Home Sweet Home...

Breathtaking, isn't it? :)

Well, we made it!!! That is...Noah and I made it to safe and sound to beatiful Kailua, HI. Chris is still stuck back in snowy Misawa, counting the days until he can plunge his feet into warm Hawaiian sand and slowly sip on a Mai Thai with the glorious sun on his face while all memories of cold, unforgiving winters in Northern Japan become a distant memory. We had a great time in Misawa and think fondly on all the wonderful (and hopefully lifelong) friendships we made while stationed there, but we are NOT snow lovers. Period. For that reason, Chris and I are grateful we'll experience only one season for the next two-three years--SUMMER! Shorts and tanks, flip-flops and shades...Life is good. :) The photo above is Kailua Beach, located approximately two blocks from where we live. Nice, huh? We like it! :) Since our household goods have not yet arrived, Noah and I are pretending that we're roughin' it in the great outdoors (what a hardship!) and living on bare essentials right now--air mattress, pots and pans, Pack-N-Play, small TV, and a lone camping chair. My sister, Johnna, came out to help us get set up the first week and let me just say she she couldn't have been of any greater help. While traveling with a one-year old can be stressful, moving with one can drive the most patient, easy-going parent to the brink of insanity. When I'd almost find myself there, teetering on the edge, I have my sister to thank for pulling me back. Thanks Johnna!

For now, I'm hanging out and staying pretty busy--working on nonprofit stuff, buying outdoor furniture, raiding the local library, buying/picking up/registering vehicles, setting up accounts, visiting the DMV, meeting those already a part of the command, etc. Funny how I thought returning to the U.S. would be easier than leaving...it's not. A three-year absence requires that you almost reinvent yourself upon your return. Crazy!

Well, I'm off to bed. Another busy day tomorrow of cleaning, making phone calls, and wrangling a toddler. That part hasn't change... :)

Love to all,

Amanda