Ode to Tracy

Yes. . .this post is dedicated to Shirley's VERY OLD (that's right) friend Tracy. Oh how we've missed the Joosts. They were so wonderful to let us stay at their house for a couple of nights while we were in California. The girls were a little nervous to see Brittney, Collette and Natalie, (They hadn't seen them for 8 years!) but once we got settled, it's like we never left!

Tracy used to babysit Sarah for years while Mom had to work. Brittney and Sarah were BEST friends when they were little. They were practically sisters!

Look at them now!

One thing we couldn't get over was the fact that baby Chandler was not such a baby anymore! He's quite the big boy! It was so hilarious because Chandler kept looking at Sarah saying, "You look so familiar! Where have I seen you before?!?!?" He and Sarah hit it off right away. He's totally the little brother Sarah's always wanted. I mean, who could resist this face?

Emily was so happy she realized Natalie was an awesome girl! She only remembered the Joosts visiting one time when she was 4 years old and Natalie took her "My Little Ponies" and wouldn't share. That could ruin a child, you know! :) But Emily totally loves Natalie now, especially because they both LOVE the Twilight series.

But Mom's favorite part was going to the M&L fabric store. (Or shall I say "favric?") (Or material) (That one's for Tracy!) All I have to say about the trip to M&L is "Hey Tracy. . .What's your number?"

Okay. . .I'll get serious now. M&L is mom's favorite fabric store. You can get a yard of fabric for dirt cheap! Tracy and mom had so much fun trying to grab the last yard of a certain piece, especially the adorable toile! Their carts were full to capacity. . .mom had to fed-ex a box of fabric home, because we couldn't fit anymore in our luggage! But the most amazing part of the M&L trip was the fact that they now have a public restroom! With all the laughing that goes on between Mom and Tracy, it's mandatory to have a public restroom!

And one last thing. . .

Pretty much the weirdest part of our trip was the 5.8 magnitude earthquake we felt while at Tracy's. In 1994 there was the Northridge earthquake which was 6.9 or 7.1 or something like that. . .it was HUGE. We still lived in California for that one. Of course, we decide to plan our trip right when the next biggest earthquake since the Northridge earthquake hits Southern California. Tracy and Sarah were looking at pictures on the computer when the cupboards started opening by themselves and the chandelier over the dining table was swinging. They look over and Mom is asking anyone if they'd like a piece of gum. She had no clue what was happening. Tracy said, "Shirley, do you feel that?" Mom says, "Feel what?" I mean, come on, who can't feel a 5.8 magnitude quake? Tracy couldn't get over the face that we were sitting there riding the wave and mom just thought she was having a dizzy spell. Quite hilarious!

So in conclusion. . .we love the Joost family SO much and we can't wait for our next trip to California so we can see them again and laugh our pants off!