going going, back back, to cali cali

after our visit with the family in Ohio, it was on to California to visit friends and spend some time in the place we still consider home. The weather was unusually cool and windy (no, I'm not that crazy mom that over dressed her kid), but we still enjoyed the sun and the beach for a while. It was great to see everyone and we can't wait for the next visit- better yet, maybe just the move back! Ha!

Oh! I almost forgot to mention the farmers market!! ;)

So...after 40+ hours of flight time, we are finally back on Guam. We were anxious to get home and be back in our own house with our stuff. And that lasted all of 20 hours; until I drove 15mph (stuck behind someone) all the way to Kmart, only to be over charged for an item which then took 35min to resolve! We were definitely not in Target anymore. :(

Ohio

It was a very long trip, but after 7 months on Guam, we are back in the states for our first visit. The second leg, from Tokyo to Houston, was 11 hours! Entertaining or keeping a baby asleep, and free On Demand movies helped to pass the time. All things considered, it actually went pretty well. Though, the man assigned to the seat in front of Quin may say otherwise.

Quin did great. We actually managed to get her down at a decent time our first night here and she seems to be on a good schedule so far. We lucked out and the weather is awesome for this time of year. So today, Quin was able to enjoy the swings at my parents house.

state bound!!

In a little more than 36 hours, we will depart from Guam and begin our 22+ hours of travel time (with a newly walking 9mo old!) so we can spend Thanksgiving with our extremely large, exceptionally loud families. We were super excited to see everyone and introduce them to Quin. Although, we have started packing and preparing, and I think at this point, we are re-evaluating. (just joking fam)

a first friend

I might complain from time to time (ok, maybe more often than not) about life here on Guam. But my friend and I were talking today, and we agreed that down the road, once we have moved back and returned to our busy life in the states (dashing from target to whole foods, walking to the farmers market with the kids, attending children's classes with friends, and wearing more than the same old tank top, shorts, and sandals) that we will likely look back at our time on Guam and think it was not so bad. In fact, I think in retrospect, it is going to be a great memory and chapter in our lives when time moved a little slower, and you learned to appreciate the small things.

One thing we will take with us for sure are some great new friendships! And I think best of all, it is the memories of watching Quin and her first little friend growing together! They've gone from semi-aware tiny infants, content (mostly) to sit on our lap while we had coffee, into little toddlers on the move. To see them actually recognize one another and begin to interact has been so much fun. So, per the request of some friends and family...I wanted to share some photos of Quin and sweet Little E!

another 19.3 miles down!

Today we ran another race- so we were up again for a 4:30am show!! This time, Ryan did the half alone. As much fun as the last one was for Quin and I, we thought it might be better to stick to the 10K this time. I am happy to report that this was far less eventful than the half a month ago and went pretty smooth.

not sure either- your guess is as good as ours

waiting to cheer for daddy at the finish

I know it's all part of learning,

but this is just so sad. Quin's face met the parking lot for the first time recently- it didn't end so well. :(

and this face pretty much sums it up

not much going on. . .

so, we'll just share some new photos ;) The weather here is, much to my disbelief, cooling down a little, and the breeze is picking up! The locals have been promising this change (improvement) for months- assuring us we came at the worst time and that the "winter" months would be beautiful. I am actually starting to believe them.

So- we hit the beach with some friends again this weekend (there is only so much to do- we are on a tiny island). The guys went scuba diving (Ryan saw his first sea turtle!) while my friend and I played with the kids. Never a bad way to spend the weekend. But- in true Guam fashion...it was pouring about 15 minutes later.