There is no place like HOME!

Now the trip was a different story. I don't think I've ever been awake for 42 hours before and don't recommend it! We got up around 5:30 am Vietnam time and didn't fly to Korea until 12:30 p.m. already a long day. Once we got to Korea, we had a six hour lay over then back on the plane to Dallas..12 hours on a plane with a 3 1/2 year old..need I say more. Then a 3 hour drive from Dallas to HOME!! Actually, Austin did very well all things considered. He hated the car seat, but once he got the idea that it was the way it was going to be, he settled in with his water and good old american french fries!

Can't say how good it feels to be home surrounded by our Stuff. We've been trying to get our internal clocks readjusted, but it has been difficult especially with Austin still taking naps. We think today will be the day. Bill and I were up since about 3 am and Austin woke up about 5. Thank God for the 24 hour Walmart...we got our grocery shopping done and picked-up a few items for Austin (hat and gloves...we went from 80's to 30's burrrr!) all before 6:30 am. Wonder of wonders, there wasn't hardly anyone there...in and out in a jiffy!.

All you Moms and Dads that did NOT tell us that a 3 and 1/2 year old boy just HAS to push every button, pull every lever are in big trouble. Maybe you did and I didn't hear it clearly. I have experienced it full force. Austin seems to be a cause and effect kinda guy...every light switch has been used more in the last 3 days than in the 4 years we have lived here.

What is truly amazing is realizing the things that seem important to him that we all take for granted. He is absolutely fasinated by the toilet, washing his hands at the sink and taking baths. The total look of joy and wonderment when he gets more food...like it is Christmas morning. We've tried to limit his toys so he doesn't become overwhelmed. He went for the large lightening McQueen car first, then Mac the truck. He loves the foam bath tub letters and floating boats, he uses the rinse cup over and over and over. He is learning how to manipulate the pieces to the leapfrog animal farm, 'coloring' in the coloring books, the lunch box tins are going to be worn out. He loves his Cars towels too...he likes to be wrapped up in them real tight. Bill was trying to get him to help with making his bed and he was very possessive of his comforter. We wheel him around the house in his stroller and he thinks he is pretty big stuff. He went outside and pulled his wagon up and down the drive way...he even got in it for about 60 seconds. He received his very first Bible and an adoption life book, which he opened all by himself. All this to say thanks again to everybody for helping us give him such a warm welcome. Truly a blessing that is so much appreciated. Your selections were perfect and many things that I would not have thought of. I read the Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul on the way over and it was a blessing to take my mind off of the many hours on the plane. Thanks for the thoughtfullness of the care package...it really helped.