I have safely arrived back in Lima after a 3 1/2 week vacation in Doylestown, which was relaxing, refreshing, and wonderful. It was probably my best trip home so far and just awesome to be with the whole family since Jay, Melody, Ella, and my Aunt Lisa all traveled to be there for a short period of time in order to mischievously throw a surprise 60th party for my parents! This would explain why it was harder than usual to come back this time. While Peru is becoming more home to me, there is something about being back home with family that keeps it from being an easier transition. It seems I am torned between two homes no matter where I am, but I probably just need to get used to that feeling! So far since being back I've been able to relax quite a bit. Yesterday my new roomie, Kandice, who will be here for 6 months as a student teacher, arrived so today we spent the day at the school, trying Peruvian food, and teaching her how to do basic stuff in Lima. Tomorrow my other 2 roomies will arrive.
Well, most of the time at home was spent walking into town, playing on playgrounds with Ella, playing Wii, eating my favorite foods, reading Karen Kingsbury books (on which I am now hooked), having picnics outside, going on a crazy hike, taking pictures of Ella, planning Mom and Dad's surprise 60th party, and hanging out by the lake in the Poconos. Here are lots of pictures of it all!
At a wedding of old friends from church.. the reception was awesome!
At the Pocono house, making a team effort to make the big bed
Ella's tent and tunnel which she made us all crawl through. I think she was right when she insisted that we needed a BIG tent :)
Ella's tent and tunnel which she made us all crawl through. I think she was right when she insisted that we needed a BIG tent :)
Erin and Jay in the kitchen!
We had one or two rainy days while on vacation so Jay, Dad, Mel, and I decided to play a little tennis while Mom and Er took Ella on the playground. We tried to at least look like we were playing awesome.. we were a little rusty.
Majority of our free time was spent playing our new favorite game, Bananagrams, which consisted of Er and Jay arguing over the illegitimacy of the Official Scrabble Dictionary. In Erin's defense, it did count ZZZ as a word meaning to sleep.. maybe a little bit of a stretch.
Playing lots and lots of Wii
Cheeburger Cheeburger for some good old fashioned burgers and shakes
Karen Kingsbury books.. what kept some of us just a little occupied during vacation ;)
The highlight of the trip home was definitely the party, considering how SHOCKED they both were to say the least. Here's the anticipation and the grand entrance..
