Making memories

We've been in Texas for almost one month now, and it is unbelievable how quickly the time has flown by.  When we first arrived, 6 months seemed like a lifetime, but now I see just how fast the time will slip away.

Before we left Taiwan, we decided not to schedule too much during our first month in the US; we wanted to leave time free to spend with family and friends, make memories, and rest.  Above all, to rest.  We were all so weary after a difficult and exhausting 2012.  And I'm so glad we did.  The last month has been exactly what we needed, with time to sleep and play and read and exercise and cook together and take walks and worship.  We've had some responsibilities to keep up with, of course--Mike's been working via computer, I've been homeschooling the older two, the boys have had check-ups at the pediatrician and L has started physical therapy--but we've mostly been focused on family and each other.

The boys have had a hard adjustment in some ways.  A and L have really grieved leaving Taiwan and we have daily tears over missing friends, our apartment, the ocean, dumplings, and even Taipei 101.  It's been hard to see them sad each day, but at the same time I am thankful that they love Taiwan and our life there so much.  Even with the sadness, though, they have been thrilled to be around extended family and are enthralled with many aspects of life in Texas: the great parks and playgrounds within walking distance, the lack of mosquitos (for now!), Blue Bell ice cream, Mexican food, the wonders of Chick-Fil-A, the constant sunshine and dry air.  A has already been to a Texas Tech basketball game with his uncles, and all three boys loved the aquarium at Fair Park.  And the white Christmas we experienced could not have been a bigger blessing to their hearts.

A few memories we've made so far...

Opening gifts at Morgan's mom's house with Erin, Morgan's sister, and her husband Michael

Christmas dinner, prepared by Morgan, Erin, and Morgan's grandmother (left)

The boys running into the snow, which started falling just as we finished Christmas dinner. L kept exclaiming, "It's a white Christmas! It's a white Christmas! I can't believe it!"

Snowball fight at Mike's parents' house with Uncle Stephen, Mike's brother

A about to get nailed

N wasn't sure what to make of all of the cold white stuff

Fun in the snow with Mike's dad and brother (and Coco and Webster, the dogs)

First snow angel!

Mike with his first snowball in years!

Snow on the holly bushes by Mike's parents'  home

The boys with Uncle Stephen

Loving the snow

Sharing a chat with Meemo, Mike's grandmother

The boys with Meemo

Mike and N with Meemo

We leave next week for our much-anticipated vacation to West Texas and New Mexico.  I can't wait to walk the boys down memory lane and share my childhood home and the family homestead with them.