Back "home"

We have been back from India for almost 2 weeks now. I am really having some strange emotions, ones I never dreamed I would have before we left for India! I truly went kicking and screaming. I was convinced I would absolutely be miserable in India and would either die from a cobra attack or some third world disease. But obviously none of what I predicted happened, thankfully. The time we had there went very quickly due to the fact that we really enjoyed it there. There were days when we would utter TII...This is India, and just move on with the frustrations of living in Chennai. Sure there were lots of downsides with living in Chennai but fortunately we made great friends that we could laugh off our frustrations! I am happy to be back but it is a weird feeling. We were gone for 18 months and things have changed. Our town looks different, now we have 2 gas stations and 2 ice cream shops. People change, kids grow and there are some new people in town. I feel like I was never gone some days but yet things are different than when I left. I love being able to walk outside in my pj's and not have a guard look at me. I love being able to drive myself to the grocery store. But on the flip side I certainly spend a lot more money in the store, have to park the van AND remember where I parked it, carry my groceries in and unload them. But at least I know when I go to the store I can by lettuce and I don't have to hold my nose while shopping for meat. I am a bit overwhelmed when I go to the grocery store. How many choices of cereal do we possibly need?? I love being able to buy fresh cows milk...yum...and cheese....yum!

The kids are adjusting well to being back. Mason especially has picked up with his friends right where he left off. Logan and Emily as well are enjoying visiting with their friends as well. They are all happy to be back! Logan was pleased to celebrate his 11th birthday in the US!

Making a wish

Emily attended Vacation Bible School this week and had a blast with her friends and learning new songs. They performed at our Princeville Heritage Days in between storms this weekend. The kids each had tickets to ride on the carnival rides.

Emily is on the far right with pigtails

The pets, Cleo the cat and Millie the dog, are adjusting to being in the USA. Cleo who we adopted in India is one lucky cat! They are both learning the layout of the property and can often be seen heading into the timber. Millie was very funny when we pulled into our house. We parked in the drive and let her out. She ran around a few times, pottied and then hopped back in as to say okay, let's go back! We just recently added to our family buy getting another golden retriever who is actually Millie's neice. Green's Spectacular Sydney joined our family last Sunday evening. She is an adorable pup, but then aren't all pups adorable? She is a fluffy little fur ball who has won the hearts of everyone but Cleo who is still petrified of her. If Sydney turns out to be half as good as Millie will be thrilled. But so far she seems like a great pup. I just forgot how much work pups were.

Sydney

Millie and Sydney playing tug o war

Isn't she cute??

We were able to pick Sydney up on the way back from visiting Ted's parents in Indiana last weekend. While there we were able to see two new nieces and take a ride on Bill's boat. It was a quick trip but always good to see family.

Natalie

Emily and Greer

Emily holding her cousin Cole's hand

Bill's driving skills were truly a "hair raising experience!"

Logan and Mason tubing