Anatomy of an afternoon with a long lost friend

It starts out with this on the stove at 10am ...

Then you visit for a bit and enjoy this ... (minestrone soup and honey beer bread)

Then you make these to pass the time while your toddler naps, and to work out any kinks before the official cookie exchange ...

Then you go outside on a gorgeous afternoon to play, laugh, run, walk, laugh, play, and run some more ...

And after it's all said and done, you're worn out, but SO glad you have a friend that can make your child giggle with pure joy, understands your crazy life as a working Mother (even though she's not one), makes your cookie recipe a success when you were ready to throw it down the drain, can sit and catch-up over lunch and a Fresca like no time has passed, and whom you know will ALWAYS be a text or phone call away when you really need her.  I'm lucky to have such wonderful friends in my life!