Wandering Browns

When we arrived in Vietnam, we anticipated being there for quite a long time- at least until early 2017. When we were released to return to the United States in early December, we decided to surprise my family in California for an early Christmas. The last time we Skyped with my family from Vietnam, we had to keep the secret that we were leaving soon. Landon did a great job, and even hushed me up a few times when he felt like I was going to give it away. They had mentioned they didn't have a Christmas tree yet, and I was so hoping that they would still not have one when we arrived, so Landon could help pick it out. Well, my wish came true! My mom was going to break tradition and buy a tree from the grocery store, but since we appeared, we went to the Christmas tree lot that we have gone to every year since I was a little girl! I love Landon's California winter outfit here- shorts and a sweatshirt Our hunt for the perfect Christmas tree was a little more tricky this...

My little fireman! We spent two weeks in California after returning from China. Landon thoroughly enjoyed doing all things little boy- tromping around the backyard digging in the dirt, dressing up in his new fireman costume, a birthday gift from Grandma and Grandpa, and trying his hand at riding a bike for the first time. It was wonderful to spend some time with my sister, Hannah, before she departed for her LDS church mission to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Spanish speaking. She is so awesome and is going to be the best missionary! Landon loves his Aunt Claire, who is still enough of a kid to have a ton of fun with Landon on the trampoline, on the swings, and playing pretend in the backyard! Of course, hanging out with grandparents and Aunt Net was also great.  In his truck Landon has been asking to get a bike/learn to ride a bike for months. I told him Grandpa was going to find him a bike that was his size (with five kids' worth of stuff at our house, I knew there must be...

Playing car wash with all of grandpa's cars! After spending quality time with Austin's family, Landon and I went on to California to spend some time with my side of the family. Austin drove back to Chicago to report back at work, although our assignment to Singapore was canceled and we don't know where we are going next. Playing tunnel with Grandma on the trampoline! Playing with grandma Eating spaghetti Anyway, there is just something magical about coming home to the place you grew up. I have been living in other states since 2005, and I know it has made me more appreciative of the mudhole of Atascadero. I remember being a freshman in college and just wanting to escape from the small town and go as far away as possible. For me, that was Utah. Now I want to stay forever (if only my husband were with me.) Aunt Claire and the trampoline Landon also enjoyed California. He jumped and ran on the trampoline with Aunt Claire, fed and petted Aunt ...