48 Hours in Seattle

We ended up using some hotel points to book a room in Seattle for the weekend. What most people don't know is the Pacific Northwest has THE MOST beautiful summers ever. Seattle did not disappoint and we were gifted with 70 degree sunny weather to enjoy the city. It was never meant to be relaxing, …

Being Grateful in the Middle

I have been awfully quiet, mostly because I didn't really know where to start. This 6 month transition has been a roller coaster... some great, some bad and a little bit of everything else. But here we are, settled in and loving our new normal. We made it, and while I have many drafted blog …

What Now?

We are still living in transitional housing..... and we are slowly inching our way forward. The holidays and a government shutdown tend to slow your forward progress when it comes to purchasing a home and all the other details of reconnecting your life. For the next few months, my role will be to continue to …

Growing Up Expat: Going Home

So here we are.  We have told the kids that we are moving home.  They are both excited, but not entirely sure how this new life at home looks just yet.   It is home, but it will also be a new house, new schools, and new routines. We are sub 30 days and I …

The Logos Hope in Port

It's no secret, I miss a good book-store.  Maybe it's the Portlander in me, but browsing all the latest books, sipping coffee and the quiet murmur of people is one of my top 5 favorite things.   Haven't been able to find that here in a real consistent way.  Especially books in English.   Until …

In the Spirit of Trying…

Good news.  We found a barn, with horses, and a riding school and I couldn't be happier.   As I sat on the outside of the arena, watching my kids take their first lesson, I thought about how many hours my own parents had logged watching me.   I don't know if my children will …

Our Time Away

We just arrived back in Cartagena after a whirlwind tour of the West Coast, but it was everything we hoped for!  Friends, Family, Food and Fun!  We weren't sure how the kids would respond to going home after only a few short months and then having to leave again, but it turns out that kids …

3 Months In…

We are at the 3 month mark and it is not hard to believe we have been here this long.  It feels like 3 months and we have accomplished as much...  In this past month we have ventured out visiting places via boat and longer car trips.  Our comfort level with our neighborhood and all …

Going Home…

There is one very magical thing that happens when you leave home for an extended period of time, you get to come home!   The anticipation is almost as good as the event itself.  For weeks now, we have been talking about who we want to see, what we want to do and the places …

From Pines to Palms

I'm an Oregon girl, and we do Christmas trees better than anyone.  So to get into the Christmas spirit when living in the Caribbean, one has to make a few adjustments.  But it really isn't that hard to trade in some pines for some palms, when they are decorated to the nines!  Just check out …