Spring Break

What a crazy year! Interviewing for new jobs, landing positions in Prague, discovering we are pregnant, cancelling our Sri Lanka trip and going home to spend 2.5 weeks with family and friends and to secure Aiston's citizenship - all before completing our eighth and final year in Manila and moving to Czech Republic in June.

Phew.

It's official - Aiston is a United States citizen! This was the last part in what seemed a never-ending process at times. After 3.5 years, Aiston's journey to becoming our legal son with the same privileges is over. Not only does he have his Certificate of Citizenship, but he has a brand new passport with his cute little mug on it, too. He is fortunate to be able to keep and use both his Philippines and U.S. passports and thinks it's pretty special that he comes from two places. We are so relieved this final step is complete and that we can now focus on the new little arrival in July.

Our time at home was bittersweet. Obviously, we will not travel back to our home or to Seattle this summer due to the impending stork visit, but we did get to soak up a whole lot of sun and R&R at the Shoug. I don't know if I have ever experienced such a beautiful spring in the Pacific Northwest. The weather was absolutely stunning - comfortable days requiring light layers or a cozy fleece, and cool, refreshing evenings.

The River: A Child's Dream

We got to stay at our place two different times and since Jeremy, Tearie and Shayde are living in it for now, we were more like guests in our own home. But, that was perfect because we got to relax as Tearie thoughtfully prepared meals and took care of the household chores. Ace clung to Shayders like glue during our visit and loved sleeping in his bunk bed, playing outside and watching a few movies. We got to catch up with Aaron, MK and Julian, gobble up some BV and take a few walks. As we had done most of our shopping online before we came home, there wasn't much to do except take it all in, knowing we most likely won't be back until Christmas. The boys had a blast hunting for Easter eggs, separating their money from their candy and discovering what the Easter Bunny had brought them. It struck me that this was the first time we had celebrated a slightly more traditional holiday with a delicious feast afterwards with Tim and Lola and that this would be the last opportunity we would enjoy time at home as a threesome. 

We also got to spend time with Lola in Seattle, doing the things we love best - walking, "Pirate-ship Park" playing, frequenting Kiss Cafe in Ballard and hanging out with the fam. I think I doubled in size over the break due to my massive gorging on Easter treats, fattening fast food and a few ice cream indulgences. It was fun to show off the belly, and to continue feeling the little guy's movements as he squirms about in there. 

It was very hard to leave this time. Aiston had tears. I had tears. Cory had tears. It was a wonderful, rejuvenating stay. We are on to new life experiences and adventures, but always, it feels so good to be home.