Welcome Back to St. Paul and No Oprah

Julia stepped right back to her life in St. Paul. The night of her arrival, Benjamin, Wes, and Julia went to a hockey game. She went bike riding with Benjamin, Wes, Andy, and Matt. They had band practice. She connected with her gal pals (no pics) for craft time and yoga. In between, they played some Mario Cart and ate some yummy food. The official welcome back party with all her friends was last night. :)  

In a quest to meet Oprah, Vera, Maggie, Vickie, and I went to the National Portrait Gallery of Art--she was a no-show! :( But there were lots of cool crafts, and Oprah's portrait was everywhere--LOL. Regardless, I'll take time with the girls over Oprah any day. And spoiler alert--I didn't score tickets for the White House Easter Egg Roll.

Steven ran into our favorite Georgetowner, Elizabeth, at Trader Joe's. All good things come from and at that place. 

And speaking of favorites... Mom spent the week in Rochester with Aunt Linda and Uncle Tim. She also got to see Aunt Ruthie!

Home for the Week

We enjoyed having Julia around this week. Everything was brighter, sweeter, nicer...all around wonderful. She had family time, friend time, self-care time, and cat time. 

 

Home Sweet Home

Words cannot express the joy and relief of seeing Julia come through the gate at Reagan National Airport. After seeing her pictures and videos, it is even more incredible that she is safe and healthy (best that I didn't know all the details at the time). Thank you for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. I'm so grateful.  

Maya and Cecily (Holton girlfriends) surprised Julia at the airport. (They happily sat with a huge duffle across their laps on the way home!) When we got to the house, sweet Miriam surprised her. And, then, dear Elizabeth! It was the best homecoming. Julia is blessed to have such a sisterhood. 

Mom spent the week in Florida with Regina and Art (pickleball!). We attended Urinetown at American University. It was very well done, funny, and entertaining. Highly recommend.

Vacation in New Zealand

Julia is back on land in New Zealand! Thankful she has had this opportunity and can't wait to hear all the details! Benjamin has joined her, and they are touring and seeing the sites for the next week before coming back to DC. Check out their cute van.

South Korean Base

Julia visited Jang Bo-Go in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. It is the permanent South Korean research station. She is ALMOST back to New Zealand (boat location)!