Returning Home

Saying goodbye to our fantastic driver, Korn. Very few words flowed between us, rather charades, little gifts both ways, and thoughtful gestures... like his choice to wear the Michigan tee our final night in Thailand. We clicked really well during our time together and I already miss him, especially now with a teenage social calendar to navigate.  

Petite French homecoming enroute back to Michigan

Girls hit their list of favorite Paris restaurants, streets and goodies

Beautiful day with old friends in our fairytale town of Chevreuse

Four years ago they chased chickens on Margaux's egg farm... now they drink coffee. We are hoping Margaux will visit us this summer

Kindergarten buddy, Raphaelle 

Santa sighting at the Trocadero

Froze all week, caught some long lasting bronchial crud, and we were anxious for Noel back home, but immensely enjoyed revisiting a very special place for us all

Thought we might get to stay for holidays. Viva la France and their affair with labor strikes. We were charmed by several in our year there

Sea container made great time in < 6 weeks across Pacific. It surprised us mid-January, then hit a slower leg of journey sitting jack-knifed in neighbor's driveway for the afternoon

Home Sweet Home! That's what I keep telling myself as parades of movers, plumbers, and toolbox wielding strangers steadily stream through our slightly disabled front door. We arrived in Holland for light dusting of Christmas, but were too consumed with sick selves, sick house, grumpy parenting, disorientation, and impatiently awaiting arrival of phones, cars, and a myriad of life's "necessities." Late December and all of January are best forgotten.

We are on to better days. Our focus has been replanting girls and they seem to be rooting well: immediately delving into sleepovers with friends, fitting fine with academics and the right clothing (whew!), Allie's jumping into high school classes so it now really counts, and both girls have been swimming winter season for West Ottawa Swim Club. We all are exhausted, still, but they are loving being back in the Holland swing. That is wonderful to see.

Rob is alright. Work is fine, Holland-based, and has been slowly ramping. He is well into Riverbank and marathon training.

I'm a bit more lost. Girls hardly need me any more, Japan won't have me, neglected house is cursing me. I must create my new existence after more than a decade "home" with kids, only now it is without hope of our family living in Japan. Spending girls' high school days in Holland is our plan instead of continuing to boomerang in & out.

Sawasdee kaa, Thailand. I wonder when we meet again. Perhaps silk shopping for Ry's wedding gown... someday? That's her plan. Mine has yet to unfold.

LET IT SNOW!