Visit to the USA!

Aaron and I headed to LA to join in the celebration at our friends', Jason and Karen, wedding. We had a very fun time in LA. Thursday we arrived a few hours late, after some delays in Tokyo, but still had time for a nap before the evening festivities. I've never been so thankful to see a real, king-sized, comfy bed! I love the Marriott. That night we met up for wine in the lounge with the crew, it was great to see friends! Then we helped stimulate the local economy by tallying up large bar tabs.

Needless to say, Friday morning it hurt to go get our haircuts. But, we needed to get haircuts in the USA! Saturday we worked on our tans in the morning, which was disastrous for Casper-like me, but good times anyway. The wedding on Saturday afternoon was beautiful. Congrats to the newlyweds! Aaron was a groomsman. Holy yummy bakhlava at the reception too!

Then on Sunday Aaron headed back to Japan for work, and I headed to Des Moines to spend a wonderful week with family. I stopped in to see grandma and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins. I even met my newest cousin, adorable Sam. Look at my mom just wishing for grandkids. Yikes!

I was also able to admire lots of green fields, although some of the fields showed signs of flood damage.

Then it was on to Clinton, my hometown, for time with mom and dad. I was able to play golf with dad, and a miracle occurred. I got an eagle on a Par 5 hole that I would normally get a 10 on! My parents also made lots of yummy Iowa beef and pork for me, and I got to check out the farmer's market. Then my sister and my dear friend Katie and her sister, Nicole, all came home for a 4th of July party! It was a good time, complete with sparklers, my second parents, and Heineken light.

I was also able to head to DeWitt to see Uncle Dan & Aunt Patsy. It was a great week of hugging family, enjoying being surrounded by English, and having fun! Thanks everyone!