Our Trip Home - Part 2

So after getting some Jaz kisses, Noah began to explore Grandma and Grandpa's house of surprises. They had prepared the house for Noah, with several of the rooms containing toys - some we had left behind, others Grandma had picked up for him. They also had a jogging stroller to go for long walks in the woods, a Radio Flyer Tricycle, a big wheel, AND a Little Tikes Police Car! Sorry we only have one grandchild for you right now to play with all those fun things. (c: Their sweet neighbors had been looking out for things they could use while Noah was visiting - the result? Noah had an absolute blast with the constant choice of activities - and so did Grandma.

We're pretty sure he remembered their house, since we lived there for seven months before leaving for Peru and he always sees himself in pictures there. It was so wonderful to be home again, returning to a house that hadn't changed too much while we were gone. And aside from the gargantuan, misfit house being built across the street, the neighborhood hadn't changed much either.

Saturday, we had the chance to visit and have lunch with Alicia, a Peruvian friend. She made Lima's speciality for us, ceviche - a tangy seafood dish that, during this pregnancy, I've been craving! Our time with her was helpful in connecting our life in Peru with being home, as we have visited with her family several times in Lima.

On Sunday, we got to return to our home church, Alexandria Presbyterian. How sweet it was to worship with our church family again and share with them about our lives in Lima. They hosted a lovely reception for us after the service, which gave us a chance to catch-up some with friends. That evening, we got to spend time with old friends, Brett and Krista Miller, Jacquie, Justin, and Nora Prather, and Seth and Jess (soon-to-be) Blanchard. Dad grilled out for us and we had such a fabulous time just laughing and being together again.

Monday, Noah stayed with Grandma and Grandpa while Michael and I took a road trip to Richmond and Charlottesville. We got to meet up briefly with Matt & Kristen Purdy and their boys, Owen and Baxter. So fun to see them in their new home in Richmond! It was a great day of being together, just Michael and I, talking, thinking, and dreaming together as we drove. Please pray with us as we seek the Lord's direction in the next step to take.

Tuesday, we hung out for most of the day with Cindy and the girls at their house, letting the cousins get to know each other again. Wednesday, we all went for Nana's (Noah's Great-Grandma) music thearapy session where she lives. She looked wonderful and was doing really well that day! We had a lot of fun singing old folk tunes with her. The thearapist brought extra percussion instruments so that everyone could play along. Noah LOVED it! Following this, Michael and I ran errands, trying to find all those coveted items that we can't get in Peru. During this and several other times that Noah was with Grandma and Grandpa, they did all kinds of things together - going to the woods, playing in the creek, going to the library, the pool, the school yard's playground, or just playing with all those fun toys at home.

That evening, Michael drove with Daniel Harlan (another groomsman) to NYC for the start of the wedding celebration festivities.