"No place like home"

After a whirlwind of a vacation, I am back in the DR... it is amazing how just a few weeks away from the tropics will leave you totally in need of re-accumulating to life, food, and the heat! While it was just teasing us when I left, the rainy season is in FULL swing. Everything outside is a beautiful shade of green and everything inside seems to be in a constant state of damp. My trip started off in a frenzy being "randomly selected" not once but twice for additional pat downs, hand swipes, and extra screenings and nearly missing my connecting flight to STL... my first purchases were a Starbucks frapacino and a turkey sandwich, oh the foods you miss!

Here are a few highlights from my time at home!

Lees' Summit MO - Visiting the Wright family! Highlights included: visiting Crowne Center,
excellent food, sibling time, playing outside, drinking Diet Dr. Pepper,
and great/hilarious conversations. 

Celebrating my God son's 2nd birthday a little early with a Cars cupcake cake
(Hand Crafted by Torrie Holst).

STL Weekend getaway with the Pi Phi Ladies! Favs included: trying on my bridesmaid's dress and spending Saturday with these 5 lovely ladies at Chandler Hill Winery. 

Eating at ALL my favorite restaurants!

I also had the lucky chance to say goodbye to a South County Fav,
Growlers Pub... which I sadly called its impending doom. But, it was a fabulous meal with the Kohl and Lichtenstien Families!

Visiting the one and only Camp DuBois, lake swimming,
and catching up with the ponies!

Presenting at both St. Peter's Church and Zion UCC!
Thanks to everyone who helped "fill the suitcase" with camp and school supplies for Caminante!

While in Marion, I also had some very special visitors. My "Big Papa" and friends: Molly, Jackie, and Jeff helped me spend my last weekend in the US with my loved ones!

Torrie fishing at our Father's Day - Fun Day -Fish Fry! 

Thanks again for everyone who donated supplies and to my awesome parents
who masterfully helped me pack it all into 3 suitcases!

Accidental 24 hour trip to Miami thanks to a lighting storm and a missed connection!
I can now officially say I have visited Miami, FL and South Beach! Navigating the public transportation was an adventure, thank goodness for a new found appreciation for Spanish!
Not pictured: an awesome catch up with Andrew Wiemer!

 I was welcomed home with many friends waiting patiently at the airport for my 26+ hour delayed flight to the DR and many more excited to see me the next morning at Caminante!

My beautiful (even a day old) "welcome home" flowers!

Sister Denisse showing off her STL Cards Swag.