An Emotional Homecoming

 “What did she say exactly, Lanie?” Molly asked as she leaned against the couch with Coconut. “She texted me and told me that her plane arrived early this morning, but that she had to take a car here. She said she’d be here anywhere from 11-2.” Lanie explained as she looked up from her phone.

“But it’s already after 3pm.” Rebecca chimed in, “shouldn’t she have been here by now?” “There could’ve been some delay.” Kit added, “that’s happened before.” “I’m just going by what she told me.” Lanie replied. 

“It’s just been so long since we’ve seen her…” Rebecca added sadly. “Tell me about it, over five years.” Molly sighed. “But she seemed really happy with where she was right?” Kit asked, “and she was with Paige too.”

“How is Paige? Do you know if she’s heard anything from her or Brittney?” Kit asked. “No, I don’t think any of us have heard anything from Brittney sadly. But, I know Paige is doing well, she misses us, but she’s really happy where she is now.” Molly replied. “Wait- she just texted me.” Lanie said sitting up. “She said her car is stuck in traffic and she’ll be here later than expected.”

Suddenly, there was a noise outside by the garage and a slamming of a car door. The three dogs perked up and stood guard, wondering who it was.

“What’s that?” Lanie asks as everyone turned towards the door to the living room. “Chrissa and Marisol are probably home from swim and dance practice.” Rebecca replied, “it’s about that time anyway.” “Yeah, it’s not Delia, she said she wouldn’t be home for a while. Let’s not get our hopes up.” Kit said. The garage door opened and could be easily heard from the living room. The house door to the garage opened and a rattling key sounded the air.

The footsteps continued as the door closed. Then the door to the living room swung open, and standing there was a very familiar face, “Hey guys.” The four girls sat staring in disbelief.

Lanie was now standing, “Delia….? Is that really you? But you said…” Delia giggled, “I know what I said. I wanted to surprise you guys.” Coconut, Sugar, and Honey all gathered at her feet excitedly.

Delia giggled again as the girls who she grew up with stood teary eyed and shocked before her. “Well…can’t I get a hug?” 

All four girls quickly got out of their seats and rushed over to their long beloved sister. They all embraced her excitedly, Molly had been crying the hardest. “We’re so happy you’re back, Delia. We love you, and we missed you terribly.” “Yeah, De. Do us a favor and please don’t go on any more long vacations.” Lanie laughed through her tears. “Don’t worry, there’s no place I’d rather be. You’re stuck with me forever.” Delia smiled as she broke down into tears.

Can you believe it’s July already?! I hope you enjoyed this wholesome and emotional story! Over 5 years ago, I sold one of my childhood dolls to my very best friend, who took wonderful care of her. Yesterday, she arrived back home and got to see how much has changed in the time that she’s been gone. I'm so happy to have her back in my collection!

Cozy Game Night!

 Janessa, Elina, Genevieve and Lacey are enjoying a cozy game night in their pjs! They’re enjoying some snacks while they play Apples to Apples together!

Summer Camp! (Part 1)

 Janessa was the first to step into the cabin, she had a backpack on her shoulders, a camera around her neck, a yoga mat under her arm and a notebook and pencil in her hand. She looked around the wooden room—four bunks, a desk with an alarm clock, potted plant and tissue box. Next to it was an empty shelf with nothing but a lamp on top. It was quiet. 

She put her backpack down by the right bottom bunk and opened her notebook to write “Today is the first night at camp. Hopefully I’ll make friends with my bunk mates. I’m very excited to capture all of the nature scenery!”

The door creaked open. “Hey,” said a voice. “Is this cabin 10?” “Yeah,” Janessa said. “I’m Janessa.” “Nicki.” She tossed her bag onto a top bunk. “You write?” Nicki asked. “Yep. I’m a photographer too. I have a little you tube channel where I do daily outdoor yoga, film nature walks, or talk about my photography. It’s called “Lens of the Forest.” “Cool! I’ll totally follow it once we get some WiFi.” Nicki laughed. “I love being outdoors too. I live on a farm in Colorado with my family. I’m used to being outside all the time to take care of our horses or pigs.” “That’s really cool! Do you have photos? I’d love to see!”

Just before Nicki could reply, the door opened again and a third girl entered, “Lanie,” she said confidently. “I like to be prepared. I’ve got our schedule, binoculars, and bug spray with DEET.” Janessa and Nicki exchanged a glance.“We’re not going to war,” Nicki said, amused. “You’ll thank me when the mosquitos attack,” Lanie replied going over to the free top bunk.

Just as they started to settle in, the last girl walked in, “Jess,” she said brightly. “Sorry I’m late. I got stuck talking to our camp counselor. Who knew so many people have archeologists for parents?! Small world.” The three girls looked at each other as most of them had unpacked by now. She looked around. “Whoa, I love this place. Feels like a movie.” Lanie grinned. “And now we’re four.”

After dinner, the girls returned to their cabin, now a little more at ease. “Okay,” said Jess, plopping down on her bunk, “real talk. Who here has been to camp before?” “I have,” Lanie said. “If you can’t tell by the sweatshirt.” She laughed “I come here every year. My aunt is friends with one of the camp counselors too, but she told her things were going to be different this year. Not sure what that meant.” “Huh, weird.” Nicki replied “I’ve never been to a summer camp before.” “I have.” Janessa said “but never to this one. How about you, Jess?” “I haven’t been to one before either. But I’ve been wanting to. It gets hard to break away when I’m always going with my family on archeologist trips for the summer.” 

“I’ve been seeing you take a lot of photos, Janessa.” Lanie said. “You’re a photographer?” “Yep. I was telling Nicki that I have my own youtube channel where I post about the outdoor yoga I do, the photos I take, and my nature walks.” Lanie gasped, “oh, I think we’re going to be really good friends. I love all of those things too! You see, I have outdoor genes, when most of my family doesn’t. I’m always outside.” Nicki laughed “I’d think so, you came the most prepared out of all of us.” “Hey, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. I even have my bird book!” Lanie said “I’ll definitely subscribe to your channel once we get back home. I’d love to do yoga with you while we’re here though!” “That would be great.” Janessa smiled. A bell rang outside. “Campfire,” said Lanie, already almost out the door. “Let’s go!”