The highlight for sure was the quality time that I got with so many different people.
One definite highlight of any trip to Michigan is my time with my friends Katie and Cora and their families. If anyone wants tips on how to keep their kids connected to relatives who live far away, these ladies are great models. It brings me so much joy to see the kids' little faces at the front window when I drive up. Despite the fact that I've lived out of the country for most or all of their short lives, their moms make sure that they know me. I am so thankful for the time I had with them this summer!
Another highlight was the time I got to spend with my brother Matt. Between my five days in New York and his three in Michigan, I felt like I had more time with him than I have in years. I also loved that I got to enjoy both of my brothers' cooking this summer. I don't know many (or any!) other expats who return home looking forward to the dinner their brother is going to make for them!
A rather unexpected highlight was that by the end of the summer, I had managed to see, at least briefly, every single one of my aunts and uncles on both sides of the family. I think there are 20 of them, and with so many people out of town during the summer months, it was a remarkable feat. It also meant that I got a lot of time with my family and extended family in general, and that is always awesome. They are the roots that give me the wings to fly here. Within the aunt and uncle highlight was the particular time I got with my aunt and uncle in San Jose. It was really special to get that one-on-one (or two) time with them and I can't wait to go back.
A long awaited highlight was the time I got with my friend Holly in Central California. Ever since she made the decision to leave Bangkok we've were planning this trip and it did not disappoint. I love that we had hours and hours to talk and that I got to see a little snipet of her life in California.
My final weekend in the States brought several great highlights of food and company. My friends Katie and Amy, who I skated with many years ago and both live out of state now, we're both in Ann Arbor visiting family. We had a chance to catch up over a long dinner at Bigalora Friday night. I'm not sure the last time that all three of us were together, but I think it was in the ballpark of five years ago. Then Saturday I went out for a farewell dinner with my mom and siblings (we missed you Matt and Andrew!) at Bacco, which was amazing. Every single course was just perfect. Then on Sunday we had a bridal shower for my cousin at Bigalora Royal Oak and I wrapped up the weekend with breakfast with Katie and Amy on Monday before a Tuesday morning departure. Whew!
The most anticipated highlight (and it lived up to its billing) was the quality time I got with my nephew. I got time with him at family events, time with him at his house, one-on-one time babysitting him, and time with him at Aunts and Elliot Day. It was awesome to be there to see him roll over for the first time and watch him grow and develop over the course of the six weeks. He was definitely longer and gigglier by the time I left, and he had just learned to sit up and had started eating cereal. He is just absolutely delightful and I miss him terribly! In addition to the joy of meeting him, I also really liked seeing my sister and brother-in-law as parents. They're doing a great job :)
There were so many other quality time moments sprinkled throughout my summer that made it a lot of fun to be back. It's never easy to leave everyone and the adjustment back can be a bit rough, but somehow the working crazy hours has made it a bit easier in that at least I don't feel the quiet quite so much. I'm thankful for all the quality time that God blessed me with on my trip!
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