Summer 2013... part 2

Two days after our last guests had gone home, we also went home! This was a day that I had been looking forward to with a bit of excitement but also hesitation. I wondered what it would feel like to step back into the United States after being gone exactly 1 year to the day! I was relieved to find out that it felt like nothing had really changed for me. It felt so natural to be driving around and taking care of business. And I mean BUSINESS! Let me explain...
During this trip I have had-
5 dentist appts
1 orthodontic appt
3 doctor appts
3 allergy appts
5 vision care appts
1 ENT specialist appt
1 DMV appt
6 hair appts
4 pedicures
4 eyebrow appts :)
plus Darby took about 14 dance classes
That totals 47!!!

We did find some time to have a little fun too!

Best memories of the trip...

 Jaxon spent lots of time with his buddy Ryan. I was so thankful that Ryan had kept a clear calendar and wanted to play with Jaxon as much as possible! That was a huge relief for me because otherwise Jaxon would have been really bored. Thank you Michelle for making Jaxon's summer so much fun!!!

Beach day with the Guiness family

Dad and Laurie came to town so Dad met us at South Cardiff Beach. What a great day!!!

Best Buddy Cousins

Kristi, Kathryn and Carter

Dad, Greg, Nathan, Jaxon and Carter

Jaxon got up on Gaby's surf board!

Uncle Greg took Jaxon out on his Kayak and ventured out to the kelp beds.

Kathryn took Carter on the other Kayak.

Girl Cousins

Boy Cousins

All 10 Guiness Cousins! So good looking!!!

Park City, Utah

Getting ready for the Alpine Slide.

Shooten' guns at Uncle Jay and Aunt Karen's house.

Posing for pics at Seven Peaks Water Park.

Standing in front of the Candy Bomber!

 Cutest couple of the year and married for one day, Krystle and Jared!

"Girls Only" lunch (from L to R around the table) Theresa, Samantha, Melissa,
Grandma Emma, Stacy, Ashley, Michelle, Robin, Geri, Heather and me.

 Kids went up in Uncle Jay's plane.

Meeting up with the Hoffman's for breakfast after picking Darby up from EFY.

 Darby, Marti and Chezney, beautiful cousins!

 A big shout out to the ones who saved us in our moment of need! Chris and Shari Crall, Thank you so much for letting us stay at your house for an entire week when our plans failed with the hotel. We loved staying with you because not only was it a warm and comfortable home but it was so wonderful to have time with you. Thank you for the big send-off breakfast! We love you so much!!!

A few final words about our trip...

I have learned this past year that those whom we call friends will continue to be our friends no matter the location we are currently living in and when we meet face to face it will feel normal and natural. I have also learned that the next time I step back into beautiful Temecula it will be as if I had never left as I go about my business! 

What was good news for me was when our time in the states came to an end, my kids were ready to get back to Sweden. I was worried that the whole process we went through last year getting them adjusted and dealing with homesickness would start all over again. Thankfully that was not the case and we were ready to go HOME!