~Goodbye Barbeque~

As the end of May loomed I had to fight of the urge to sit around and feel sorry for myself since many of my friends were moving away.  The fact that Alec's Fabulous Five was breaking up made it even more sad.  I decided we needed to do something fun, so we had a Preschool Reunion/Goodbye Barbeque Bash!  It was perfect!

I would love to be a fly on the wall, privy to the conversations between these five little boys.  They are a hoot!

 We ate delicious food (provided by all in attendance), kids played, parents chatted.  The weather was perfect.  I couldn't have asked for a better night to barbeque.

After we filled our bellies,  the conversations, jokes and games continued.  Though I have no pictures of the action on the trampoline, believe me that there was always someone bouncing away to their hearts content.

Then I demanded a Fabulous Five Photo Shoot.  

These boys crack me up!  They have been Alec's buddies since before he can remember. 

(Isaac Payne, Chase Pluid, Alec, Harrison Mons, Carter James) 

Each has their own unique personality and have played a very important role in Alec's life over the last 3 1/2 years.  He can be so reserved and shy at preschool, but with these boys he is the true Alec that I know and love with no inhibitions.  I think that is probably why I feel the most sad about their mass exodus from Iowa.  I wonder what Alec will do without them!  I have comfy special spot in my heart for each and every one of them for the wonderful friends they have been for my little boy.

(Mandy James, Kelly Pluid, Sara Payne, Robyn Mons, Me... fighting back tears)

And these are all their pretty Mamas!  All women that I have looked to for advice, answers, sympathy and laughs.  All women who have taken the time and room in their great big hearts to love me and my crew of little people.  They taught my boy his shapes and colors over a year ago, but they have taught me soooo much more.  They have loved us despite our imperfections, supported us in good times and bad, and been my role models as they have mothered their own children.  I love them all like sisters, and will miss them all terribly.  It's been and honor and a privilege to call them "friend" these last four years and I am forever grateful for each and every one of them.