My Trip to the States—Part 6

Have you missed any so far—Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, or Part 5?

After visiting all the Michigan family on Mum’s side, we headed to Ohio to visit the family on Dad’s side. That last week was extremely hectic and stressful, but I enjoyed every moment I had to reconnect with family.

Our last week, in overview: (You can skip this if you want to—I just want to have it written down so I can remember. That last week is all a blur in my mind.)

1. Sunday the 7th of April, I went with my cousins to Ohio. We got there about 11 pm, and I stayed the night with them.
2. Monday the 8th, I spent the morning with my cousins, and took lots of pictures with them. Mum arrived in Ohio in the afternoon. I went to Grandpa and Grandma’s house with her, and that afternoon helped clean up at Grandpa’s church after their annual communion service. I spent the night at Grandpa’s house.
3. Tuesday, the 9th, we went to Grandparent’s Day at a school Mum taught at before she and Dad were married. That evening, I went to an amazing Bible study and then spent the night with my cousins.
4. Wednesday the 10th, I spent most of the day with my cousins and that afternoon went to a zoo that was close-by. That evening, most of the family got together for tea, and I stayed the night at Aunt Lucinda’s house.
5. Thursday the 11th, we went to a lunch hosted by Aunt Jane, which was fun. We got to meet a lot of friends we hadn’t been able to see yet. That evening, all of the Ohio family got together and we ate tea at my cousin’s house. Aunt Rebecca is an amazing cook, and she served us a delicious Mexican meal with mango in it. That night, we packed all we could, and I spent the night at Grandpa’s house.
6. Friday the 12th, we finished packing and took off sometime during the day and headed to the airport. I was completely zapped by then, so I can’t remember exactly when we took off. All I know is we got there somehow, and by the time we reached LA in the evening, I was able to think a little straighter, and enjoyed most of the trip back.
7. We skipped Saturday the 13th by crossing the date line.
8. Sunday the 14th, we landed in Christchurch, thankful that our trip was over. I very happily slept in my bed that night for the first time in three weeks. :)

The first day I spent with my cousins—they’re the ones that lived on our place in Michigan the last five years before our move. I’m really glad I could spend time with them; it was good to be with them and relax a little. :)

Mary—we’ve been friends since before I can remember! Almost like sisters, in a way.

Rhoda

Anna (who isn’t as small as I remembered! :))

Three lovely sisters. (actually, there are four—Beth, the eldest, wasn’t with us when we took our walk)

Me and Mary—can you tell yet that we were having lots of fun?!

Rhoda and I

It was great to be with them again! :) (Remember: 4 girls + 1 camera = fun!)

I took this picture for my brothers—John, my cousin (these girls’ brother) was working on spring ploughing.

We had a tea party, in memory of earlier days (“on the farm”). And this time, Beth was with us!

After the tea party, we just sat and talked. The girls showed me a box and letter I had given Mary right before we left, and it was fun to read what I had written then!

Common Ohio scenery. I had forgotten how many barns there are in the States…it was quite shocking for this girl!

One of the days, we went to a zoo close by.

Almost all of the cousins on Dad’s side (only two are missing, I think).

I loved trying to get pictures of all the different animals!

We just wandered around, looking at things and talking about them together. I think we were the only ones there for the most part (it’s a pretty small zoo).

Mum and Nate

Nathan and cousins—they loved talking to each other through the door!

One evening, most of the family got together for tea, and had ice cream for dessert. Nate loved it—and they all enjoyed watching him dirty himself up!

Cute brother

At the airport, ready to get home! It was kind-of hard to say goodbyes for some of us, but we were all looking forward to set food on good ole Kiwi soil again.

Goodbye, U.S.…

…and hello, New Zealand!
This is actually the top part of the South Island, and bottom of the North. The cloudy bit is over the North Island, but on the South all is clear and sunny. :)

Ahh…home sweet home.

And so ends my trip to the States, completed almost four months after we came home. It’s SO GOOD to be back, and to be enjoying daily life!

~Esther

P.S. Hopefully now that I don’t have these series hanging over me I can get back to semi-regular posting. :) I’m relieved to have this behind me. I won’t promise, but I’d like to try! :)