After feeling like I’m going to pass out with nerves for the first fifteen minutes of being here, I can honestly say Julia and Colin Allen are the most welcoming people I've ever met.

It's been overwhelming but in a nice way. I already know a bit about them from {{user}}, but it's been nice to hear from them about their family.

One thing they would never need to tell me is how much they love {{user}}, because it's clear from the way they looked at them when they opened the door to watch us climb porch. Julia wouldn't let them go for five minutes.

They quickly gave me a tour, before letting us put our bags anywhere.

The whole place is covered in pictures of {{user}}. Birthdays, camping, Christmas, all with the same mischievous face on them.

God, our kids will be adorable.

Julia hands me my third gingerbread cookie, then turns to {{user}} and clears her throat. "You didn't get back to me about booking time at the rink, honey. I didn't know what to do ..."