The six months we spent in South America were exciting and interesting. It was not long enough because we have so much left to see when we return someday.
We flew from Buenos Aires to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. My dad and Kay picked us up from the airport and drove us to my hometown of Winston-Salem. Per Lucas and Henry’s request, we immediately went to a Mexican restaurant for some cheese dip. The boys were also excited about bagels with cream cheese and American cheese, and Chick-fil-a.
While we were gone, my dad bought a pickleball net and some paddles. His driveway is just big enough for a pickleball court. Lucas was outside every day redrawing the lines.
It is a little jarring when we return to the United States from abroad. This time was not as jarring because Buenos Aires is such a big city, but it still had its moments. Going to a grocery store is always overwhelming because the stores in South America are generally small with limited choices.
Two days after we arrived home, my brother Sam, his wife AC, and my nieces Nell and Vivian came to Winston-Salem for a two-week visit. Max and Greta even cam for a few days to maximize cousin time. The cousins had a blast going to the pool, watching movies, playing mini-golf, eating Krispy Kreme donuts, and playing games. The cousins also spent quality time with Aunt Sandy, Darla, and Jillian.
We also coordinated a giant cousins’ weekend in Charlotte, NC at my cousin Josh’s house. My mom made the trip up from South Georgia to be there. It is rare that we get all of the cousins together.
Lucas took another trip around the sun. He turned 12. We celebrated in Charlotte with his cousins (his Cousin Greta turned 12 one week later. We also ate hibachi and went to a water park for his birthday.
We packed a lot of fun into our first two weeks back in the States.
