Rockin' in the Hood - and other thoughts

I'm not sure how to label these pictures

of our son and his babe!

 Rockin' in the Hood!

 Gangsta!

What's with the 'tude?

Life over the holidays was quite hectic but very good.  We got to spend them with our children and grandchildren.  Bud actually took off work.  He hardly ever, ever takes time off from work.  I was impressed too; he actually relaxed and we didn't really do much of anything except hang out with the family.

 What a great way to recharge our batteries.

 

Now its back to real life.  I am finally back in the Netherlands after 2 1/2 months of being in the states.  I wasn't suppose to travel for two months after my surgery.  How many of you feel sorry for my son-in-law, having me live with him and my daughter all that time?  Actually I probably have the most easy going, pleasant son-in-law.  

He never acted like it was an imposition having me there.  My daughter was another thing!  JUST KIDDING, Snort!  (I just had to say that to get her goat!) They were great and I loved being part of their family during that time.  Especially getting to know their newest baby.

He is like his dad and just happy to be there!  Well he isn't just like his dad, since his dad is not fat and rolly!

Another joy was getting to know the newest grandchild.  She is a darling!  Our son and his wife are such cute parents.  Their wee one was really starting to coo and smile all the time. 

She has the cutest cry - sometimes sounds like a baby cougar - other times almost sounds like she is going to bray like a mule!  Don't know what that says about her personality except that I am sure she will have loads of it!

It is always very difficult to say goodbye to our children, but worse to leave our grandchildren.

 I Wish!

Especially our five year old, he understands what is happening - that he won't see us for a long time!  He starts to get sad when he realizes that we are going to be flying out soon.  His mouth turns down, his eyes look sad.  I understand how he feels.  The week before we leave, every time the thought of leaving crossed my mind my eyes started to water.  I have to just push it out of my mind! Then the day comes and we both work at not crying.  I still have not made it to the airport without shedding a few tears along the way - and its been two years that we have been living abroad!  You would think I would be used to it but I'm not.  By the time I reach the airport I am usually okay though.

It was a little difficult to land in the Netherlands after being in sunny, but very cold Utah.  It was and has been so dank and dreary here.  I am acutely aware of how pale everyone is!  A lack of sun will do that to you! (Having said that, Scotland was worse as far as sunshine goes.  Bud and I looked like zombies!) Of course this is typical for the time of year I think.  Raining and lots of dark clouds.  It doesn't help that the sun rises so late in the morning and sets early in the late afternoon. All things said, it is home for us!  Back to all the things that are familiar to me - my kitchen, my furniture, my bed - oh my I love that bed!

I realize that our blog has been lacking of posts lately.  It is always hard for me to take the time to blog when I am with my family and friends in the states.  Hopefully I will do better now that I am home!