Home Sick

I can't believe it's almost been one month since I last posted. That's crazy! Every Monday I think about things I want to post and then Alexis and I get busy and before I know it it's the next Monday.

Alexis had her first trip to the Netherlands. We went to a new grocery store there. It's funny how different the selection can be just by going across the border. In Belgium nothing is pre-packaged. In the Netherlands there is a lot of stuff pre-packaged. I know, the Belgian way is fresher and healthier, but with a 3 month old any kind of easy convenience is a life saver.

Speaking of conveniences, I've been a little home sick lately. Just missing everything America has to offer. After being here a little over 2 years it's finally hit me. I don't think it has anything to do with Alexis. She's a perfect little doll and makes me excited to wake up every morning. I think it's more so that (don't shoot me for saying this...I'm just being honest) I'm over Europe. I'm ready to come back to the U.S. where I can sit in my air conditioned home, order take-out when I don't feel like cooking, shop at a large grocery store, use American dollars instead of the ever increasing euro, walk on a carpeted floor instead of my creaky hardwoods, use a normal size washer where I can do 2 loads instead of 10, go to the dry cleaners instead of finding the time to iron, be able to drive myself around....I should stop before it starts to sound like I'm complaining.

I think my home sick feelings also have to do with me not being back to the U.S. since December. That's a really long time for me considering the last two years I was home at least every four months. Also, our expat friends Bob and Robin just left at the beginning of August. We're going to miss them. Granted I am jealous that they got to move back, but I'm extremely excited for them. That's the sad thing about being an expat....you always have to say good-bye because expats always come and go. To top off my home sick feelings. Scott leaves for the U.S on Saturday (without Alexis and I). The flights were just too expensive for us to tag along for a week and they are now charging some astronomical fee for skymiles leaving out of select cities and Brussels just happens to be one of them. Boo Delta.

So, what better way to try get rid of my homesickness? Go visit family! We went to Germany this past weekend to visit my cousin Shanell. It was her first time seeing Alexis. Alexis did great on the 4 hour car ride and sleeping in a strange house. We're keeping our fingers crossed that she'll continue to be a good traveller. We just had a nice and relaxing weekend topped off with lunch at Chili's on the base. Thanks again for letting us stay for the weekend Shanell and for all the gifts for Alexis!

Shanell, Alexis and me

Shanell's table was my grandmother's that we ate on as kids. What memories it brings back.

Alexis just loves this little yellow lion hanging on her gym. We've named him Chipper because he whistles these chippy cheery songs. She just laughs, stares and smiles at him. He's her new buddy.

The newest Minnesota Gopher fan.

My BFF has rescued me from having to stay by myself while Scott's gone. Shannon comes on Saturday. What a relief! We're taking a girls only road trip. Wish us luck.