Our sea shipment arrived safe and sound a few days earlier than we had originally expected with only a few minor items broken. While I was extremely excited to have all of our things here in the U.S., once they arrived and were all stacked in the garage and several rooms in the house, I really wanted them to all go away. It amazes me how much "stuff" we have collected over the past 12 years of marriage. Over the past few weeks, we have put a lot of the things away and the house is looking pretty good (if I may say so myself) -- although we still have a lot of boxes left in the garage that will need to either go to storage or to goodwill/garage sale.
The beginning of our stacked boxes...
It is gradually getting worse...
We ran across this box as we were unpacking and thought it was cute ... totally English terminology. "Toys and all that bugger." ;o)
In order to get the girls ready for Kindergarten this fall (sigh!), I scheduled a couple doctor appointments. Besides an eye appointment for all 3 children, Kendall had a horrific reaction to a food while living in England so I took her to an allergist in Peoria to find out exactly what she was allergic to. We thought she broke out in terrible hives from salmon but after testing 27 (yes, that number is 27!) different pinpricks, they found that right now she is allergic to 3 specific things ... dogs, cashews, and dust (great -- just what I need ... a child allergic to dust!). They ordered her an epi-pen that we need to keep with us at all times just in case. Now that we have a good idea of what to stay away from, hopefully we won't have any more instances like the one we had in England.
The girls showing off their new homemade sweaters from Aunt Colleen. Thanks, Aunt Leen!
Kendall getting "tattooed" before the allergy testing begins.
Showing off their fancy shades after getting their eyes dilated...
While Mike has been at work and Brett has been at school, the girls and I have had several lunch dates attempting to catch up with family and friends. We have met with Stacey & Tina and their children, Jan (that I used to work with) and her 2 grandchildren, Karen & Connie (that I also used to work with), and most recently we had lunch with my great-aunts as well as a few cousins from my dad's side of the family. It is great being back in the U.S. and having the opportunity to get together with so many wonderful people.
Great-Aunt Dorothy, Kristie (cousin), and Great-Aunt Violet
Kendall, Diane (cousin), Aunt Colleen, Kameron, and Great-Aunt Rosalie
With the weather finally turning fairly nice, we decided to take the kids to play miniature golf. We all had a great time -- with the exception of Kameron throwing a few wing-dings because her ball kept rolling into the water. ;o)
While we miss our extended family in England, it was really nice spending Easter in the U.S. this year. The weather was perfect for egg hunts, playing outside, and spending time with family. We are truly blessed to have a healthy, happy family. (We were able to see my mom and dad on Easter; however we also saw both Mike's mom and dad earlier in the week -- but I didn't get any pictures...sorry.)
Showing off the candy the Easter Bunny brought them ... and on a sugar-high before breakfast.
Brett and Kendall sorted their candy just like I would -- dump it into a pile and pick and choose what you want to eat; however I had to share the picture of Kameron -- she sorted all of her candy by type (she is definitely Mike's daughter!) ;o)
Easter egg hunt at Diane & Len's house (my dad's side of the family)
The kids with Papa Vic
Easter egg hunt at Nana & Markie's house
The kids with Nana & Sadie Sue
My friend, Tina, that I met while living in England just had her second baby this past Monday, April 13. Tina moved back to Illinois just a week before we did so she could deliver the little one in the U.S. I was able to go to the hospital on Tuesday with 2 of my friends that I also met in England, Stacey and Jenny. Stacey moved back almost a year ago and Jenny is visiting this week; however will be moving back around May 1. ;o) We enjoyed visiting with Tina and meeting precious little Jade Caroline. She is a beautiful baby and I can't wait to watch her grow along with all of the other children in our group. (While Tina hasn't had any time -- obviously -- to post any pics of their new little addition to her blog, she gave me permission to post pics on my blog.) ;o)
Tina, Jade Caroline, Ian (Tina's son), me, Jenny, and Stacey
