Stateside

We've had an excellent time in the States, and we're so thankful to have this time to rest and see family. Here are some pictured highlights.

Okay, it's not really a highlight, but our first obstacle was jetlag. In this condition, Meg demonstrates that she doesn't need to sleep on a bed.
American playgrounds = Awesome
Gardening at Grammy's
Ready to hit the road to Ohio.
Independence Day parade. The girls were besides themselves with joy at the reality of free candy.
We all enjoyed opportunities to be outside - especially to swim. And a day at a waterpark with family was really memorable.
Hanging out. I just like this picture.
Also very memorable was celebrating Craig's parent's 50th wedding anniversary. We had a surprise weekend planned which included a Lake Michigan cruise and a luncheon with many extended family members. It was a sweet weekend. The girls enjoyed the cruise just a wee bit.

Experienced Locals

I'd love to hear their stories.

Animal Park

Okay, so they're not real. But they couldn't climb all over them is they were. The girls had a blast. And it's been great to continue to discover new places in our city we can take the kids.

Twin's 5th Birthday

Amazing. 5 years old. Their day began with opening some presents from America. The gift high lasted all day.
Here's the aftermath.
A few days later, a Hello Kitty themed party filled our apartment ... along with the screams and squeals of a bunch of excited, sugar-saturated girls.
A highlight of the party was a Kitties Following the Yarn game. Lori got the idea to string different colored yarn throughout their bedroom, and then let the Kitties [ie, party participants] follow and wind them up. Good idea. Except that it took about an hour to prepare, and it ended up looking like a big spider web. Lori gave me a big thank you [no problem, that's my job, make a big spider web for the kiddos]. One of the Kitties confirmed this thought when she said, "Oh, fun, a spider web!" The Hello Kitty party turned into a Hello Spidey party.
The sugar finally wore off.
Yet a few days later, more gifts arrived from the States. Many thanks to all their wonderful grandparents!!!

It's Gone

Her tooth had been ridiculously loose for quite some time. Now, it's finally gone. Quick culture insight: Locals here do not save teeth. A local friend told us, "Eww, why would you want to do that? Just throw it in the trash!" Guess the Tooth Fairy doesn't visit these parts.

Art

Lori and I found this outside the girl's room. I especially like how one of the 'children' is saying 'No.'
Meg drew this. We like it. Note Pooh's feet ... pretty good. And yes, that's a Hello Kitty sticker in the corner - which has become the theme for the month.

Local Beer Truck

I simply couldn't pass up this photo opportunity.