I bet you guys thought we forgot about this whole blog thing… so sorry for the long absence. Our lives have been a little crazy since we last posted, but we vow to get back to a regular schedule of posting a blog every couple of weeks – especially now that we are in a new city (Xi’an)!!!

I’m not even sure where to start, since the last blog was over 4 months ago and Elise was only 6 weeks old. Now she’s going on 6 months! I think the best thing to do is to break it up – posting 1 blog/week over the next 3 weeks. Today’s topic: finishing up our time in the States. Next week: our month long trip back to China, and after that: starting life in our new city!!!

So to best summarize our last 2 months in the States, we will let pictures do the talking. There are so many great memories, and we’re sad we can’t give attention to each one. Approximate chronological order, and non-descript titles will have to do. With intermittent random pictures of Elise of course.

10 year college reunion. Our football team won conference… Go Bucs!!!

Elise’s many faces continue to impress

Live football game with my favorite Aggie

Elise learns to do laundry, and drink from a bottle

“Grandpa Doug’s” 60th!

Friends came from three different states to see us!

Attended an awesome Tabla concert where our friend Leilani rocked it…

With my best friend from college, now with kids?! We look a little dazed and confused…

After Elise’s 2 month vaccinations, she caught her first virus. After about a week of fever, we landed in the ER in the middle of the night :(. It turned out to be just a cold, and the nurses loved her, so not all bad!

My nephew turned 4, and my little brother turned 30

Trail of lights with good friends!

Mozarts light show… Kristen & a college roommate with their baby girls (future college roommates??)

Elise’s baby dedication at our local church…

Thanksgiving in Dallas with Kristen’s dad & fam (and some mini ponies)

First Christmas…

Elise’s hand sewn quilt from Kristen’s grandma!

My Family…

Kristen’s family (making Chinese dumplings on the left)

Leaving…
(including the traditional last meal with the Ahmed family)

(and my parents sending us off at the Houston airport)

No screen-time, unless on an international flight 😉

Congratulations! You made it to the end :). See you next week.