Back to Bangalore

I can't believe it's been almost a 2 month hiatus from blogging! And really I don't know where to begin with describing our fantabulous trip to the U.S.!!! From the uneventful (good thing) flights there and back to the hugs and visits with family and friends to eating as much fajitas as I could squeeze in, it was just bliss.

Some highlights somewhat chronologically...
-only changed one diaper on the airplane there and one on the way back...MIRACLE!:)
-Thanksgiving feast with wonderful family
-First Black Friday shopping ever with my dear sister Elizabeth...not as crazy as I thought it would be and I had jet lag so I was up at 4:30 anyway:D
-Corban's first hunting trip with Paw Paw
-Roasting hotdogs and smores over a backyard fire
-Getting a hair cut after a year of no cuts:)
-Dinner with high school friends
-Ice skating
-Boat riding
-Driving around in my angel aunt's jeep Cherokee with the luggage packed to the ceiling...we couldn't see out the back window the whole 6 weeks:)
-Corban lost his first tooth
-A whirlwind trip to Pearland to visit dear friends
-The boys getting to take real baths in real bathtubs:)
-Eating wonderful food everyday whether it was baby carrots out of a bag already washed and peeled or bean burritos from Taco Bell or Christmas lunch with pies we savored it all
-Hanging out with Brian's college buddies--I don't think there's a more fun group of guys
-Making Christmas cookies and a gingerbread train
-Going to the family farm in west Texas...four-wheeler, throwing rocks in the pond, shooting fireworks, wide open spaces
-Celebrating Christmas with so many people we love
-Receiving way more Christmas gifts than we deserve
-Walmart:)
-Not a good highlight but poor Brian got swine flu and was in bed most of his 2 week trip. It was really, really sad

-AND most of all seeing all the wonderful people that we love so much. I just can't even imagine a better Thanksgiving and Christmas than what we had this year with our family and friends. Thank you to Ben and Alice, Brendan and Brad for flying to see us, to all those that drove in from out of town to meet us and to all who welcomed us into their homes (including the noise level we bring along:). We loved every minute of being with you. A huge thank you to my generous father-in-law who blesses others so amazingly because the Lord has blessed him. And to my aunt Carlisa who lent us her car for 6 weeks and her house for a few nights sleep...what an incredible sacrifice.

Bangalore is warm and welcoming. I knew we were back in India on our way home from the airport as the cab driver weaved in and out of transport trucks (India's form of 18 wheelers) as I was cringing:D The best drivers in the world live here! It was nice to wake up to the sight of women in bright sarees and flowers blooming out our windows. It was wonderful to see friends at church on Sunday.The unpacking is done and we are back to our normal routine, filled up with joy from getting to be in both of our "worlds"...home (U.S.) and home (Bangalore).

Pictures coming in next post...