Enjoying Summer

We had lots to get done while Matt was in town, like doctor and dental visits, but sometimes we were able to schedule some fun things in as well - like a chicken fried steak at Texas Tradition while we were in Katy for several appointments. Delish!

Ben started his driving and observation lessons at Safeway driving.  I couldn't take pictures too close for fear of embarrassing the student driver!

We got new golf clubs and decided to test them out at Top Golf.  It was so much fun...they even have an Angry Birds game!

I wish there was one in Jakarta! Although it would be full ALL the time and we'd never get in.

I always love getting to catch up with Lesley and shock her at the things that still happen in Jakarta.

We had a quiet 4th of July but enjoyed more cookie cake and time with our families.

 

Farm Fun in Alabama

When we're looking for the complete opposite of the concrete, noise, and crowds of Jakarta, nothing beats the farm in Alabama. The green wide open spaces are so good for our souls!

This old truck is certainly Ben's favorite and will pretty much make his summer complete.

It was great with a real permit this year because he was able to drive a lot more.

Nothing like a boy driving an old truck on a red dirt road...

Alex got his turn at the wheel a few times but just around the farm.

They both got plenty of time on the four-wheelers for sure.

Sunset rides are always my favorite.

We had a few fun campfires as well!

We like to save our plastic bottles from the week and set up our own shooting range at the end of the week.

And yes, this mom can shoot, too!

The boys are getting a little big for the orange chair!

Our week went by quickly and it was time to head back to the real world.

Galveston 50th Anniversary Celebration

Just a quick 10 days behind us, Matt arrived on the same route in Houston and headed straight out for some Tex-Mex.  He went straight from dinner to his first Covid vaccination!

His timing was purposeful this year because he made it just in time to start celebrating the Kirkhams' 50th wedding anniversary! Making plans during Covid was risky, so everyone agreed on a long weekend at the beach instead of a party. The house we rented turned out to be pretty perfect!  

A wonderful anniversary dinner with fresh seafood at Guido's.

A tropical storm passed nearby and instead of ruining our weekend with rain, we were blessed with the most gorgeous weather and water that Galveston has to offer.

What a wonderful weekend together celebrating a legacy of 50 years together!

 

Sampai Jumpa, Jakarta...hello, Houston!

At the end of each year we've spent in Jakarta, we try to spend lots of time with the people we love there and enjoy some of our favorite food before we leave. In normal years, it's full of end of the school year events and farewell parties...this year was much quieter!  We definitely needed some wings from the American Club with the McCulloughs.

We had a fantastic dinner on the rooftop at Chao Chao with the Odars and Mackinnons.

The nighttime view of Jakarta is always beautiful.

Cleaning out the closets is a must...like the 26 x 30 jeans Ben wore once that will never fit again!

And finally, the last day of school and the laptops closed for the year! So disappointing to finish online having never had a real school day in person but these boys were really troopers.

I think they grew JUST a little this year!

We packed up everything, said our goodbyes to Matt, and headed to the airport for the 1:30am flight to Doha.  Had to get our customary picture with the ondel ondel.

Because we were originally booked on Eva, changed our schedule twice, and then they cancelled their Jakarta flights altogether, we had to come up with an alternative route to Houston that was not going to cancel.  We were really excited that business class on Qatar was affordable and available this year!  It certainly makes the trip a thousand times more enjoyable.

First time through Doha...it looked very hot and very brown.  The airport was wonderful. It would be fun to see the city one day when the world is normal again.

On the 16-hour flight to Houston with my delicious wine and free PJ's...no complaints from me!

Welcome to Houston! This is the point where we get REALLY excited.

First stop - Chick-fila!

So good to get real hugs this year! Happy to be reunited, and not just on a driveway. And we were thrilled about our first cookie cake in 10 months.

Our first stop on Saturday morning was to Kroger to get the all-important Pfizer vaccines.  

This was such a huge relief! Knowing we'd made it back to first world medical facilities and getting vaccinated after avoiding Covid for more than a year.

Next on the menu - Tex-Mex!

And more hugs! So thankful to be close again and have all of our loved ones vaccinated as well.

Next most important on our to-do list, get Ben's learner's permit at the DPS.  He did his 30-hour online course while finishing up school online and worked so hard to have everything completed on time.

And then even more hugs and laughs with the cousins.  We had a pretty amazing first week in Texas and couldn't have asked for much more to make our summer!

Okay, maybe a second cookie cake wouldn't hurt...