Hello September

I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.

- Coco Chanel

China Beach / Danang

A couple of weekends ago, the hubby and I headed out of town to Danang (aka China Beach) for some adult-only R&R. He golfed and I sat on the beach and did something crazy!! READ MAGAZINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And yes, you can only appreciate that if you are the mom of two small beings - it was a wonderful treat. The resort was amazing, and the beach was the nicest I have been to in Vietnam - and one of my top 5 world-wide. We are already planning our return trip.......with kids.

Moving foward...

I have just about hit my limit with trying to post summer pics - feels like I am living backwards - no more! Needless to say the rest of the summer was full of friends and family and so much fun - it was an amazing trip! The best part of it all is seeing the bond grow between my sweet girls.
And in the Geckos spirit of full disclosure - my sweet girls are now in the other room viciously fighting over the same marker - nothing like ear-piercing shrieks to sing the bonds of sisterhood.....

Stopping traffic...

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Originally uploaded by meredith w page

Right before we left for the States, I took Amelia to our tailor to pick up some pieces and I asked to make a quick change to Amelia's outfit. So Amelia did what everyone does when a tailor works on their outfits - walks up and down the street with nothing but a diaper, a lion-walker and a big smile!

No one told me.....

that when you joined the FS and raised your sweet babies abroad, you needed to prep them in order to head back to the US for R&R so they "fit in" with really important skills, like how to eat FlavorIce. Alli came over to me with one in her hand and looked at me with wide eyes, saying "What is this? Look at this!!" - my poor, third-culture kid :)

This is why....

it takes me so long to get to blogging these days.........

Amelia can climb anything in about 3.4 seconds flat.

Uncle Love

Both girls got to spend some QT with their uncles, which was of the trip highlights. Both my brother and Erik's brother are quite busy, so we were excited to be able to see them and let the girls relish in their love.

4th of July - USA Style

We were lucky to spend the 4th with family in small town America, which is, in my opinion, the only place to be on the 4th. Like Thanksgiving, something is lost in translation if you must be global for the holiday.

I (heart) NC

We spent a wonderful time in North Carolina visiting with both sets of our parents and enjoying everything the mountains had to offer. It is our idea of heaven on Earth. From river floating to grilling to ice cream to golf and afternoon reading and impromptu dance parties, it was pure magic.

Just so you don't think it was all play, no work, I threw in the last photo of Erik working in my mom's garden - Just giving due credit!

Summer of 2011

Wow. What a trip! The girls and I have just returned from almost 7 weeks in the States. It was an amazing trip of all the summer goodness we could squeeze in - swimming, ice cream, 4th of July parades, fairs, theme parks and, most importantly, visits with friends and family. We are glad to be back home - Alli heads back to school this week and I head back to work. We were overjoyed to be reunited with Erik and Co Ty. It warms my heart to know that we all feel like Vietnam is home. I took over 2,000 pictures on our trip, so I am trying to organize them to share with you in a way that won't put you to sleep! Stay tuned......