T T Q & S: Sugarcane fields to corn fields

I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I have last blogged. Warning: lots of pictures to come!

Well, our trip back to Iowa went pretty well for the most part. As many of you know, we (I) had a whole lot of anxiety about Quinn's passport and when it would arrive. We went through the US Consulate directly in Okinawa so we would receive it quicker than if we went through the Naval Hospital. On July 7th we had our appointment to do all the paperwork - and we were planning/HOPING that we would be able to fly out on the 24th so Tony could have a full 2 weeks at home. This was cutting it close and to be honest, I didn't think it would happen. IT DID! On Tuesday, July 22nd I got an email saying that her passport was in. That night we bought the tickets. Wednesday I packed. Thursday we flew out. phew. It all seems like a blur to me now! It never "hit" me that I would be back home in such a few short days or practically hours...but then again I am one to hold countdowns for anything exciting happening...and I didn't have one for this because it came so quick! The flight was great considering.. Tony gave it an A- and I gave it a B. Our total duration of travel was 24hours. About 16 of that being in the air. Overall, Quinn did great. I got up with her once or twice and walked around, otherwise Tony and I were able to hold her and keep her as calm as possible. We were given a bassinet on the plane that we actually didn't even use. At first, I thought it would be a life saver, but when I read on the bassinet (that hooked up to the wall) that we would have to take her out each time the seat belt light came on - I thought twice. That light goes on all the time! I decided to just let her sleep in my arms, which meant we got no sleep the whole way. In hindsight, probably the best anyways since we were so tired when we got home that night, we were able to go right to bed. As we got off our last leg of the trip into Minneapolis, my heart was racing knowing Grandma and Grandpa Huinker & Brown were waiting for us at the baggage claim. I was holding Quinn and Tony was wheeling our carry-on's. We went down the escalator and saw all 4 of them lined up. My dad saw us first and I'll never forget his expression. Both hands up, cheering like someone scored a last minute touchdown. It was awesome. Many tears were shed and tight hugs were given. WE WERE HOME.

The start of our packing

Mom took a packing break and walked a little on the treadmill. Quinn let this happen for about 20 minutes. I'll take it!!!

Checking into our first flight from Okinawa to Tokyo

Two tired monkeys. First flight to Tokyo...it must be anyway since this was the outfit Quinn was wearing before she had her major blowout the first 5 minutes into our long flight from Tokyo to Chicago.

Our reunion at the airport...

Grandma Huinker

Grandma Brown

Grandpa Huinker

Grandpa Brown

We got home Thursday night at about midnight once we had dinner, stopped a couple times so I could nurse, etc. It was a long day, but worth every second for the 2 weeks we had to look forward to. And how awesome those 2 weeks were!

Sunday morning we ended up baptizing Quinn at Burr Oak First Lutheran. We had the same Pastor who married us just a year ago, which was very special. More pictures and a separate blog to come on that...

The next two weeks was full of kids, games, drinks, food, and pure fun. Tony was able to play tennis or golf each day. The only two people I know who would play tennis for hours upon hours is Tony and my dad. So leave it to them to play as often as they possibly could. :)

As you could probably guess, we were beyond excited to see all the nieces and nephews. It's been a long year of missing them, but we are very thankful for facetime so we can atleast see them! It's amazing what 1 year can do to these kiddos. They grow fast! A major highlight coming home was meeting our sweet and adorable nephew, Grady. He was born in November. He can truly make your day with his huge, contagious smile.

Ivy (2 1/2 years old) and Grady (9 months)

All the kids on my side of the family....

The girls being girls. This is how it is all day long....love them!

Grace at her finest.

Our sweet niece, Kate. We had a fun day at Phelps park before uncle Tony flew back!

Ivy and Collin

Collin playin' in the water!!! :)

Family pic. Thanks Dave for making the drive to see us for just a few short ours. Talk about an awesome brother-in-law.

Grady. See! I told you his smile is contagious :)

All the girls in uncle Andy's tractor. This was such a fun night! My awesome Aunt Mary had us out for dinner on the farm. The kids had so much fun running around and playing games. The adults enjoyed some good food and drinks!

Max (age 7) had a great idea for a family fun day. We played capture the flag, duck duck goose, and had relay races! Everyone was sweating (besides me because I took the pictures! :) and had so much fun. Thanks Max for getting us out there!!!

I have really missed the states while being in Japan this past year, but what I have missed the most is mother nature. Don't get me wrong, I love the ocean and fields by our house, but nothing compares to the bluffs and huge trees in Decorah. I have soaked up every second of it - and still have another month to soak in even more!

Love this town.

Of course, I've got to add some pictures of Quinn and other random photos from the week!

Sleepy babes with my awesome uncle.

Hoping for the same picture in about 18 years.. just not in a car seat.

On Lake Minnetonka with Melameds!

The night before Dad left for Japan. Tony had to get up at 4:00am to catch the 4:30am shuttle to the airport. It was tough to say our goodbyes, but we will see him soon!!! (September 17th!!!)