Every year when we head back to the States for vacation, we realize how much we've changed since moving to Sweden.The first year we were downright horrified by all the big houses and big cars. It all seemed so wasteful. Then another year it was how friendly Americans are. And then the criminal element of our old hood was what we kept talking about during another visit.
This time I wasn't bothered by the big houses and cars. Seemed perfectly normal to me. Crime? Yeah, a little. And everyone was still as friendly as ever. What we realized on this trip is that home feels less like home. We've changed and Denver has changed in the almost 4 years we've been gone. When it hit me, I cried. But on the flip side, it also makes us excited about the possibilities. Where will home be when we move back to America? The thought doesn't scare us at all. In fact, after seeing Sophie play with her young cousins outside Washington, DC, we'd love to live there for a little while so they could grow up together. (It's also where Lewis and I met and fell in love 14 years ago, so it has some feeling of "home.")
Our 24-day tour of the U.S. included stops in New Market, MD; Denver, CO; and San Antonio, TX. Sophie endured her 20th airline flight (she's such a great traveler) and we've never seen her laugh as much as she did with her cousins. It was a big eye-opener for us. I knew she would have fun with my sister's kids – Will (6), Sam (4) and Drew (almost 2) – but I've honestly never seen her happier. It wasn't just a group of 4 little kids playing together. The fact that they were family made the rules different. It was instant bonding and such sweet love. I don't really know how to explain it. Thinking about it brings tears to my eyes, and we were heartbroken to leave.
But there were more good times to be had. Our friends in Denver were so great with Sophie, and it was heart-warming to see. She got quite attached to our friends Henry and Alisa, and would actually cry when they left the house. Then in Texas, cousin Brittany (10) proved once again that family makes everything more fun. Sophie spent many hours playing with Brittany in her room, and her face lit up whenever Brittany was around.
The vacation ended with a day spent at Sea World getting soaked, riding roller coasters and generally feeling like a teenager again. Honestly I had no idea that place would be so much fun for grown-ups. Sophie had a good time as well. She oohed and aahed at the Shamu show and played around in the kiddie pools.
But now we are back in Älmhult. No more 105-degree days. No more really good salsa and handmade tortillas. Or latte runs. At least for a while. Instead we are surrounded by overgrown grass, a new shade of house paint and roof tiles. No one is sleeping well yet. And I'm back at work. And as much as we miss being on vacation in the U.S., it does feel good to be home.
P.S. Check out some more pics from our trip here.
"Cousins, cousins, here come the boys! Bedlam, mayhem, noise, noise, noise... Blow up the air mattresses, hide the breakable toys, Cousins, cousins, here come the boys!" --Tom Chapin
I know all Sophie's cousins aren't boys but we used to sing this song on the way to get togethers with the cousins! Nothing better!!!!
I had 15 growing up and we still like having fun with each other!
Love the vacation stories and pictures. Thanks! Välkommen hem (wherever home finds you!)
Posted by: Sally | July 17, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Oh, I just love that, Sally!
Posted by: ginny | July 20, 2009 at 12:23 PM
It would be fun to have you back in Colorado, but I also understand the excitement of the possibilities of living anywhere in the US.
Posted by: Andrea | July 21, 2009 at 01:02 PM
just discovered your blog. :) i share a lot of your feelings as a "kinda expat." after living for the past 5 years in random countries here and there, coming back to california is a big shocker. lifestyles, outlooks, personalities, and yes the houses and cars. and to that i might add giant fridges, pantries and bottled drinks galore! it's all so different from what i've grown accustomed to in the past half-decade.
you're life in sweden sounds beautiful! can't wait to go back to that side of the world. :D
Posted by: christie | August 01, 2009 at 04:04 PM