We spent the majority of the summer this year with family and friends in the U.S...and it was fantastic! Most of the time when we go home, we are only there for two weeks or so, and they are a very busy two weeks trying to see everyone. However, this trip was devoted to spending quality time with my parents and Cole's parents rather than running around the whole time. Of course we saw friends, but we really tried to make sure that the trip was not stressful. The boys, especially Cameron, often ask when they will get a chance to spend time with their family, so it was very exciting for the boys to be able to have so much time with their grandparents. The boys did so many everyday things with Grandma and Grandpa, and Nana and Papa - like taking care of the animals, going to the park, picking up the mail, swimming, camping in the back yard, roasting marshmallows, going for bike rides, taking walks, having breakfast, etc. We took a short trip to see and snuggle my new nephew, but other than that, we just relaxed.
It was really nice to be back in our hometown. It's been a while since we have been there for a substantial amount of time and it felt good to be "home." It was especially fun to show the boys places where we used to hang out, go to school and church, eat, and old houses. The boys also loved all the space. They have lived in the city for a long time now, so to be able to walk out the door and be in a huge yard was a treat for them. By the end of our time there, Cameron had moved from his typical creative play (airplanes, trains, trams, traveling), to pretending to bale hay!
I went into this trip with the intention of being present. I didn't want to try to do too many things, take too many pictures, or try to force memories. I can be that way sometimes, so I really had to make a conscious effort, but it was good for me. We really didn't make too many plans, so there was plenty of time to just be. I myself was successful at not taking many pictures, but lots of other people took pictures (which I requested), so I can still look back on the good memories.
We arrived at the Brussels airport to head to the U.S. with seven bags to check, two strollers (one to sell, one to use), five carry on bags, and three children...we met one person on the way to the airport who asked us if we were immigrating!
The kids did great on the flights, but it was more difficult to keep Zoe entertained now that she's more awake and mobile. She alternated between sitting in her seat and dropping toys on the floor for me to pick up, crawling all over me, sleeping, and hanging upside down (one of her new favorite things to do).
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| So happy to be off the plane and running around with grandpa! |
The next few day were spent recovering from the flight and enjoying family.
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| Cousins! |
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| Showing off his newly acquired swimming skills |
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| Golf cart ride with my sister...right before the torrential downpour |
One of the main reason we went home when we did was so Cole could ride in Velosano - a fundraiser for cancer research at the Cleveland Clinic. Cole's dad spent six months going through treatment at the Cleveland Clinic in 2013 - 2014. Though it was really hot and humid both days that they rode, the three of them rode 180 miles and crossed the finish line together, 16 months after Cole's dad completed his chemotherapy. It was a really special time and I'm so glad Cole could be there to join them.
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| Modeling their jerseys |
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| Ready for day 1...at the start |
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| Finish line on day 1 |
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| Dehydrated! |
Day Two
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| 180 miles, done! |
We had planned to head to see my sister (and baby) a couple days later, but her sweet little one decided to come early. So Zoe and I hopped on a plane as soon as we could to go meet the little man. The boys came a few days later.
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| Proud auntie! |
While Zoe and I were with my sister, the boys had fun with Nana and Papa. They especially enjoyed a fun night in the town where Cole and I grew up!
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| Running to get bags of candy |
We spent most of our time down south with my sister, but we managed to visit sweet friends as well!
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| Cameron was so happy to meet and hold Graham |
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| Graham's first walk |
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| Ryker, Walker and Zoe (shepherding group babies) |
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| Zoe and Walker are holding hands already |
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| The baseball gang |
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| Cameron and Lydia |
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| Harrison and Annabelle |
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| Cameron and Lydia |
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| Zoe and Walker (who was not impressed) |
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| Love these kiddos! |
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| Sleepover with the cousins! |
It was tough to say goodbye to our friends and especially to my sister, brother-in-law and Graham. However, it was also good to be back with our parents.
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| My mom and me |
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| Having a chat with grandma |
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| Camping with Nana...Harrison made it about 10 minutes! |
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| Pure joy riding in the back of the truck! |
We celebrated the boys' birthdays
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| Not sure what kind of serious conversation is happening here... |
We ran into a demonstration near my parents house one night with firetrucks, helicopters, and all sorts of other fun things for the boys to enjoy.
There were some absolutely gorgeous days to enjoy while we were home. The sky, clouds, and farmland...I miss it!
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| Going for a walk |
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| Cannonball |
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| Music in the park |
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| Visiting a high school friend...our kiddos got along great! |
We took the kids to an event that Cole and I used to go to when we were kids and they had a blast!
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| This is supposed to be for taking people to their cars...the boys rode it over and over just for fun |
The night before we left, we had a picnic dinner with both families.
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| Corn hole! |
The next morning, my parents took the boys out to breakfast to keep them occupied while Cole and I packed and made sure we were ready to go. It was productive for us and the boys had a great time as well. However after they had breakfast, they went to throw rocks in a lake (something Cameron loves to do) and, because Harrison is Harrison, he fell into the water and got completely soaked. He was already wearing his "going home outfit" and his brand new tennis shoes, so we were a bit surprised when they arrived home and Harrison was not wearing any pants, socks, or shoes. Despite that little incident, we got to the airport in plenty of time.
Our first flight was short and sweet, but Zoe was a good flyer and listened to the flight attendants when they said to follow along during their safety demonstration.
We had a four hour layover in Atlanta, so we had some lunch, rode the plane train for a while, watched planes, then found a quiet spot in the international terminal to get some rest.
It was difficult to leave after spending so much quality time with our families. The boys had so much fun and made some awesome memories and we sort of got back into our way of life in the U.S. We love Belgium and are happy to be back, but we are also extremely grateful for the time we were able to spend with family this summer.
