Summer 2017

I can't believe summer's almost over. Huge sad faces over here. We've really enjoyed having no schedule, sleeping in, and just having more time together.
We started off the summer with of course traveling to Ohio.

 We had TERRIBLE luck traveling and ended up getting stuck in Chicago for over 24 hours because of delays and a cancellation and having to deplane. Oh, and lost luggage.=( But we made it safe and sound and the kids were troupers.

The very next day we of course went to KINGS ISLAND. To say we spend our summer there is pretty much an understatement. The kids talk about it and look forward to this place all year long. This year, Avery was old enough to ride everything, and Noah could ride most of the big rides. Which they did. Over and over and over.

All ready to see Wonder women!

 We had to go to the Lego Store and American Girl Doll Store.

Next, we spend 5 glorious days at Hilton Head, North Carolina with my parents. Each day we ate, swam at the beach, ate, swam at the pool, played Uno and old maid, ate again, swam at the beach....repeat. We had so much fun. It was our kind of vacation. The waves were HUGE. I HAD to be out there with them the whole time.

On our drive home, we stopped in Richmond to visit my brother and his two kids. Avery and little Scarlett were two peas in a pod.

 We were able to see my grandma a couple days. Avery loves old photo albums just like I do.=)

 Next, I was able to go to Puerto Rico to celebrate this beautiful couple getting married!

Can someone just come do my hair and makeup everyday? lol

We got in some more King's Island time and had to say goodbye to cousins.

Then we were able to stop in Colorado Springs for a couple days to see my best friend Lisa and her family before heading back to Okinawa.

Colorado was beautiful! However, it has made Okinawa seem even HOTTER. The weather there was so nice and cool.

 After being around 5 little boys, Noah decided he definitely needs a brother.;)

Amy's Donuts. I'd move there just for those.;)

Now, we're back in Okinawa and getting in the swing of things. It is HOT, and the air conditioner in our car has been broke. Luckily, they finally have a rental available for us today while they fix it. Hopefully that will eliminate a little of the sweatiness. lol

I'm Back!!

I can't  believe it's been two years since I last blogged. In the grand scheme of life that's not that long, but these past two years have been extreme for our family to say the least. There's been a lot of sadness, self doubting, and trials. There's also been a lot of adventure and smiles. We travelled to Osaka, Taipei, Singapore, and Thailand (twice),. We've celebrated birthdays, school years, and on some days, just making it through the end of the day. We almost broke, got used to a new normal, only to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and feel at peace. God sure knows what he's doing. Our family is back, happy, and ready to conquer our new adventure in just 10 short months. We will be leaving Okinawa after almost 7 years!! Steve already left to go to DC for a school. He won't be back until June, when we all pack up and leave this beautiful island. We will for sure be making the most of our time in Okinawa. Every day I realize something I'll miss about it, but I know it's time.
I wish I would have kept writing the past 2-3 years. In fact, it's the longest stretch of time I haven't written. Before the blog, I had all my journals. I think it was writer's block. I was in such an unhappy, unsettling place in my life that it felt fake to just pretend everything was ok. I was unhappy with myself but wasn't at a place where I felt able to self improve. I know I'm not perfect, but it was more than that. Things just didn't feel at peace. But now....I feel blessed to have come through this, I feel like a  better, stronger person, and ready to tackle anything. Maybe one day I'll feel comfortable and impelled to share more, but for now that's what I can give.