Rewind: The month of May in pictures...from Burkina to Maryland

This photo was taken of the girls on our last day in Burkina on their last morning of school at ISO.

Here they are with their embassy shuttle driver. The nicest man. So sweet, and the kids had such a wonderful rapport with him. When we brought Steven home last year he'd pick him up every morning and hug him tight and speak Mooré to him. The kids had such a great relationship with him. We'll miss his warm smile and sweet demeanor each day.

 Outside our gate headed to the airport later that afternoon. So bittersweet.

We had fourteen people come to our house in the last hour before we left. It was crazy, and hectic and so good to have those moments saying goodbye to people we care about. Here is Joanna, Matt, Megan and Mireya...the last to leave and wave us off as we drove away. Waving goodbye to these dear people, who have been such close friends of ours and have stood by our side and were a part of so many of our memories in country was so very hard for my heart. I will miss them greatly. My heart is heavy from grief in being separated from all the dear friends we made here. God was so good to bring us together.

After 26 hours of traveling we finally landed in America! International travel is rough. So long. So exhausting. Especially with small children, a cat, and three carts piled high with over 15 bags to keep track of.

But what a blessing that my mom was able to travel back with us. Her presence was such a relief to my spirit, a joy to us all, having someone to laugh with and make fun of ridiculous situations with and be silly with, even in the midst of sadness. There is no one like my mom.

Took a trip to Richmond the day after we landed to drop my mom off, and made a pit stop at Jaclyn's to meet the newest family member and visit with our Elsie. Such fun!

For Isaak's 33rd birthday we took a trip up to Delaware to spend the weekend with Jordan and Becca.

We celebrated Isaak's milestone by getting the "kitchen sink". A milestone in itself! Holy moly that's a lot of ice cream! If that giant salad bowl of ice cream doesn't scream Happy Birthday, I don't know what does! Sadly, the seven of us could not even finish it. We made a valiant effort though. =)

The girls collecting some lettuce from their garden for dinner.

We visited Becca's art museum.

My awesome brother teaching us how to make pottery. I was lousy at it, but Isaak had a knack for it! It was loads of fun!

We all had a great time.

We made a return trip to Richmond and made sure to hit up the flea market and walked away with some loot!

Some pics from life at the hotel we called home for a month.

Cleaning up shop! Taking care of our little space.

I am so very proud that we have learned to make a home anywhere we go. Even a hotel. Even for just a month.

Amira: Sydaleigh has trained her to sleep under the covers like a human. =)

Playing and using their imagination with what they've got. My kids make me proud. They are resilient.

Speaking of resilient.....

Second first day of school for these girls!

last quarter of 1st and 3rd grade for my girlies!

The last day of May brought us to D.C. to spend time with Bekah, her family, and we even had the bonus of meeting Bekah's dear friend An Drea.

We flew kites on the lawn in front of the Washington Monument.

Joe put us all to shame with his amazing kite flying skills. We had a fun time hanging out, snacking, laughing, and lunching afterwards. It was a wonderfully fun day spent in our nation's capital with favorite people.

And here we are enjoying the Friday night Farmer's Market on the beach at what would become our new community.

Eating a massive baguette and pain du chocolat. Not quite as good as we are used to, but a suitable alternative. =)

The beach. Our beach. What would become our favorite spot when we finally settle and start putting down roots in our new home next month.

A snippet of life.