In short, we went to America! And we’ve already returned. It was very short, and yet so good! Here’s to a short list of highlights.
We are so thankful for just a little glimpse of time with family and friends. So much fun in so little time.
We were there for Stephen’s newest niece’s birth! That is pretty amazing coordination of time that we can only credit to God, and we’re thankful. It was a gift to be there. Stephen also drove her to the hospital, because apparently that is our side job no matter where we live. Really, we were so thankful to be there and so thankful to meet (and hold! Skype cannot offer this!) the beautiful Piper.
With the rejoicing comes mourning, and it was a hard season for their family. Stephen’s brother-in-law & father of the newest babe was in the hospital for ten days just after the baby was born. We tried to help while we were there, and we’re really thankful for the time with family, but it’s hard to see such hard seasons. And really hard to walk away from them.
We also got to see my family and enjoy Thanksgiving with them!
I feel like my sister & I’s smiles are looking quite similar in all of the photos here! Um, I mean this with my sister, Keri, although Hope & I share quite a bit of resemblance, too 🙂
We went to a wedding which we were so excited to celebrate! 
It was just beautiful in every way, and we loved it. Thank you, Tim & Mal, for making it possible for us to be there. It was so fun to celebrate with you!
It also included plenty of college reunion friendships, which is always a fun surprise!
There was also a sister date of shopping and sushi, which did not disappoint.
There were Christmas festivities already in full swing, including Christmas tree purchases…
…and a small-town parade! A personal favorite. It included one of the boys informing the others, “If you say ‘Merry Christmas’ they throw more candy!”
We saw Hunger Games. Win.
And that, in short, was America this time around!
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