Wednesday, January 11, 2012

the Guests

our friendly neighbors, the Johnsons

 When Nathan and I came up with the idea for this blog, our main objective was to invite neighbors into our home for a meal. In the midwest during the winter, there's a huge lack of contact with one's neighbors. Everyone hibernates and gets re-acquainted during the warmer months. 

Our neighborhood is adorable. It's full of historic houses and quirkiness.  The one thing it lacks is neighborhood children. When the Johnsons moved in a few years back, we were thrilled. Their daughter is Penny's BFF, so it was a no-brainer to invite them as our first guests. The girls see each other almost daily, but we don't get to chat with one another.





I love hanging out with this family because it reminds me of when our kids were under the age of 7. Call me crazy, but I enjoy this age group. I like the stage we are in now as well, but now I feel we all can't enjoy the same things...not like the Johnsons. Observing them is sweet. They do the things we did when our kids were "little people".

 Actually, when our neighbors moved in, Nathan discovered that he and Robert have a lot in common. They both grew up overseas. Robert in Africa, Nathan in the Philippines. They were both homeschooled for a time in their childhoods. They are both creative. Robert is a photograper. Nathan is an art teacher. They are both extroverted and are great conversationalists!

Cheyenne is just as personable. She and I have a lot in common as well! We both homeschool. Enjoy living a creative, simple life. The only bad thing, we are so busy running our houses that we don't get to socialize much! Again, during the warmer months we find ourselves chatting away on the sidewalk. So a shared meal is always a good memory.


Ellie squeezing lime on her THIRD helping of Carnitas!

An empty plate is a good sign!
 The Johnsons are also one of Ellie's very first employers. They have entrusted their children to her many times for babysitting. She is lucky to work with such nice kids and parents. And THANK YOU Robert and Cheyenne for trusting her...and giving her some spending money (now I don't have to buy a billionth pair of knee socks!).

     
An end to a good evening.

 

4 comments:

  1. I love this on so many levels! Thank you so much for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love it. How fun to have five kids at the table, and almost as many grownups, all friends!

    ReplyDelete