Art's parents. Our big boys slept in sleeping bags in their big boys' room (their two older ones share a room w/ a bunk bed, while their youngest shares a room with the guest bed) and Art, Yannick and I slept in the guest room. Calvin, the youngest boy, generously gave up his crib for our little Nick.

It was a wonderful time for all. Art's big thrill - driving Joel's Jeep Wrangler - a dream car of Art's for many many years. Other things we did: play baseball and digging in the dirt in the open backyard; went to a nice playground with everyone, Emily and I went to a coffee shop and chatted while Art, Joel, and Sam played Axis and Allies. One night we had late dinner after all kids in bed so we could eat w/ just the adults. Lunch and playplace at Chick fil a! Lunch at Waffle House! We were excited to go to Sam's baseball game, but it got rained out. boo.

We had a great time hanging out with them, and of course it was not enough time. What is also enjoyable is seeing the different ways people live. They live in a house that backs up with a circle of houses, all sharing a large open backyard, just like the Backyardigans. There are not so many cul de sacs in Evanston, so it's not a layout I've seen a lot of. Where they live is pretty far (ok, for our standards, not for everyone's standards) removed from all but residential. It was odd (for us!) to get into a car to drive to a playground, since we've had a playground within a 1-2 minute walk, or right behind the house in some cases, since we lived in Albuquerque. And until our new house, we have been within walking distance of a grocery store or similar. Now, we have a gas station a block away, and it will do in a pinch for desperate items (like a 9V battery to put in a stud finder - which yes, found Art; or to purchase some snacks etc). I do miss our Walgreens a block away. We now have a Walgreens within pretty quick biking distance, but is about 5 blocks N and 3 blocks W. Not impossible, but not super convenient like before. If only our new house could be in the location of our old apartment....but I digress. It is just interesting to experience different types of lifestyles. No el trains, or hospital less than a mile away. Much quieter at night.

Some pics from our visit...compliments of Emily, since I was a doofus and did not pack a camera - not even at Karl & Laura's wedding!