Friends in the Virtual World....and Real World

I don’t know about you, but my family thinks I’m crazy.

Shocked?

Don’t answer.

Example……when I comment about something one of my friends said, usually the first question is, “Do you really know this person?”

When I say, “Well, I do from the blog or Facebook,” I get the eye rolling.

Geesh.

You see, eight years ago when we started our adoption journeys, I met many people though our adoption internet groups. We shared the same experiences, same worries, same joys, and same struggles throughout the years. Internet groups turned into following blogs and eventually, Facebook all while following the families and kids as they grew…..

So, yes, I feel like I do know my virtual friends.

Call me crazy.

The other night, we had the opportunity to meet an adoption friend in real life.

Yes, in real life!

When I learned via Facebook that Teresa, from Are We There Yet, and her family were headed south for a beach vacation, I quickly got in touch with her to see if we could possibly meet up anywhere. Details were exchanged and plans made to have her family join us at our house for dinner. Whoo hoo!

The night arrived and found the girls stalking the front windows anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Berter clan. Finally I heard the cry, “They’re here!!”

Introductions were quickly made and the four little ones took off for the back yard.






Amazing how within minutes of meeting, they were fast friends.



Lovely picture, huh? Yep, Anna Grace would not cooperate at all.

While the little ones bonded, the big people enjoyed great conversation comparing notes on work, kids, recent travels, college, and so much more.

Dinner….with Molly pausing to smile for the camera….while Carson ignored me...



an unknown game involving unifix cubes all over the house……



which I guess is somewhat our fault for being too involved in chatting and not enough kid watching…

followed by dessert…..






meant our evening was coming to an end.

Sigh.

In an effort to drag out our time and not say goodbye, more pictures were taken.

Katie and Meggie, Teresa’s oldest, are like two peas in a pod….even posing the same way for pictures!



Teresa and I…..no longer just virtual friends!



Dave and Kevin were not forced into picture taking but Teresa grabbed this one of them anyhow.



And heaven knows, there’s no way Alex would be present and photographed. The boy ate dinner and disappeared never to be seen again….until he emerged asking to drive a jar of queso to his friend’s house. Don’t ask.

During our winding down time/trying to avoid leaving time, there was great commotion in the playroom. Carson, the stud muffin, was trying to kiss the girls. Hmm, got him starting young, huh?

Eventually the time came where the evening had to end. But the girls can’t just say goodbye at the door. They have to actually watch the van drive away. Don’t ask me why.

We exchanged hugs, watched them pile into their van, and saw…..

Anna Grace jumping up and down, calling Carson’s name, and blowing him kisses.

Oh my. Guess they hit it off more than I thought!

Thanks Teresa and Kevin for coming out of your way to Georgia to see us! I can’t believe we finally met in person……amazing how being virtual friends can transfer so easily into real life friends. It was awesome to meet you and your beautiful children in person.

By the way, expect us in Ohio soon. Anna Grace is already asking to come visit!