My Llamie was here! And I have proof! And before anyone asks what "llamie" means, I won't go into it. No one finds it funny but Kris and I, so why waste my time? I'll just say it has something to do with Kris' insane sense of humor, some Hare Krishnas in Washington D.C., and how silly little things like that just seem to "stick" (in our case, for 15 years) Ohkay? Ohkay!
Anyway, Kris, Roger and Owen arrived safe and sound on Saturday evening, in the middle of a mini snowstorm, whilst Owen experienced a tummy bug in the back of their minivan. There was NO way we were going to skip seeing each other for the first time in four years! Of course 8 hours after they left, Connor started experiencing said tummy bug, but I'll not talk too much about that!
The kids had a blast meeting Owen, and subjected Uncle Roger to all sorts of games (like in the picture, they were playing The Hobbit on the computer. Although Roger doesn't look entirely thrilled, he was There was much dumping of toyboxes, laughter, running, hugs, kisses, cuddles. Just what Kris and I always imagined our families would be like together.
We talked (and talked, and talked) and drank (and drank and drank) played Trivia Pursuit and Texas Hold Em'.  And...missed ringing in the New Year (stupid radio station didn't break in to do the countdown, and we didn't realize the New Year had come until we heard fireworks!)
All in all, it went by entirely too fast. I cried when I saw Kris on Saturday night, and I cried when they left yesterday morning. The consolation is that they now only live 3 hours away, compared to 24 hours away (of course this could all change depending on Richard's job offers) But...the important thing is that the Llamies were reunited, and although motherhood has tamed us a bit...we're still the Llamies.
added later: I talked to Kris today on the phone and I have to agree with something she said. You just don't realize how much you love someone, until you spend some time with them again after a long hiatus. 
Not only Kris, but we're just so tickled she was lucky enough to find Roger and share her life with him. And Owen....oh my, its truly hard not to fall in love with him.
We will not let another four years go by.

Around a year ago on this day..

• Back in the groove - 2008
• Enough is ENOUGH! - 2005