Everything Bright and Beautiful

Yes, America rocks.  You may have forgotten, or gotten used to it, but it does.  Everything is clean and it smells good and it tastes amazing!  Pounds have been gained, laughs have been had, and healing has occurred.  I don't think we realized (or let ourselves realize) how hard it was over there!  But restoration and refreshment is well under way and we can look forward to returning in the fall with smiles...don't worry.

 First on the list was meeting all the new babies!  We had six new nieces and nephews born while we were away, plus numerous new ones born and adopted by dear friends to get to know!

 Christmas brought WONDERFUL time with the Brown side of the family, GOOD presents (as opposed to the ones found on the other side the last couple years) and hours spent circling the driveway on new bikes.

 Pedicures with Kim...

 Fishing with friends...

 And MORE cousin time!

 The girls are loving it here and I hold my breath a bit when I think of telling them we are leaving again!

 Not able to wait another minute, I grabbed Braelyn and swept up to Colorado for a few, short days to reconnect with the Kirkpatrick side (minus Sam =(  missed you!).

 Three more cousins to meet and see again...lots of fun was had!

 We even got to see snow and ice!  Braelyn was certainly baffled, but it was delightful!

 Saturday we drove up in the mountains to see the real stuff and the magnificent sights.

 Much of the snow had blown away from the open spaces, but we found some to play in.

 This lake was frozen a foot deep or more and we got to slip slide across it, checking out all the ice-fishing holes and a few rainbow trout being pulled from the depths.

 Dad said this was the first time he's gotten mom out on the ice and it sure was an adventure!  Braelyn loved hanging on to my hand and letting me skate her everywhere.

 Unfortunately, the wind was whipping past us dropping the temp to near zero.

 So our escapade was short and sweet!

 A brief snowball fight...

 Our best snowman since the snow was too powdery to roll up

 And a wave good-bye.

 Sunday night I scrubbed up for my first hospital shift in 6 1/2 years.  I got to spend as many hours as I could with Stephanie on her floor... until my back doth protesteth too much and I went home.  It was super cool and Stephanie was amazing.  It was so awesome to watch her in action!  If ever you are sick in Colorado...make sure you request her for your nurse!!!

 Back to Florida we zoomed on Monday night and Wednesday morning found me grinning ear to ear as ALL THREE OF MY GIRLS left with Justin for school!!!!  It was an amazing day.  We all agreed, best day ever.

So that is the news on our first month home!  We can't wait to connect with each of you in the weeks and months to come.  Thank you for everything.  We treasure your friendship and care and prayers.  We are IMMEASURABLY thankful for all the blessings you have showered on us!  Cars, homes, clothes, food, our blessings and thanks know no bounds.  We love you!