Good Times

I was looking through photos today and realized that we--Rob, Emi and I--had so many great experiences while visiting the U.S. For example, I wish I had pictures of Emi playing with her cousins Mac, Macie and Rian while we visited my brother in Iowa. I thuroughly enjoyed watching Emi explore her cousins. She really liked touching them and watching them; poor Rian even ended up with a finger in her nose, I think. She and Macie really seemed to like tugging on eachother's sweatshirts. My brother, Trevor, and I were using eachother's kids to inspire our own--I kept trying to inspire Emi to crawl by having her watch Macie and Mac while Trevor was trying to encourage greater hair growth in the twins by constantly pointing out Emi's full head of red locks.

M & I also had a great time watching Rob play with the Roe Family Singers again. Ol' Spitty was really happy to be jammin' with friends and Lil' Spitty enjoyed watching him. She also really likes to blow on bottles (and her fist) so who knows, maybe she'll take after her dad.and become a jug player. Or is juggist the more appropriate term?



We had many enjoyable evenings just hanging with friends and are so appreciative that Jen let us crash in her pad for such a long time. Having a home to stay in allowed us to have small gatherings at the house frequently. Many of you brought her presents which was generous and kind. It was wonderful to see so many people. As you can see Emi likes presents, the wrapping most of all. Fortunate for us, Rob's parents had luggage to loan us so we could return with all of Emi's gifts.

We also had a fun day when Emi and I visited the school where I used to work. There are children at Sunny Hollow that are now 11 whom I have known since they were 3. While this blows my mind, it seemed to blow theirs that I have a child. The elementary children all gathered around and just watched Emi move and presented her with tons of handmade gifts. They also had many questions including, "Does she recognize her name?" When I replied, "Yes," 29 children started saying her name all at once while Emi sat in the middle of the circle looking a bit shocked!

In the Children's House (3 to 6 year-olds), the children were drawn to her and she to them. They all just wanted to tuch her and show her their work. One child, whom I have never met before came up to me and said, "We are all THRILLED you are here. But could you please tell me WHY we are thrilled?" After my explanation, the three year-old clapped and said, "Great, I needed to know why. Now I can get you the presents I made for you!" Then he retrieved several drawing that were "especially for the baby." Stories such as this remind me why I miss working with groups of young children.


While in Minnesota Emi and I didn't, for a change, spend all our time together. One Sunday, my friend Leah took me to the last Vikings game of the season. Not only did we have a great time watching a good game, we were sitting in the second row of the endzone where they scored the winning field goal to advance to the playoffs! Unfortunately, the Vikings couldn't make good of that opportunity...here's hoping the Steelers continue to play well.


As discussed on previous blog entries, Emi had a great time playing with her cousin Anna Bae. The holidays with the Davis/Bae families were relaxing and fun. On Christmas, a lot of fun was had exploring with the Photo Booth application. Most of the pictures are too bizarre to post, but...

After a wonderful time in Minnesota, Emi and I were happy to travel to Houston before returning to Frankfurt. It was really nice to see my family again and also really nice to hit 70 degree weather before returning to a record-cold Frankfurt.

My mom and I were able to spend some time together alone which was really nice. It was also great seeing Noah, Sam and Devin. I can't believe my sister, Devin, will be graduating this year! She was only 3 when I graduated. I distinctly remember the sound of her cry while I pulled away to drive off to college. We are looking forward to this summer when hopefully she can come visit us for a European adventure.


I am regretful that there are people we weren't able to see. I wish we had managed our time better or had more of it available to us. I was surprised at how much slower we have to move now with Emi. Her presence really requires us to take our time, which ultimately is a good thing. Coming back to Frankfurt was hard on us all. It's been even harder since Emi is both getting used to having her own bed again as well as adjusting to the proper sleep schedule.....here's hoping.