Reconnections...

On our trip back to Montana last month we were fortunate enough to reconnect with friends that we hadn't seen in years...yes literally years. It is so nice to know that even though you haven't seen someone in quite some time you can still fall back to where you used to be...comfortable with lots of laughter.

We started the Reconnection Tour of 2010 with Natalie and her sweet family. Natalie and I have been friends since 3rd grade, but haven't seen each other in six years. We don't keep in touch all that well, but it was wonderful to catch back up with her, meet her two adorable kids, and hang out with her equally wonderful husband Steve.

The girls took to Henry and Lanie like fish to water. It helped that they had cool things like chicks living in their basement...
The sweet family...

This is Jenny (or Jen as she is known now that we are all grown up). Jen was my my good friend in grade school, great friend in high school, and best friend in college. We lived together for two years in college and we have had some wild times together. Ah the memories! We have always kept in touch, but hadn't seen each other in six years. It was great...some things just don't change. We vow to not let another six years pass! Oh and I have to give a shout out to Jen's work. Jen runs the Montana office of the Central Asia Institute headed by Greg Mortenson. You know...the Greg Mortenson of "Three Cups of Tea" fame and Pennies for Peace fame. They are doing some great work. Check it out...http://www.ikat.org/.

Jason with Russ and Larry. You all remember Russ from his infamous 40th birthday celebration, right. And Larry is, well, Larry is Larry. Larry is a friend of Russ and Jen's and I knew him when I was in college. Larry loves life and loves to laugh. My favorite memory of Larry is one Halloween where he went as one of those baboons with the pink butts. You know the ones (google baboon butt and you'll be refreshed). Anyway, Larry's baboon costume had the bottom cut out and he dyed his own tushy with red Kool-Aid. All night long Larry walked through the bars literally with his a** hanging out of his pants. Only Larry!

This is Jenn, aka Jenn the Pharmacist or as Annika calls her Jenn Swanson Johnson. Whatever you want to call her you better call her sweet and smart and lovely. Jenn is Jason's friend from his East Glacier days and has since moved to my hometown. Her and her husband Mike raise Lusitano horses and do other things like being doctors and pharmacists. We were able to go out to their ranch and the girls got to ride their beautiful horses.

Technically we didn't reconnect with Godmama Mara, but it is always a good time when she is around...

And again no reconnection with little Ash (not to be confused with tall Ash). Fortunately we get to see her at least twice a year and keep in regular touch, but it is always great to see her, Rylan and Bryant...otherwise known as Quite Possibly The Cutest Toddler On The West Side Of The Rocky Mountains.
A different kind of reconnection (but just as special) was had with Serrano's Mexican Restaurant in East Glacier. Back in the day Jason ate his fare share of Serrano's Burritos and we go whenever we get the chance (which is tricky considering it is only open summer evenings). Serrano's oh how I love thee...let me count the ways...pitchers of margaritas, con queso, chile relleno...

Old friends are like the ratty 15 year old Montana State University sweatshirt I break out in the winter months. Broken in, comfortable, warm, and full of memories. Simply put...the best!