My Name Is... IRL

I have a short list of blogs I check as often as I make it to the computer, which obviously hasn't been very often this week. (It's kinda been a crazy one...) One of my hands down very favorite blogs to visit is Big Blueberry Eyes. It's a slice of life for the Helferich's, a military family living in New Mexico and raising an adorable toddler, for whom the blog is aptly titled. Each week Michelle, the blog's author, describes her blessings for the week in a post (among others) called "Grains of Gratitude." I have often thought I would also like to contribute my post to this encouraging link list, but so far I haven't taken the time to figure it out. But this week, Michelle and her family would have made my short list, just as they do when I read blogs.

That's because I got to meet this sweet family in person! My very first IRL (In Real Life) meeting, and it was terrific. Michelle, her husband Joe and little Kayla have been enjoying a cross country three-week vacation to visit Michelle and Joe's parents and attend her sister's graduation. While reading of their adventures, I realized they would be passing back by right near where I live! So we agreed on a McDonald's that my hubby located for a meeting spot and made it a date.

My kids and I pulled into the parking lot not sure if we or they had arrived first. They had, twenty minutes before they estimated and we were ten minutes late due to a turnpike detour - they were so incredibly kind to wait on us since they had so much traveling left to do. My first hint was a gentleman smiling at us from inside the restaurant with a look of familiarity from the BBE blog photos. My kids filed out of the car and as we headed inside I saw them! The namesake for Michelle's blog. Those BIG humongous beautiful berry BLUE eyes! They shined with pure joy behind a glass pane window upon which her tiny nose was pressed. As we entered in, Kayla immediately offered the sweetest hug. She was a tiny little doll - and her eyes almost neon blue. We made introductions and ordered a snack and sat down.

The kids instantly made themselves at home with each other, even getting a bit rambunctious after being cooped up in our perspective cars. Like all toddlers often do, Kayla saw a yummy french fry and smoothly snuck it off my youngest son's wrapper. As Michelle started to apologize, I couldn't help but laugh inside thinking I knew she was about see my son for how I always describe him. But he said it too quietly for her to hear. Justice turned to me coyly with his eyes squinted and a goofy grin and whispered, "Mom, Kayla is really cute!" Then he BEGGED me not to tell Michelle, and I obliged for that afternoon, but I just had to share that with her now! He didn't mind that missing french fry one bit! :)

Joe and Michelle and Kayla were the kind of friends my husband and I would have in our every day lives. They were kind, humble and easy-going. We talked about their vacation, military life, our families, and of course, blogging. And I tried to thank them adequately enough for taking so much time out of a long day of driving just to say hello to a friend met online. They were just sweet precious people and I really enjoyed our time together. They now know our real names, just like our "real-life" friends, and that's from now on just how I'll view them. Thank you Joe, Michelle and Kayla for stopping to say "HI."

Edit To Add: I think it must be one of Kayla's life callings to give hugs. See this photo? There was tangible affection in that embrace, which she freely initiated. Pure, innocent, joyous encouragement. A little Grain of Gratitude for my week!