The first day there, we had to go shopping, lil Ms. Stephanie "forgot" (yeah right) her tennis shoes at home so we had to go get her a new pair, I think she did it just to get a new pair of shoes...she's definately gonna be a shoe lover when she gets older...she's not happy unless she's got at least 5 pairs of shoes, no matter if she wears them or not. We watched movies, just sat and talked, catching up on what was going on in each other's lives, and of course...MORE SHOPPING, that's what we women do best ya know!!!

Ken was on IV medication at the time of our visit, so we ended up getting to go to the hospital where Missy works to replace a bad IV line in his arm, it's an awesome place, I'd recommend it to anyone! Very clean, very kind, compassionate people working there!!

"Phireman" (Starphire) and the girls are just awesome!! We were unsure as to how they might get along with Steph, but things seemed to go pretty well, they were sooooo patient with her. Ohhhh how I'd love to be able to have one of Missy's furbabies!! Not one of the ones she currently has, I mean a puppy from one of her litters. Maybe some day that will be possible, who knows.

We also got to meet someone else on this trip, another friend online that I've wanted to meet for a long while....we were unable to meet her last year because our trip was so short...but this year we got to meet Cheryle, her family and her crew of furkids... they're awesome too (even if "Phireman" doesn't get along very well with Cherub...it's a guy thing) (giggle). Another thing that will stick in my mind about this trip is the fact that Missy and Stephanie connected so well...Steph isn't one to get attached very easily, but with Missy it seemed almost instant!! btw...Missy, she's STILL using those manners (most of the time) LOL

Have you ever found a friend that just touches you deep inside You feel a special bond that you simply cannot hide You give them a piece of your heart, a view of what you are Sometimes they live close to you, sometimes they live too far. It really doesn't matter, you were friends from the start Soon you realise their memory is a piece of your heart You feel like they're an angel, placed here just for you You are always amazed at the sweet things that they do. You don't have to see them or talk to them everyday To know that God has sent them in His own special way How else could you explain, this friendship and deep love It must be an angel, sent from heaven above How you can love someone you've never really seen The question you may ask, Is this just a dream? Soon you realise your feelings are quite sincere Your friendship will continue year after year Funny when you talk you both seem to disagree I think you're the angel and you think it is me When you really look at it, you have to smile and say The touching of our souls has taken place again today Tonight as I said my prayers, I prayed for my friend I could not hardly wait until we talked once again For God showed me the answer, it was really quite simple A soul will never sees a face, it could not recognise a dimple The feeling of love one feels, for another friend The feeling of wanting to be with each other once again Is the inner joy, that God places there The love one feels on the top of heaven's stairs So if you are lucky and you have found such a friend Remember it is God, who lives deep within It is God's wishes, to one day look to see Angels Hugging Angels, perhaps it's you and me.

Author Unknown

Chorus: And friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them And a friend will not say "never" 'Cause the welcome will not end Though it's hard to let you go In the Father's hands we know That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love God's given Springing from the hope we know We will pray the joy you'll live in Is the strength that now you show But we'll keep you close as always It won't even seem you've gone 'Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong