This weekend was a gift. Just pure respite. Sun overhead, snow-capped mountains, shopping, and…
The boys made it across the Rockies.
The bigs are bickering and laughing and debating and going out and staying in and generally doing what they do when they are together. Crazy people. : )
Asher took the little girls and Moira out to eat and to introduce them to Toys R Us. They approved.
The children now know what a Walmart is. Its the place that sells EVERYthing. The place people sometimes shop in pyjamas. The place where you stand in line a looooong time to check out. Really long time. There are pro's and con's but let me tell you it's a whole lot cheaper shopping in this country than in England. And they only sell birthday cake Oreos here. That was pretty impressive to them.
The icemaker has been a big hit. Ok, ice in general. They have had a lot of ice.
Ice has not really caught on in Europe. If you order a soft drink, you get a soft drink. At room temperture. If you order a soft drink near a US military base you can sometimes get a cold soft drink and they will nod knowingly in your direction and say, "Americans."
Other American things they have noted this weekend – we can do our hair in the bathroom. We have no outlets, nor light switches, in bathrooms in Europe. They wanted to know why the police were stopping cars. Speed is monitored via cameras in England. Been a while since we've seen a car pulled over.
I made my pilgrimage to Whole Foods. Mwah. I have missed you. One thing I noticed this time though was the book section was pretty skimpy and the books were almost all vegan. There seem to be no end to the pre-formulated products one can buy but very little information to educate with. Signs of the times perhaps?
The guys met one morning for a a game of basketball with the men from church. Then several of them headed over to the US Air Force Academy to watch a game.
They spotted some deer on the Academy grounds. Much bigger than our little roe deer.
We had dinner with Brendan's godmother one night and Alannah and I met friends downtown at a coffeeshop/wine cafe with live indie music. Loved it! I missed a lot of this the first time around since we always had a baby in the house and were pretty tied up with farm and life. This is a perk of this season in life and it is good to recognize perks versus dwelling on what is no more. I always say you can't have it all, not at the same time and each season has its blessings.
There have been lots of big thoughts about community and personal growth and the dynamics of groups over time. About what comes next for us. No answers yet. I don't even know how I feel about all the questions. We are talking though and have decisions to make.
For now though, the van is heading east…
Starry Sky Journal 
I love that you call your youngins the “bigs” and, presumably, the “littles” like we do. Yours sound so much like ours! 🙂 And what an education for us realizing what we take for granted — like ice! (Wow.) But, mostly, I’m nodding and agreeing with your thoughts on the seasons of life. Viva the “perks.” Patience on the questions. ((Hugs)) Kim, and prayers for safe journeys for all of you!
Every season, every place has its blessings (and its not-blessings). I am glad you are just enjoying the blessings. And welcome home.
I can relate to all of your comments. Although my kids were older, they still enjoy going to Walmart and Target. I love Whole Foods and shopped at the very first Whole Foods in Austin, Texas. Long time fan. I do believe they have some Whole Foods in London. Not close enough to shop at, but you never know…
Bundle up!! We’re headed back below zero here …!
Hugs and empathy and prayers. The seasons keep turning don’t they? Love and prayer, prayer and love.
Kim, I just read an old post of yours, on “Plain and Simple”, being thankful for what you have, instead of pining for what you haven’t, and being discontent and missing all of the blessings in the process! Goes along with this one, enjoying the beauty of each season. I’m stuck in a “complaining for what you haven’t” and “noticing all the negatives”. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom and experience, to help those of us in another stage to rise out of the slump and to find joy and peace in today. I’m also comforted to know you, who seem so put together, have struggled through these same feelings! Blessed vacation to all your beautiful family!
Welcome Home!