Just a little bit of home - Summer 2010

In June Joe and I went home for our mid-year home leave. Although we were just home in May for Kelli's graduation, it was good to go back for a couple of weeks of family time and a little relaxation. We got plenty of both.

We got to be home to celebrate Jay's and Ashley's first anniversary. This time last year our trip home was filled with last minute wedding preparation, and of course, the wedding celebration. I can't believe the year has flown by so fast!

Happy 1st Anniversary Jay and Ashley!

We spent time with Kelli, Doug and Doug's mom (and our very good friend), Pam at a BBQ restaurant eating BBQ out on the patio and listening to a band made up of former high school classmates of Pam's. It was a great night of good food and listening to some oldies, but surely not forgotten goodies. Oh, that 70's music!

Pammie and Joe listening to GREAT tunes!

We were also able to spend father's day with family this year. On Saturday before Father's Day Joe and I had dinner with my mom and dad and my brother, Terry and sister in law, Marsha. We ate at Babe's, one of our favorites now when we come back home. It was a nice evening of good home-cookin' food and time together to catch up with each other.

On Sunday, Father's Day, we went to Top Golf with Kelli and Doug and Jay and Ashley. Paul had a baseball tournament so he wasn't able to join us. It was a fun day of golf and family time.

Jay and Joe

The princess and her daddy

Sunday night Candice grilled at her parent's house for her dad. We joined them for dinner and spent time with Paul, Candice, Talon and Candice's family. So nice to relax and catch up with old friends.

Paul and Joe - the two dads

Paul and Talon - goofin' around with Daddy

Candice getting grilling tips from her dad, Gerald

We got to spend a lot of time with Talon on this trip. I also got to take him to see Toy Story 3. It was a fun time for us both. He's growing up so fast. He's also getting to an irritating little boy stage. He makes faces in almost every picture and loves to repeat everything someone says. I didn't think this started with a four year old. Then again, maybe I have just forgotten! Every once in a while we got a good picture!

Talon and Papa Joe

Talon and Kimi (Hey, I said every once in a while!)

Another part of coming home again is the food. Texas Roadhouse steaks, sushi, BBQ, home-cooking, Mexican, Chick-Fil-A (love the new spicy chicken sandwich), Taco Bell (did you know they have margaritas???!), Sonic Route 44 Cherry Limeades, Chilis. You name it we try to have it while we're home.

Our last night was spent with family. This also turned out to be the only time in the two weeks home that we were actually all together. We decided to have sub sandwiches. It's was so good to have good deli meat! I miss that here in Chengdu. We also celebrated Jay's, Kelli's and Doug's birthdays with a Fudgie the Whale cake. Great night full of family fun! The best way to spend our last night.

My kiddos!

Play with me Uncle Dougie!

Flying high with Uncle Jay!

Much of our trip back home was spent looking for the perfect lake house. We spent time at Cedar Creek and Lake Granbury looking at lakefront homes. We took along my Mom and Dad on one trip and Kelli and Teener on another trying to get additional opinions on what we needed for the best family retreat. We finally decided on this one on Cedar Creek Lake! If all goes according to plan our dream will become a reality by the end of July! It has the most amazing views of the lake, a boathouse with party deck and a huge fire pit for cozy winter nights at the lake. Let the memories and fun begin!

One thing we did miss was Jay jumping out of an airplane for his 25th birthday. He was surprised by Ashley on the Sunday after we left. Not sure, but I'm probably glad I wasn't there to see that.

We had a great trip home this year. Along the way we spent time with extended family, high school friends and also managed to get in some alone time. Going home can be exhausting but at the same time it recharges me for going back to Chengdu. These little trips home keep me focused on my support for Joe and the job he's doing in China.

Be home in September for my 35th high school reunion! Maybe spend some time in the new lake house! Until then have a fun, safe summer!

Love to all!