Home leave Part One...

Beckett wanted to help my mom practice the piano...he loves 'pounding' on the piano. Though we are always relieved to have him leave the bench it is so cute to see him.



The day after we arrived in Iowa it started snowing...and didn't stop. It was so magical to see the snow after living in Singapore the past 5 months. The snow really enhanced our Christmas experience this year. I miss being cold and wearing sweaters! Caden helped my dad clear the snow in the driveway with his skid steer. Caden loves being outside on the farm with my dad. He thought it was so neat to operate the skid steer!

One night for dinner we had King Crab legs...even Beckett thought they were yummy!

Snow...wonderful snow!!! It was a great excuse to not get out and spend extra time in our PJ's in the morning.

When we first arrived in the US for our month leave we flew into Newark. We spent the weekend with Michael's brother, David, in Nyack. His parents were able to come up from DC for the weekend too. I was able to spend time in NYC doing some shopping for Christmas and buying things that I am not able to get in Singapore.

We took the boys into NYC on Sunday to see the lights in Rockefeller Center and for lunch. It took us an hour to get parked. Despite the challenges parking, we were excited to be there and enjoying the lights and energy of the City.