Indiana and Iowa Pics

Back from Vacation, and not terribly happy about it..

So, after 3 whole weeks of vacation (don't worry, Adam did some work while we were out there), we are back in Phoenix. It's a little weird, though, being back after spending every day with family, and I'm not sure I like it. You see, I haven't manage to make a lot of close friends here, people I could just call up and spend time with, or get our kids together. Two of the few people who are actually my age and I COULD do that with, moved away to the midwest (traitors!) and so that's out (miss you, Amber and Natalie!). And of course there's my cousin Britni, who also lives in the midwest, and I didn't even get to see while I was there. Sigh. The hardest part is that my parents and two of my siblings live in Indiana, and though I do get to see them several times a day, I would do anything to have them be a part of my every day life. Those of you who do have your parents in the nearby vicinity, be thankful!

Anyway, you see my dilemma. For me, a great place to live has NOTHING to do with the weather, or whether it's a big city or out in the country. I just believe that our time on earth is better spent with the people we care about. The thing is, I do have family and friends here, but most days are spend at home, alone with the kids or doing errands, also alone with the kids. During the fall and spring I do MOPS and church Bible study, which gets me out a couple days a week, but I really need more than that. So, yeah, it's hard for me because I would just rather be with my family in Indiana than here at home, as comfortable as it is. As long as my husband and kids are with me, too! I am still struggling to figure out just how to have close friendships, even if it's just one person, here in Phoenix, when everyone already seems to have their own friends and activities that keep them busy. I'm sure this sounds like complaining, but really these are just the thoughts that come to be in these lonely post-vacation days. I'll feel better soon :)

So, onto more exciting and uplifting things. Our vacation was awesome! I really enjoyed being with Chet and his fiancee, and with my family, seeing my parents get to be "everyday" grandparents, which I wish they could be all the time, playing games of Carcassone with my siblings, staying up late, relaxing on the lake, and being with the relatives in Iowa. I love, LOVE being with family every day. I am so not the type who enjoys being by myself too often :)

On Vacation :D

I thought I'd post a mid-vacation update. No pictures for now...but when I get back, get ready! Michigan was fun, beautiful, and perfect...it was really hard to leave. My grandma came up for a few days and I got to know my brother's fiancee. It was nice to be with everyone, on a rare occasion when we are all together. Odin fished with his grandpa and loved it! He also went for a few boat rides and played in the sand. We played games, ate a TON of ice cream from House of Flavors, and tubed and skiied. Oh, and the guys became heroes when they helped rescue a not-so-smart boater who "slipped" off the back of his boat. We kinda wondered what was going on when we saw a boat going in circles on the lake, sans driver.
I cannot express how excited I am to have a sister-in-law who is the same age as me. While I love my sisters-in-law on Adam's side, I think I will have more in common with Dana...she was really easy to talk to/get along with. She and Chet make a good pair :) I can't wait to find out what they are having! Saturday I met Amber, Natalie, and their babies at an outlet mall in Michigan City. Have you ever gone shopping with multiple children? It's a little crazy, to say the least. I'm glad I got to see them, though, and their babies are getting so big! I really wish they both still lived in Phoenix. Amber, I'm counting on seeing you back home in 5 years! Anyway, so now we are in Indiana for the week, Adam will do some work and we will spend time with my family. I also hope to see some extended family! Will update with pics when I'm home!