Well, I made it back to the States for my first visit after moving to Ireland!  It's funny when you are away from a place for a long time (ten months to be exact), how subtly things change and you even find that you've forgotten some stuff that you kinda miss. 

For the record, I HAVE NOT forgotten that I miss my little nephew.  It was a great reunion, and he was full of smiles. I have not forgotten how good it is to be with friends and family.  I also (apparently) have not forgotten how to drive on the other side of the road! 

Another funny thing happens for me when I return after being away, I find myself counting up all the "firsts" since I was last home.  Here's a list from my first 24 hours :)

* I GOT TO MEET MY NIECE MACKENZIE GRACE for the first time! 
   (see photo below)
* I ate my first steak in 10 months.
* Enjoyed my first glass of SWEET TEA :)
* Used Crest toothpaste again (I forgot how much I LOVE IT)
* Ate a handful of Fritos! (they don't sell those in Europe)
* Saw an ALDI store for the first time in the States.
   (that's where I shop in Ireland!)
* Went to my favorite Bux for my 9:30 Sunday Service coffee.
* Saw the Round Building with the Refuge Remodel for the first time ever! 
   (if the World's Fair could see it now!)

I'm definitely looking forward to all the "same old" stuff that I left behind last year.  In some ways it feels like I never left, but then usually somewhere close at hand are the subtle reminders that life has continued.  I met several of my friend's babies today :)  Admired some engagement and wedding rings that were not around when I left.  There was even a new road on my way to church that I had never seen before!

There are many more "firsts" to come, and I'm sure there are more changes to notice, so I plan to enjoy it!

Many things in life make me smile or laugh.  Ask any of my friends on either side of the ocean, and they'll agree!  Over the past two years, nothing has brought a smile to my face faster than seeing my nephew, Griffin.  I love being an aunt! 

During the last two weeks, my aunt responsibilities have DOUBLED.  MacKenzie Grace arrived on Thursday, April 9th, and within an hour of her birth she got to skype with her Aunt Steph :)  I love technology!  She is simply beautiful! (proof is in the photo above)

I left Knoxville with Griffin still very much a baby boy...but when I come home, I'll find him a 2-year-old big brother.  He seems to be adjusting well to his new role.  He got his first "lap-top" to commemorate this event!

I can hardly wait the 16 days I have left til I get to come home to hold my sweet baby niece and take Griff to Starbucks and various other important places!