Like An Old Pair Of Shoes

It's a Christmas holiday tradition.... Dutch Blitz battle with the Loewen's.

We've got our long-standing teams figured out.
Team Terry (aka Team Delusional).   (Terry and Zach)
Team Good Looking.  (Mike and Ellie)
Team Shazel.  (Caleb and Hannah)
Team Barla.  (Brynne and Carla)
Team Peener. (aka Team Awesome).  (Me and Sasha)

Some things are always the same.  The trash talking, the laughing at the same jokes and ridiculous antics, the "shushing" when things get crazy because the twins are trying to sleep, the battle between Team Terry and Team Peener...

Sometimes we add something new, like this year.  To make up for Team Terry's arm-length deficiency we incorporated a clockwise rotation in the seating plan every round.  Sad to say, it worked in their favor.

Some things are meant to be the same.

We've been friends since before any kids entered our lives.  That seems like a lifetime ago.  Way back then, we were both newly married and forged our friendship on nights of playing cribbage in our pajamas.  I don't think any of us would have guessed that in 17 years there would be 8 kids between the 4 of us.

It got loud tonight.
But things often do when you fall into step and find reasons to laugh because it just fits so well.

Comfortable and worn-in.  
Like an old pair of shoes.