Making friends

Leaving our last neighborhood was almost as difficult as leaving our last house. We have made some incredible friends where we lived and though I had no doubts that the friendships would remain regardless of proximity, the girls were worried. Not only worried that they wouldn't get to see their friends in our old neighborhood enough but also worried that they wouldn't make any friends in our new neighborhood. 

The week we moved in was HOT. We were only in the house 5 days before we left on vacation and with it came a lot of unpacking, settling, repacking and preparing. It didn't leave much opportunity to meet new neighbors and given the heat, not too many people were out. The girls waited by the windows and bolted out the door any time they saw any signs of life under the age of 20. Grace was the most worried. Each day she volunteered to walk Hazel as, "no one can resist a cute puppy." One day she even returned home and asked if Norah would come walk Hazel with her as it would double her odds of someone saying hi to her since no one can resist, "a cute puppy and a cute kid." 5 days straight. Nothing but a few embarrassing encounters. [Grace will tell you a hilarious story of how she tried to say hi to someone but her shoelace was caught in her scooter so she couldn't get off...she came home changed shoes and grabbed her bike only to crash in front of the girl she was trying to befriend]. 

We left on vacation and though the girls loved the new house, they weren't sold on the new neighborhood. 15 days later we returned to find the same neighborhood waiting. They played outside all day hoping for someone to come by. No luck. Finally, I was out talking with the neighbor [who as luck would have it has a daughter Norah's age and they love to play together] and our sweet neighbor stopped a group of girls on their bikes and said, "that's Grace, she's new." Immediately they rode up our driveway, introduced themselves and asked the G&E to ride bikes. It was a huge weight off of this mama's heart.

Though I hate that they ride in the street and not a single one of them is wearing a helmet, it would be awfully hard not to see this huge group coming. Thankfully we live on a street where we only see a car every few hours.

Growing up in the country I never really had the chance to play with neighbors. However, I do think it made me a bit more of a "kids should spend the summer playing outside" type. I want my kids to come home dirty, climb trees, and be outside until the dark dictates otherwise. I'm excited for just one more reassurance that making this move was the right choice. I officially have no doubts. 

Our after dinner front porch view: couldn't ask for more.