USA USA USA USA USA

Well, it's been two weeks since we got back from our trip home to the USA. We didn't take all the pictures we wanted (so please, friends, if you took some photos send them to us!), but here are a few of the highlights.

You'd think this is NYC, but actually it's the Gautrain, Southern Africa's only viable piece of public transportation. It's actually really really good. But you have to drive to the station. Thanks for the lift, Pia!

Bags checked 3.5 hours ahead of time. Hmmmmm, what should we do?

After a few short hours at the bar, plus a vodka tasting at duty free, Mr. Mandela cheerfully bid us goodbye and safe travels.

Kelsey's especially happy because TSA let her keep her knitting needles.

After 14 hours of NOT SLEEPING, very tired at JFK.

The bridge that takes you home. To New Jersey.

No time to pose, 3 hours of traffic plus Dunkin' Donuts spells E-M-E-R-G-E-N-C-Y

Even the deer tan in NJ

The day after we landed, we headed to DC and Annapolis to see our friends and family. Lindsay and Dave took us to the Amish Market

Where we somehow resisted this chocolate covered bacon

But happily indulged in a breakfast log and two cheesesteak logs. They did not disappoint. 

At Lindsay's baby shower

Then we were off to Long Branch, NJ to party down the shore with Neil and Katelyn, with a cameo from the Wizard. Monday night shots? I think so!

Which way to the beach?

Nobody does pizza like Jersey.

This tree loves freedom more than anything. 

Then a quick stop in Tom's River to see Grandma Glennon (AKA Hot Wheels), and Uncle John and Aunt Norma.

Phew! Back to Bridgewater to snuggle our favorite pitbulls for a night or two before Kelsey left for Utah and the Evolution conference.

 

Flying over the Great Salt Lake. No angel Moroni sightings yet.

Our hotel looked like barracks from the outside, but the inside was pretty sweet!

 Hike down from Hidden Peak, descending nearly 2500 feet from 11,000! Snow in June, too!

Then, back from Utah for Augie's 22nd birthday!

The very next day, we left for Masterchusetts. Here's Kelsey and Joe at Rock Shelter, close to Spencer, MA.

Peeking out the window of Lucy Stone's house, near Brookfield, MA.

Follow the red string to chart the cat's movements.

We popped up to Maine to meet Brigid, our new niece.

And were treated to a feast of pork and pickled carrots, cabbage and beets.

Goodbye Hubbardston! Off to see all of our friends' children!

With Baby Maeve in West Boylston, MA

Too much fun for little Joey!

 

But not for Vincent!

Livi is by far the smartest 2 year old we've ever met. She can even identify Pat Sharp

The stone library in Princeton Center, where I grew up.

And no trip to MA is complete without Indian Pudding ice cream from Rhoda Springs!

Back in Jersey we left our Ipad unattended while enjoying the pool. Love ya Katelyn!

And it was time for some serious loungin!

Pitbulls for peace

Oh yeah. Chinese take-out.

Then to Aunt Barb's to say hi to Mor Mor.

And the cousins!

And then a bit of pizza.

Stay classy til next year, USA! We won't miss the traffic, but we'll sure miss the family and friends!