The Best Neighbors

Anytime you move somewhere new, there are always a list of worries you bring with you. 

 Some of mine are always the same: Who will be my neighbors? Will I like them?  Will they have children?

  When we were preparing to move here to Hanover, I was even more concerned about this.  I knew we were moving into townhomes that are hooked to each other.  It could be a very long two years depending on who your neighbors were. But I was also hopeful.  I knew this could also be a chance to get to know a really great family.  I had hoped that they would have children, that we would get along, that we could go outside and hang out together while our kids played. 

I was more than thrilled when I met the Thielen's.  They are some of the friendliest, funnest people I have met here.  They have two children, now ages 2 and 4.  They are great kids that our children adore.  Their parents are also fantastic, they are down to earth, relaxed, friendly, creative, loving people.  We have truly enjoyed getting to know them.  Natalia and I have spent countless hours outside talking, laughing, learning about each others cultures/lives, discussing party planning, swapping stories, etc.  Maddie has loved being a big sister for their little girl and she enjoys dressing up with her and having tea parties.  You know, the sort of things that you are too cool to do in your own house, but you can do if it's with a younger girl.  We have shared babysitters, listened out for the others kids sleeping at night, fed each others children MANY times, traded toys, clothes, borrowed ingredients while cooking, you name it. 

Our children know each other well that they tend to basically roam back and forth between our houses. It's comforting to know that if Eli walks out our front door, chances are he will be inside Natalia's house playing within minutes. 

This weekend we have enjoyed sharing kids back and forth once again.  With the yucky, cold, rainy weather we have had recently it has been nice to let our kids take turns playing at houses.  On Saturday they all spent about 2-3 hours at our house plyaing and then they switched and went next door for about 2 hours.  While they were at our house, I walked downstairs to this sweet sight.  They had set out Monopoly Junior and they were all playing together (minus little Enrique as it was nap time).  I love these cute little neighbors of mine and we will miss them greatly as we all move on to bigger and better things.

Maddie, little Natalia, Robby and Eli