We met friends for dinner in Miami and then caravan back to Naples, FL with Rob's mom (we followed her home). The car trip took a little over two hours.
Our heads hit the pillow some time around 12:15 am only to awaken at 7am! (In England it would have been Noon- gotta love the time difference).
Thursday was spent running errands and re-acquainting ourselves with life in the US. Lunch of course was Wendys chicken snack wraps- not nearly as good as I remembered.
We were all excited to see the family and spend time with Grammie Ellie, Grampie Bob and Aunt Abby.
Boy can you see the family resemblance!
Friday was a leisurely day around the house, including an afternoon in the pool (at least for Madison). It was the perfect way to fill the time before the rest of the family arrived for dinner.
Of course, no swimming is complete without Daddy chucking Madison into the water (usually against her will)
Are you ready?
Here you go!
In the water with a splash!
Smiling when it was all done!
Even Lillian enjoyed watching her sister swim.
It was decided as a family that we would celebrate Christmas a bit differently this year.. Instead of the traditionally exchanged gifts, large meal, and endless visiting with extended family.
We went back to the basics and celebrated the first annual THANKSMUS!
It was a time not about expensive gifts, or any gifts really but rather a time to gather with loved ones and share a delicious meal together.
The girls received matching Christmas dresses, jammies, bears, and games to play from Grammie Ellie and Grampie Bob and Uncle Caleb of course got new matching Gator t-shirts for the girls to wear. It was a simple but perfect Christmas.
Dinner was a delicious smoked turkey and included sides of green bean casserole, corn casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and lots of cookies and sweets for pudding.
Everyone helped make the meal special and yummy.
We were joined by Grandpa, Grammie Ellie and Grampie Bob, Aunt Abby, Eric, Uncle Caleb, Susanne, Cousins- Margaret and her husband James and their 3 daughters. It was a delicious meal and a perfect way to celebrate together.
Even Lillian enjoyed the smoked turkey- she prefers a wing!
After dinner we enjoyed cookies and coffee while visiting with our loved ones.
Saturday came all too soon and we load our suitcases, gifts, and dirty laundry into our rental car to make our trek toward Tampa. (Rob thoroughly enjoyed showing off the all new loaded Chevy Malibu)
No visit to Naples would be complete without stopping in to see Grandpa and having home-made ice cream from Royal Scoop in Bonita.
Our 2 and a half hour trip to Tampa was uneventful and had us rolling into Pop's house just in time for dinner.
Steaks on the grill have never tasted better. Served with a baked potato and Caesar salad it was fabulous.
Uncle Caleb joined us for dinner.
With our stomachs full we piled into the car again for the short trip to Kohls. We were on a hunt for Pops Christmas present- new clothes.
Shopping with 3 men is rather entertaining but if nothing else they were quick and efficient.
Then back home to watch Get Smart while the girls headed to bed.
Sunday we attended Pops new church where we enjoyed a childrens program about Christmas and cheered as Pops officially became a Lutheran. We were warmly greeted by all and enjoyed being there to support Pops on his newest adventure.
Lunch was with Uncle Caleb and Susanne at their condo were we enjoyed a home-made Italian feast made by Susanne- kudos to a fabulous meal. Then it was time for an afternoon of Guitar Hero.
With Caleb and Susanne safely on their way to North Carolina, the 3 Sparkman's enjoyed a quiet evening of packing and relaxing to prepare for our final trip HOME. Rob got to escape for a couple hours by sharing a few pints of Guinness with Uncle Al.
An uneventful morning and an on time flight delivered us safely back to Indiana. Pa picked us up from the airport and we joined Nana, Omi, and Opi for a belated birthday dinner at Outback before finally arriving at our house (Mmm... Bloomin' Onion!). It is just as big and wonderful as I remembered.
Our 6th month journey abroad had officially come to an end but it only leaves room for new journeys to begin.
