Eight was Great, but Nine is Divine

I seriously needed that break...
I have found that leaving the island makes you appreciate coming back. It reminds you that life gets better. It reminds you that this is only temporary. I kept telling myself it was temporary, but I found I lacked any type of believe of that statement because I felt so trapped. Now that we're back I'm appreciating my life here. And believe it or not, I'm hopeful and appreciative of what I have learned so far. 

So let's see if I can recap the past two months.

Our first stop back in the states was Minnesota. Nearly all my family was there, we were just missing my older brother and his family. It was cool seeing everyone- my nephew back from his mission, my other nieces and nephews all growing up and wanting to interact with me. Okay, it was more Bridget, but it was still nice. 

I think my favorite part though was feeling so wanted and loved by my immediate relatives. When my mom and dad came down the arrivals escalator I just felt so... safe I guess you could say. Like, I knew I was home. 

Oh, this was Bridget's first trip to IKEA. As you can tell, she thoroughly enjoyed it.

First time playing tag at a playground.

The next stop for our month at home was Nevada. We were able to attend Tony's youngest sister's high school graduation. She had quite a bit of family there and it was fantastic seeing them all. Bridget even got to play with a cousin her own age! She was more of a bully (taking his toys, sitting on him and trying to touch his eyeballs) but you could totally tell she loved him.

In case you can't tell, it was pretty cold for June.

McKinley's feeble attempt to harness the beast.

McKinley would just stare at Bridget as she tormented him. He was such a good sport.

I actually had the opportunity to help plan Olivia's graduation party. She wanted a brunch which I thought was an extremely creative idea. It was always such a struggle to try to make all your friends' parties, and try to juggle your own... shout out to you Liv- way to make lives easier. 

For her Breakfast at Livvy's theme (see what we did there?), we had about nine types of breakfast foods and four drinks. The whole thing looked pretty darn cute.

Grandma was so excited to get to show off Bridget to friends. She wasn't making Bridget up!

Blessing Day! She was only 7 and a half months old... no big deal...

Have you ever tried to responsibly jumped with a baby? It's hard.

First trip to the zoo! It was pretty hot that day and many of the animals weren't moving. But Biddy's favorites were the giraffes, elephants, and seals.

In case you're wondering, Bridget is still a great eater. Also, I know you're digging those pigtails.

Once that we came back to Grenada, readjusting was really easy. The rainy season seems to have hit early this year, so there has been lots of wind and raining every few days. As you can see, Bridget was happy to be back.

Back to just her and Bear Bear. Bear is okay with it... more or less.

Mmmmm.... Bear's toys are so much cooler and better than mine...

Every day, after her naps, Bridget will gaze out of our bedroom window. There really isn't anything to see, but Bridget will just look at the sugar-apple tree, flowers, grass, clouds, and leaves blow in the wind. It's quite relaxing and totally adorable to watch. 

Since coming back, we've been living like vacationers. Super, super weird, but it's been wonderful. Third term is lovely and after losing your husband to term one and two, term three just gives you light for the end of the tunnel. 

This little mermaid is still a little scared of waves. I'm not sure how to fix it. I'm also unsure if it's just the noise, the sand moving beneath her, or the "size" of the waves. Any ideas?

Fish Friday! We finally went! This entails taking a catamaran up to the west side of the island to a fishing city called Gouyave (gu-wa-ve). The trip usually goes from 6-10 at night. It was a cool experience except it was raining on and off the whole day that we went, so the waves were very rocky. It also rained while we were finding tents to eat from so there were lots of people huddled under small tents. It was fun though. An experience you definitely have to do at least once.

The videos featured here demonstrates Zack's brilliant dance moves that inspire Bridget to dance along with him.

We went river tubing too! Not nearly as scary as China's, so it was much more enjoyable for Tony. I was able to just hold Bridget on my lap for the 30-45 minute float. She enjoyed it for the most part. She would whine and cry a little when she'd see Tony just because she wanted to go to him, but did good overall. 

Bridget has a new trick: climbing! She can climb into her little bouncer chair, no problem, but the other day she went around the corner without me and when I came into the living room, I couldn't find her. It freaked. me. out. Then I find her just hiding on top of her folded stroller.