Yes, the time of year had arrived for the annual pond hockey tournament in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Each year Peter and his college friends get together for the three-day event that is sponsored by Labat Blue, a beer company from Canada. Going to the games chanting their team name and pounding their sticks on the ground while wearing orange and blue Wheaton hockey jerseys, they are the proud Prohibitionists.
The guys play two games a day and pick up hockey in between matches. Then we all get together at Grandma and Grandpa Elsens for dinner and to watch the video and pictures that Dan and Meredith took that day. Like I said, this happens every year. It is so fun to see Peter with his college friends and spend time hanging out with them. John and Dan Elsen really bring out a different side of Peter - one that is louder, more aggressive, and pretends that they are an Olympic skier or an Indian dancing around a fire among other things. Needless to say, it is a lot of fun. And for me, it just wouldn't be the same without Meredith there, my cheering and donut making friend.
While we were in Wisconsin I was also able to escape the pond hockey madness and spend time with other dear friends. Including long talks with Elizabeth, Dianna and Anne. And spending the day with the Kerns watching Ryan wrestle and talking with Denise. Sunday gave us time to do our traditional New Year's dinner of lomo al trapo with the Kerns and Peter and Ryan were off to play in the Sunday night hockey that happens after youth group. So many things had the feeling of 'just like old times'. But also strange to think that we moved only a few months ago.
From Wisconsin we drove down to Wheaton and had Valentine's dinner with Dan, Meredith, Mike and Krissy. We heard Mike and Krissy's engagement story and just talked and talked, laughing so hard throughout the dinner. The next day the three guys all went to Los for lunch while Meredith and I had a SAGA date. Then we met up with some Colombian friends in the city and had a great time with them and came back to have late night tea with Mike and Krissy. It was a full and wonderful week, one that Peter said he wished it could have lasted a few more days. I agree. It just couldn't have been sweeter or more meaningful.
We have been so blessed with friendships.
No comments:
Post a Comment