Do you remember me discussing the importance of finding kindred spirits and that one of mine was someone I’d never met face-to-face?  I was referring to my friend Clare, who had begun e-mailing me while we were still in the Ukraine for little L’s adoption.  She was so kind and helpful during that whole time (and continues to be), that when I knew we were coming to L.A., I desperately wanted to meet her and her wonderful family (whom I’d heard so much about!).  Clare is smart and funny and creative and clever.  She’s full of ideas and readily hands them over, to spread the joy.  I love that!

Anyway, little L. and I ventured down to Mission Viejo to have breakfast with Clare and her family–Ken, her husband…and Matthew, Drew, Isabelle, and Nico, her four very talented and amazing kids.  [I think, at one point, when Clare and I were talking in the living room, I happened to step into the kitchen again, and Ken and the boys were standing around talking–so congenially and interestedly–that I marveled at the respect they were showing one another.  I know that might not sound earth-shattering, but how many young kids do you know who would stand around on a Sunday morning and carry on a happy conversation with one of their parents?  I was impressed.]

They all had set a beautiful table–embroidered linens with tiny teacups and saucers.  Ken was frosting the orange-cranberry bread (okay, Clare you must send the recipe, if it’s not a secret!), and Clare was frosting sweet rolls.  Oh, and Matthew used the handiest gadget to make me a delicious frothy cappuccino.  I’ve ordered the gadget; the cappuccino was that good!  The cutest chocolates were set by each table–a rabbit and a carrot.  That was Liliana’s first request (well, maybe not a request, because I think she started tearing off the wrapper before I noticed!)–to eat the chocolate carrot!  Obviously, they had made sure to have plenty of chocolate for my little chocolate fiend!  Liliana then quickly disappeared to follow Isabelle and Nico around the house.

Isabelle played the piano with her (in addition, Isabelle recited the entire first chapter of Pride and Prejudice from memory later.  Swoon!).

I chatted with Clare, Matthew, and Drew most of the time, trying to cajole them into playing their instruments for me (Matthew, the saxophone, Drew, the flute and piccolo), but sadly, there were to be no performances.  I think they were holding out on me, but this is a warning to them: I will hear you sooner or later!

Here’s Clare’s lovely family.  First, with Matthew, while Ken took a picture, then with Ken, while Matthew took a picture.  First picture from L to R: Clare, Matthew, Nico, Drew, Isabelle, Liliana, me).  In the second picture, that’s Ken looking over Clare’s shoulder.  Such a beautiful family, don’t you think?

And then, sadly enough, after making new friends, we had to depart.  Blowing kisses, we drove away, saying we’d be back.

Then we were off to see Worthy and Russ and Dawn and Josh, some of her aunts and uncles on my side.  If you remember, Liliana has the middle name Worthy, to tie her to family (and Worthy in particular).

We headed to Dawn and Josh’s new place in Aliso Viejo, a hop and a skip from Clare’s place.  They even had a new dog, Jack, that L. was both curious and leery about, at the same time.  She warmed up over the several hours we were there, though, and I know that when we get our beagle puppies, she’ll definitely be a dog person!  Here she is with Dan and Jack.

At first, Liliana made pretty eyes at Josh and followed him around.  Here they are, discussing things in the kitchen.

She received more gifts–both from my mom and from Dawn and Josh.  Can you tell how tickled she is?

Blowing bubbles with Auntie Dawn.

Being cool with Auntie Worthy.

Looking for dog “pupka” in the backyard.  Yes, she’s fixated on the simplest things!

Laughing with Uncle Russ and Auntie Worthy.

And then it all caught up to us–this madlike travel to all our friends and family–and we headed back to the Ritz to pack and to crash.

Such wonderful times with so many people!  Thank you all for being so gracious and kind to us and our new little one–who is quickly growing out of the “little” label.