Illinois visit at a glance

Preston had a fun time picking tomato's and cucumbers in Nana's garden. 

Papaw taught Preston how to play baseball before they went to the Cardinals game. I'll post pics of the Cardinals game when I get them off Papaws camera.

 Fun times meeting up with Granny (Tim's grandmother) It had been almost 3 years since Preston last saw her. She is 89 years old and as sweet as can be.

 Fun times with cousins. The girl holding Isabella is also named Isabella. They are 2nd cousins to Tim.

 I have said it before that Isabella is a total mama's girl. However, she found a friend in Papaw. She has loved being held by him. Actually he is probably one of few people that she will let hold her while I'm in the room.

 Always good times on the Ranger out at the shed and more fun with cousins

 Amers and Bella bonding and getting to know each other. Amy was the first family member Bella met after she we born.

 Water fights to keep cool in the hot summer weather.

 Of course a photo shoot with PaPaws fire hat on the fire truck.

 Nana has been so gracious to cook so many meals for us. We have had  a blast reconnecting with family and eating some good all American food.

                                                                    Out at the cabin

No trip to Papaws would be complete without catching fish. Actually Preston decided to just watch after he threw in his line and caught Tim's leg instead. He kept count of who caught the most fish. Nana and Papaw tied with 6, Kyle 2 (but quit early), Jamie 4, and Tim with ZERO thats right folks NONE. Better luck next time Tim :)

making memories

When you decide to move overseas at the age of 24, you don't think about what it is like for the family you leave thousands of miles away. Last week my parents came to visit us. It was the first time they had come since we moved overseas 7 years ago. I loved watching Preston make memories with them. 

 We took them to all of our favorite local places. They enjoyed the food and touring around our great big city.

 Mom and dad got to be the first grandparent to meet Isabella.

 I was so proud of them for eating anything we introduced them to. They even said they would eat it again. :)

 I think their favorite fruit was the dragon fruit. I only wished I had introduced them to it on the first day instead of half way through the visit.

It was always interesting to see if dad could fit in the tiny chairs at coffee shops or noodle places. I loved that my mom and dad got to see a little piece of our life in Hanoi. It was so much fun having them. There just isn't anything like your parents telling you how proud they are of the person you have become! I only wish we could see each other more often.  The hardest part about family visiting is having to say good bye.

Mom and Dad thanks for a GREAT visit! We miss you already!