has josh ladle ever visited YOUR house?

he has visited us! twice.
and if you are so lucky to know what it's like when josh ladle visits,
you must know that...
-the children all wait by the window/door/outside on the porch as if it were Christmas eve
-every airplane that flies over head is carrying josh ladle, and he is coming 'right now'
-when he finally does arrive everyone crowds around for hugs and greetings, the children linger at his feet through them all
-he talks and tells stories and makes you wish you could live in florida because even things like brushing your teeth and chewing bites of food are magical moments of life
-he can simultaneously entertain your husband with conversation while saving your child from the would-be woes of an open oven...(while husband looks on, unaware of the danger, shhhhh! josh ladle is talking)
-everyone wants to sit next to josh ladle at dinner....i suggest you draw straws. tonight, eli won.
-plans will be made for more visits and alligators and bike rides and trips to the beach, which will all happen. multiple times. josh ladle says so.

for me a visit from josh ladle is all of these things and many more.
but it can be a little sad too. a visit from josh ladle reminds you of someone (5 someones) you miss very much, and shouldn't talk about, because you might cry.
but you won't cry because josh ladle is visiting. and he reminds you that things aren't any less perfect, just different. and that is true.
if only you could be so lucky as to have a visit from josh ladle.
please come back.



a picture from a very long time ago, when josh ladle was a neighbor, not just a visitor......