suprise!

Surprise! The kids and I went flew to Portland to see Jarrett graduate! He has worked SO hard, and fought through so many challenging times and perserviered! I definitely didn't want to miss this very important event. I can't be home for everything, but this time it worked to be there, so we went!

We haven't been back to Portland since we left, about 14 months ago, so I wasn't really sure how it was all going to be. mixed emotions, and traveling with two kids alone, revisiting a place they miss very much. Deep breathes and lots of prayers that it was the right thing to do. I hoped they would get on the plane to come home without a huge fit, and I hoped they would be ok adjusting back to life in the Netherlands, after all that is where we live and we need to come back....it was so hard when we moved here to get settled, I did not want this to be a huge setback and have to deal with that all over again. I know its important for them to stay connected to their "home country" and see people that they haven't seen in a long time, especially my grandparents! anyway, so much anxiety, so much unknown, but so many more positive reasons to take them, rather than not...so we went.

on the plane ready to go!

 the kids rang the door bell...and gma was shocked!

 then they ran around the house to where gpa was mowing and surprised hime has well!

 then it was playtime

best surprise ever!

It was strange to go back home and go to to my parents new house, they moved front he house I grew up in just after we moved...I wasn't sure how being there was going to feel. It did feel different, but it felt ok. I wasn't sad like I thought I might be, I still felt like it was my family's house, just much smaller...but that was ok. I didn't even drive by the old house, kinda felt strange and there was enough going on....I couldn't deal with it upsetting me or the kids.

Sunday we went to Ethan's baptism. SO lucky to be in town to attend and get to spend time with the him and Greyson. It was s fun afternoon of great cousin time. Really special!

Monday we drove to Cannon beach (A requirement for me!)

Jolette and her family were in town, Jordan joined and gma, gpa, Jarrett and Jaylynn. How fun is that.

Em proclaimed it was one of the best days ever (the top being disneyland lol!) bold, fun statement. she certainly had a blast and loves her family and time with them more than anything.

 hard at work!

 me and my parents. so lucky to be their daughter

 gpa took the girls out to splash in the waves...heaven!

 me with my kiddos!

 pure bliss...watching these two. I don't remember my dad being into doing this when I was a child, but I am SO glad he was willing to do it with Em. She loves the water and this was truly a very special memory that I know she will be talking about for years and years to come. I can just imagine the next time we are at the beach she will say "remember when brown gpa and I went in the water, so far, that was so fun!"

my buddy! so awesome to get to spend so much time with this cutie and his sister. miss them SO much!

back in Portland for dinner and some fun times at gma and gpas