What I Did on My Summer Vacation

Well, that ended up being a rather long break from blogging--more like a sabbatical really.  The days are getting shorter, colder and drearier, signaling the end of summer and beginning of fall.  When I'm living in the south, I love fall--the slightly cooler temperatures, football, wearing boots whether they're called for or not, pumpkin flavored everything--what's not to love?  But during my time in the Pacific Northwest and in Germany, fall is more like a harbinger of doom.  Winter is coming!

So, instead, let's relive my magical summer!  My sister, Brittany, arrived at the beginning of June for a three month stay.  And while there was a teensy bit of concern on both our parts that we would be driving each other up the wall by September, it was, in fact, a fantastic experience, and a time spent together that I'll always treasure.  She watched the girls for me so that I could go to lunches with friends solo, get my hair done, get back into a regular workout routine.  She cooked a delicious and nutritious dinner for us once a week.  And we traveled, oh, how we travelled!

Prague

Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Berlin

Potsdam, Germany

Strawberry Picking in Homburg, Germany

L: Trier, Germany, R: Cologne, Germany

Paris

Giverny, France

We hadn't spent that much quality time together in close to 13 years.  It was fantastic, and I miss her so much, even after a month and a half of her absence.  We also had a visit from a couple of our best friends from our Washington assignment, as well as a few weeks with my mom so that she could get her baby fix!  I wish I could go back and do it all again.

Fortunately, despite the impending gloom of winter, there are a few bright spots still lighting up the future.  Some way, somehow, we have managed to keep Charlotte and Annabelle alive for almost a year, and their first birthday party will be on November 3rd.  I can't believe it.  More to come on those stinkers in my next post.

Then, we're packing up our herd and heading stateside for a couple of weeks at the end of November, beginning of December.  I'm so thrilled to be able to introduce the girls to their 95 year old great grandmother, as well as many other members of my and Colby's family who have never before seen them in person.  I want to cry tears of joy just thinking about it.

I went ahead and signed up for two more years with Typepad, so while it was touch and go there for a little while as to whether or not I wanted to return to blogging, i'm pot commited!  I still haven't figured out a solution to the Google Reader abandonment issue, but I'm stealthily keeping up with many of your blogs and lives through Facebook, and I'm looking forward to getting back to it.  Until next time!  (Which won't be five months later--PROMISE!)

Comments

[To the Nth]

It's nice to hear from you again! Looks like you had a wonderful time throughout your travels, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the summer with your sister.

[Karen]

I've been wondering about you! I can't believe the girls are almost one. Happy you're back. :)

[Kate]

Bloglovin'! It's actually waaaaaay better than google reader! I heart it. And if there's still some way to import from google reader it keeps all your settings and folders and stuff.

Also, I want to live in Europe. My adventures consist of going to Walmart and Costco.

[Caro]

Yep, I was going to recommend Bloglovin' too!

Looks like a fabulous summer :) And ohmygosh, how are they ONE already? Crazy!

[_karenbee_]

I was starting to wonder what happened to you! Figured you were busy with the little ones. :) Welcome back!
(Oh, and I hear you on Google Reader. I started using Feedly and love it.)

[erin -heart in ireland]

first I can't believe how big the girls are!! I love all your adventures, isn't kunta hora one of the coolest places? I miss living in Europe!