See you soon, then

In the book/movie Dear John (I do not endorse the movie nor the book - if fact, it is one of my least favorites)the main character and her soldier do not say "goodbye" they say "See you soon, then". This weekend we said "goodbye" to some very dear friends. Throughout our married life, we have only had a handful of couples that we were "couple" friends with - friends that I like the wife as much as Ryan liked the husband and vice versa. Maybe "like" is the wrong word, but hopefully, you know what I mean. Anyway, the Campbell's and the Nemitz's forged a friendship way back in 1999/2000 in a young married Sunday School class. Christy and I bonded in our neurotics with child-rearing, education and our passion for children (aka - strong opinions in how that should be done). I think Ryan and Ryan bonded out of sheer necessity of that kindred spirit in the "see what I live with" category. Anyway, Ryan and Christy moved away to Greensboro. After that, we would meet up each year at the Homeschool conference at The Downtown Deli and catch up. They had two more kids, we had two more kids. We would share pictures and "what's going ons". Then, they moved again and we lost touch. That is until the Children's Pastor at Faith felt lead to a different direction and his parting words were : "You remember Ryan Campbell? He would be a great fit for Faith." And presto a friendship was reborn. Now we knew the foursome was a good fit, but who knew our kids would come to care so deeply for one another. Emily and Abby - older sisters extraordinaire, Lizzy & Alexa - two peas in a pod, Ian & Isaac - two little old men in young boy's body, even Abe & Owen- twins separated at birth. Lilly was the only one without a match and she fit nicely into whichever group/pairing she felt compelled to join. We vacationed together, we schooled together, we did life together. Now they are moving on to the next chapter of their lives. We met yesterday to say our final "see you laters". I moved a lot as a child. Back in those days, just moving across town made you lose all connections with former classmates/friends/neighbors. However, now that is not the case, friends are no further away than a click of a button. Due to technology, the Nemitz/Campbell clan can still vacation together, school together, live life together. We just have to be more purposeful and intentional in doing so. I think I finally have Alexa convenced that even though it is not as great as having Lizzie here, having a Skye partner in Africa is VERY cool!


These girls can wear the same outfit on the same day, without even calling one another! We can shop in the same store (at different times, in different states) and they come home with the same outfit! Crazy, I know.


Isaac's third birthday party was the first friend party Ian was ever willing to go to. They have been kindred spirits every sense; quiet and sensible outside the house, wild and crazy inside the house!

These two boys were cut from the same cloth! Two of the most lovable, curious, brightest, strong-willed boys you'll ever meet. God's got great BIG plans for these two!