Summer in the States

We had been dreaming about stepping foot on Texas soil for an entire year!! I was crying when we landed. It felt so good to be back in America!

The girls did great on the flight home. It so much easier now that they are older. 

Claire and Elise were immediately spoiled by PawPaw and Granny. We got our daily donuts/kolaches and my coffee was made for me every single morning!

We were thrilled that Uncle Matt had brought Colbie to the airport with him! It was the first time we had gotten to meet her. We all fell in love with her infectious smile!

We all had our dreaded doctor appointment check ups! We had the girls appointments the very first day we were back and Claire was still dealing with a little bit of jet lag.

One of Elise's favorite restaurants is PF Chang's- she loves their soup!

We made it to the Buchek's the first weekend we were there! Elise had been holding out on pulling her tooth- she wanted it to happen at LeLe's house. 

They always pick up right where they left off!

Claire and Daddy enjoying snuggling!

Elise took some great tennis lessons this summer! She loved practicing.

We loved going to Bahama Bucks

Josh and I took one night away for our anniversary! I didn't get one picture of the two of us, but we had fun going out to dinner and hanging out in Houston--he had me pose by these curtains in the restaurant...we felt right at "home" since all of Saudi restaurants have these curtains--although in Saudi they aren't nearly as clean or nice !

We took the girls to see the Wizard of Oz. They loved it!

KK drove down from Dallas so she could see Josh! We met her for lunch after the show- the girls were spoiled with toys and cotton candy!

They loved going down and feeding the ducks and turtles.

Checked out the museum in Sugar Land

I can't even begin to tell you how many times we frequented Chick Fil A this summer!!

Claire had  her first dental check up and got a great report. 

They love going to the car wash

Just like that Josh had to go back to Saudi. We were dreading the day because it was going to be a long 7 weeks until we saw him again. I was glad to have Dallas to look forward to.

We had a great dinner with KK and BeBe!

The girls loved spending time with the Longs.

We had a fabulous dinner right by KK's work!

I had been looking forward to seeing sweet Avery, too! We took a little detour on our way home and went to see Mandy, Katy,and all the kiddos! It was so good to see them- we always pick up right where we left off--we are the best of friends.

Claire was a hot mess this summer! She wanted to bring her purse, pretend gun, and pink boots everywhere!

My sisters surprised me with such a fun birthday treat! We had an awesome brunch and then off for amazing massages and pedicures!

We had a great Birthday celebration with one of our Saudi friends- Charlie.

Happy Fourth of July!!

We were thrilled to catch up with all of our friends!

I taught these two when they were in 2nd grade!

Elise absolutely loved T Bar M- she was so sad when the week was over. She has been practicing fixing her hair for weeks now because she thinks if she can do that she can go to overnight next summer! 

The babies had fun getting spoiled at Coker and spending more time with their mommies! 

Claire pretty much lived on this stool at LeLe's house- she was so afraid of Bella this summer!

On our last night in San Antonio- Uncle Robert made smores and the kids were in love...I may have had one or two...

We had a fun birthday weekend celebrating BeBe! We were disappointed in the hotel--but still had a lot of fun hanging out together!

Claire took a summer dance camp and loved dancing.

Elise and I had fun shopping together while Claire was at camp.

We celebrated all the birthdays together in BeBe's apartment.

PawPaw spoiled everyone by getting them donuts!

Elise had another celebration at Ms. Erin's house! She was so spoiled for birthdays this year.

So glad I finally got to see my friend, Adrienne this summer!

We were star- struck when Melissa and I saw Frank!!

Norma always finds a way to make it work to meet us in the summer.

Elise had one last American Birthday celebration with Josh's family!

It is really hard to leave family and friends in the USA. It's a feeling that is hard to describe- it starts with the packing/organizing and walking around the rooms and the people that you know you won't see for another year.  The lump in your throat that starts forming when you think about the goodbyes--all the things you will miss. 

However, we were so glad to be a complete family again. Claire kept staring at Josh over and over- touching his face, almost making sure he was real. Elise has been talking to him non-stop. This fall will be very busy with both girls in school.