Mission Accomplished (The Great Return)

After our last post, I sort of figured anything else I would have to say would be a bit of an anti-climax. But then I started thinking about all of you who have followed this blog from places outside Lansing (including our new, but dear, friends in Ukraine) who might be wondering if we got home safely and how it's going over on this side of the pond... so then I thought I would just wait until we had a great new family picture that made me look hot... and realized if I waited to post a blog until I had that it really would be forever!

So, with no further ado, here are some pictures of us happily at home. My mom did a little Easter egg hunt for the boys. As you can see, Maxim caught on very quickly to the concept, and was even more delighted when he realized there was candy inside! He has also been soaking up the love -- notice the big happy smile between 2 loving grandmas (my mom is in white, Ted's mom is in brown). Oh, and it's been comfirmed several times over that Maxim is indeed much cuter in real life even than in the pictures.

Tristan has already been back to school, where he was the star of the show. Absolutely everyone, teachers and kids alike, had lots of questions for him and were happy to see him back, where he in turn basked in the attention. Maxim made a brief cameo at the end of the school day, so all the kids could gawk and admire. A special shout-out to Mrs. Promer and Mrs. Boyd, who really are the sweetest, most understanding, supportive and loving teachers ever -- they welcomed all of us back with open arms and helped Tris transition back into school like he had never been gone.

The trip back was overall pretty uneventful. In retrospect, the boys did amazingly well (although there were a few times, mid-flight, that I thought -- we are not going to make it! Those of you -- Jen L -- who have flown that far with little kids understand.) Ted did well too -- only a few worry-wart meltdowns, wondering if we were going to get on the flight, get through customs, make our connection, etc. However, I firmly believe it was his insistence on getting us to each gate as early as humanly possible, and even the very worrying itself, that was responsible for getting us home safe and sound. That, and possibly God's faithfulness.

It has been so wonderfully good to be home! Everything here is so dear and familiar, yet new again. (I've had trouble remembering where I keep a few things! weird) The highlights have been our own dark, quiet bedroom complete with comfy bed (and privacy)! My kitchen (although I haven't used it much yet, as Ted's mom loves to take us out to eat. We don't protest.) with it's automatic ice maker, dishwasher, and many culinary tools! The great food we've been eating! Separate beds for the boys! A closet full of different clothes and shoes (hooray for flip-flop season!!)! Cars we can drive to destinations we are familiar with! Washer and dryer and clean-smelling clothes! But most of all, it has been so good to be back with those we love -- knowing that we'll soon see all the people we've missed so much, who have been so supportive in holding us up in prayer. We are eager to get back in touch with everyone, show Maxim off to everyone, and just generally get back into the swing of things! It may take us a while to get around to everything we want to do and everyone we want to see (jet lag really is a bummer) but know we are eager to see all of you.

Thanks again for laboring through this with us. Thanks for commenting, and making me feel important. Thanks for your prayers and concern for our family. What a trip it's all been!

Love,

Kristin (mom of 2 :)