Back in the Swing of Things

Sorry for the delayed post and I apologize for its briefness in advance.  We are back on our feet in Saudi.  Aden ended up having a rough time of things until a few nights ago.  I tried explaining jet lag to him, but he just blew spit bubbles at me.  Someday he'll learn.

Speaking of Aden, he is becoming quite the water baby.  We took him swimming last week and he seemed to somewhat enjoy himself.  I even dunked him under the water for a split second.  He was a bit shocked, but didn't choke or cry.  I'd call that a success.  He even started kicking in the bathtub last night.  That adds a whole new dynamic to cleaning between his toes.

As for Tara and I, we had standardized testing at school this week for grades eight and ten in the mornings.  Since the morning classes are multi grade level we canceled them and alternated administering tests and taking the grade seven and nine kids to our compound to play tennis and go swimming.  We are also winding down on our fourth masters class with one more to go this year.  In our spare time we have started to plan our trip to Scotland at the beginning of this summer.  The only thing decided for certain is that our one week won't be enough time and we'll have to go back.

That's all for now.

 All that baby fat really makes Aden float well.

Uncle Billy spending some time with Aden while we were back in WI. 

Brad and Katie hanging out with Aden.  Brad, you totally wrecked my candid shot by the way.

We saw labels like this on all the tobacco products in the Frankfurt airport.  Makes our Surgeon General's warning seem pretty insignificant.

Sad To Leave, But Good To Be Back

We made it back to Saudi safely and fairly easily.  Aden required a little more attention and a few more outfits than on the way to Wisconsin, but he did pretty well.  He even slept through the night last night.  He must have been exhausted from the traveling because it is currently 4 am and he and I are both up.

I (Jamie) was a little nervous to come back because I wasn't sure I would be ready too and thought I might regret signing another contract, but it felt good to be back.  After being here for almost two years it felt like we were coming home.

We want to thank everyone for making our trip so much fun and for loving on our little boy.  We were so glad to see everyone and share Aden with you.  It is nice to share pictures, but another thing to let people see and hold him and watch him smile.  If we didn't get to see you this time, we hope to this summer.  And if you didn't see Aden smile this trip, hopefully he will be in a better mood for you this summer.  His little smile is pretty amazing.  Tara already says he can get whatever he wants from her with that smile, we'll have to work on that before he starts talking and asking for things.

Enjoy the pictures.

See what I mean about that smile? 

A picture of the whole family 

 Aden with Great Grandma Gloria

 Grandpa Brian enjoying every minute with the little guy.

Great Grandpa and Grandma Gillaspie

Grandma Wendy having some cuddle time.

Wisconsin!

We made it!  Last Thursday we flew into Chicago safe and sound.  The flights were uneventful and Aden did a fantastic job.  In fact, a few people commented that they didn't even know he was on board.  Go Aden!  We're hoping for the same success on the way home. 

We've been in the Midwest now for a week and everyone is finally back on schedule for sleeping (mostly).  Aden still has trouble sleeping for 8 hours like he did in Saudi, but we'll take 6 or 7 which he is doing consistently.  Visiting friends and family has been wonderful this past week!  It has been so nice to see familiar faces that we haven't seen for awhile and catch up.  There are still many more people to see in our last few days here as well.

Culture shock is something we have to deal with each time we travel.  It has become less of a shock now and more of a "watch you wallet" feeling.  We get really excited about stores and restaurants that we don't have in Saudi.  For example, I'll never take Target and Wal-mart for granted again.  To be able to go to one store and get everything on your list is amazing.  Amazon is my new best friend.  I love putting together orders while we are in Saudi and having it be in Wisconsin when we get here.  It's like Christmas all over again. 

Here are some pictures of our adventures thus far!

First plane ride!

 Becca, Katie, and I with our boys

 Snow!

 Spending time with Steve and Mere

 Bundled up for the REI scratch and dent sale

 

4 generations!

Auntie Annie