Back "home", part 1

After our three weeks in Florida flew by, we had two weeks in Northern Virginia while Geoff attended some meeting and completed some training.  Since the boys and I had no car and plenty of time on our hands, we found the local parks right quick.  We learned about the best nearby one from our Sarajevo friends, Mary and "Red" Liam, who have been in Arlington since last fall.  It was wonderful to see them again, and we cannot thank them enough for introducing us to the "orange ropes of death", er, I mean Rocky Run Park.

 It is hard to grasp the size of this thing.  The top is easily two stories up.

That's Liam in the red shirt in the middle, near the top, in the photo above.

 Our first day, it was hard to step back and let him climb.

My heart was in my throat, and I had sweaty palms, so I hovered a bit.

Of course, when I finally stepped back, THAT'S when he fell.

 But he gained confidence and skill with each visit, 

and learned to concentrate and focus on his task, so he would NOT fall.
I think there are lessons for us both, here.

There were also swings at the playground.  

Liam and Liam liked the BIG hammock swing,

and Sam enjoyed his first go at a baby swing.

A hard decision

Before we left Sarajevo, Geoff and I made a painful decision; Bella would not be joining us in Jerusalem.

First of all, the red tape associated with importing an animal into Israel was daunting.  Even though we planned on five weeks Stateside prior to our departure, the window for getting required tests and paperwork completed and approved was small.  Second, we knew we'd be in apartment living.  After having had access to two lovely yards whenever she desired, we knew that a small apartment on the top floor would make life a bit less enjoyable for her (and for me, loading up two kids every time she needed to go out).  Third, Bella's health was an issue.  The dry air of Sarajevo exacerbated her itchy skin, and Jerusalem's air is even drier than Sarajevo's.

Fourth, airline travel for dogs of Bella's size is almost inhumane.  She is treated as "cargo" instead of "baggage", and on our flight home from Sarajevo, no one bothered to feed her or replenish her water despite the AIRLINE REQUIRED instructions included with her kennel.  She had also gone to the bathroom several times (because where ELSE was she supposed to go that entire 16 hours she was caged?), and was visibly traumatized from the ordeal.  We knew flying to Jerusalem would be no less painful for her, but it could also be potentially dangerous with the summer heat.  Any delay of our flight would mean she would be exposed to life-threatening heat in no time.  When I think back on our 6+ hour delay at Newark Airport, I am glad we decided not to risk bringing Bella.  It could very well have cost us her life.

We are extremely grateful that Geoff's dad and step mom, George and Helen, have agreed to be Bella's loving foster parents.  Bella seems to fit right in with their lifestyle and with Buddy, their own dog.  They've kindly sent us updates and photos; Bella is "healthy as a horse" according to her recent check-up, is enjoying her daily walks again, and is ever hopeful that Helen will drop some food while cooking.  We are sad not to have her with us, but we know her quality of life is so much better with George and Helen and Buddy.  George and Helen, we cannot thank you enough for loving and caring for our precious girl.

We love you, sweet Bella, and will see you in 102 weeks.

Bella with Sam

Liam walking Bella (back in VA pre-Sarajevo)

Bella napping with her foster brother, Buddy

Jacksonville, part 2

We also spent time with Geoff's brother, Matt, and his family. 

 Liam LOVED getting to spend time with Uncle Matt, Aunt Laura, and his cousins...

 Isabelle,

Ella,

 Lilly (who chose THIS pose for her photo),

 Caleb,

 and Emilie.

 They had so much fun playing in the mud,

AND chasing everyone around with buckets of water!

Papa also came over from Tallahassee.

IT WAS TONS OF SILLY COUSIN FUN!!

Jacksonville, part 1

One reason we chose to spend our home leave in Florida was the vast amount of family members that call that state home!  A couple of days after Disney, we made the drive up to Jacksonville to spend time with some Howards!  We stayed with Geoff's dad and stepmom and were treated to lots of fun!

 Helen helped me get suited up for a ride on the Harley.

 George is a good driver!

 Liam was really impressed with Grandpa George's bike.

And Sam enjoyed Grandpa George too!

It was a great visit!

Last of Disney

After the Jungle Cruise, we were a bit tired, so we headed back toward the entrance/exit.  

Before leaving, we got our iconic photos.

After a nice break at the hotel, we returned to the Magic Kingdom to meet the "mouse" himself.

Liam was a bit shy, but warmed up eventually.

We finally got to ride Pirates of the Caribbean before taking in a parade.

Liam loved Disney World, and was sad to leave.

See these sad faces?  Pitiful.

But Sam hung in there like a champ!  He is such an easy-going baby!

Disney 4

On to the teacups,

then Dumbo,

then driving a car!

After cars, it was an attempt at Pirates (broken down),

so we opted for the Jungle Cruise!

Then Daddy and Liam checked out the treehouse from the Swiss Family Robinson

before we got a family photo.