Yikes, was my last post really in March? Yep. I think life started going so fast and was so up in the air, I didn't even know what to say. But I've been itching to write again, so I might as well resurrect things here.
We left Bahrain at the end of June. It was surreal, even our last day it didn't seem like we were really leaving. I miss our friends there every day. And the weather now that it is cold and grey here.
We came home via the Netherlands again, and I am so in love with Delft. It is picture postcard perfect. I want a bike and braids and small three story canal house and geraniums in my window box and a fireplace and friendly canal ducks and cheese and chocolate for every meal and a corner bakery or flower shop and an Oilily wardrobe and Dutch friends to watch the World Cup with and to shop at Hema and a rail pass.
We lost Ev's yellow bear, which snuck out for a last minute sleepover. Our kind friends mailed him from the UK, and he made it safely back home. I was sure we lost him in the locker bank of the airport and would never see him again. His return is one of those small household miracles.
We spent the summer with family, had a blast at the beach. Then we worked on my brother in laws house a bit. We were waiting for the next step, confident something would happen. And it did. Our renters bought a house and moved out, so we moved back to our house in September.
Roger got a job in Royal. I am doing my teaching program. Ev fit right back in with friends from preschool, kindergarten and first grade like she'd never left. Edward started preK in October and is thriving. Things are good.
It was nice to experience the fall again. I didn't know how much I missed it. The leaves, the cool, golden afternoons and the pumpkin baked goods. Halloween decorations and trunk or treats. Ev and I were both Greek goddesses, Edward was a vampire. Thanksgiving with family. Eating smoked turkey- the best ever! American football for Roger. Ev got to experience Friday night lights with her friends- she is growing up so quick!
This time here is a blessing. I forgot how wonderful the people are here. How everyone was so happy to see us again. How the community comes together to celebrate. The charms of Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day and the endless tractor portion of the parade. Drinking fresh-pressed cider at the Harvest Festival. Putting up flags in the cemetery for Veteran's Day. The downtown Christmas tree lighting. Although that was so bitterly cold I jogged in place while waiting with the kids to see Santa because my feet were so numb. I welcomed the chance to buy some new winter things- after loosing a whole box of clothes in my moves. I was supposed to save it all for Christmas but can't resist wearing it all now, because baby, its cold outside. We are so lucky.
