There's no place like home...

After a full week of trying to catch a hop from Ramstein Air Base to BWI, we FINALLY made it! I had actually decided that if we didn't catch a flight by that day, that we were DONE. I am SO glad it all worked out:)

Despite my continuing battle with Jet Lag, this trip has left  me feeling content and refreshed. For as much as I LOVE living in Germany...I miss my family more.

We left the dreary, cold, Germany Springtime behind us and landed right in Springtime's lap. We had a couple of days of rain in Virginia...but the weather was absolutely perfect for the rest of the time. (And you just don't realize how pasty you look after spending so many years in Germany! It amazes me that everyone in the USofA seems tan, even in early Spring!)

  My parents have a great back yard...so the kids spent a LOT of time playing, there. The boys enjoyed climbing the little apple tree and spent a ton of time up there. They played ball. Went for walks with Grandma and Grandpa. Blew bubbles. Visited with their Aunties. Watched an obscene amount of Disney Channel, Nick and The Cartoon Network. (Over here, all we have is the Armed Forces Network, which consists of approximately 9 channels. One of which is the Pentagon Channel (YAWN!) and another is the guide.) So yeah...we tend to gorge ourselves on cable TV when we get the chance;) The only real downside to TV in the states is the commercials. We don't have commercials on AFN; just Public Service Announcements. Now my obsessive, six year old is lusting after all sorts of GREAT! NEW!! PRODUCTS!!! UGH.

My parents really seemed to enjoy playing with the kids. My sister came to visit several times and we made our bi-annual pilgrimage to PF Changs for lunch. (Ginger Chicken thanks you, Moo Goo Gai Pan;) I got all of the kids' summer shopping done (I miss Target, already) and I got to see my best friend (since we were 11 years old...and trust me when I say we have known each other for a LONG time!) and her two sweet girlies.

We didn't make it up to Pennsylvania to see the exetended family, but it's OK. This visit was so good that I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. I felt fulfilled. Satisfied. 

Now we are back in Germany (incidentally, coming back was FAR easier than getting a flight out) and are trying to get back on schedule. The kids seem to be (mostly) back on track. I am still struggling with jet lag, but have enough to do during the day to keep myself awake. OH! And I gave my day care family notice that I would not be available to babysit anymore once the school year ended and they have already found my replacement! I am free! YAY!!

Now, maybe I will have more time and energy to devote to my writing and photography and housework and exercise and the myriad other things that I have put on the back burner because I was too busy raising other people's kids:)

Comments

[Angela]

I miss you guys already. It was a great visit. You should email me pictures so I can put some in my photo album. ;)

[Shalini]

Looks like y'all had a wonderful time visiting family! I am looking forward to my US visit this summer! Ready for real food and cheap shopping!

[Lisa]

Sounds like a fantastic trip!!

[~LL~]

Yes, you know who it is.....

I have been having email issues lately and had to re-enter some stuff....I got your email addy wrong, I guess, cause it kicked it back.

Will you email me?

[Jacq]

Looks like you had a great visit. I'm so glad you did. It always helps to go home sometimes.

And Dawn, I must give you props for your pictures. Ever since I started reading your blog a couple of years ago, I was always so envious of how well you take photos. You've sparked that in me as well.