Ok, wow, America is so cool.
We have been slowly getting over the time difference/jet lag. Peyton and Conner of course were not affected, so my mom has been graciously letting Jarrett and I sleep in while she entertains the boys.
We have been enjoying the comforts of an American home, carpet, bath tubs, comfy couches, soft beds, SPACE! Seriously, I have never felt so far away from the boys, on the other side of the house they are the farthest they have been away from me since we started traveling 18 months ago-ha! 
Peyton running into Nana’s arms at the airport:)
Papa T and the boys
After 1 year of travel in Asia this is what we came back with. We left with only 3 suitcases:)
the sunset over the Rocky Mountains from my parent’s back porch
We have been loving all of the parks in Denver. There are so many to choose from and the boys think its the best thing since their fire pants.
We went to this park in Brighton, CO. The boys met some cute little boys to play with and were having a blast. I was sitting on a bench watching them, so happy for them, but also sad I did not have a little one to play with. Trek would have still needed constant help on a playground, and I LOVE playing on playgrounds with my children. It was one of my favorite things when the boys were smaller. Ok, I still do, but they don’t need me to anymore, its different.
A 2 year old little girl came up to me and handed me her juice. I smiled and told her thank you that I would sit it beside me and watch it for her. She then asked to sit beside me. I picked up her little body and sat her beside me, admiring how precious she was. I almost lost it. It took all I had to hold it together. She sat for awhile and then ran off. And then I let it go.
I could not stop the tears, thankfully I was wearing sunglasses. God, I want Trek so bad. I wanted that to be his juice and his chubby legs sitting beside me.
I wasn’t quite ready for the effect an American toddler would have on me. I haven’t cried like that in public for a long time, I usually only cry when I am all alone. It is unavoidable, and okay, I know it won’t always be so near the surface. But it was that day. I really miss Trek.
perfect baby boy
I got myself under control and went to find Peyton and Conner. I was so thankful I had 2 active, handsome boys to keep my heart full even though its hurting so often.

my sweet Peyton loving the climbing toys
Nana helping Conner twirl
some lady that is way too big for the play equipment using it



Jarrett and I celebrated our 9 years of marriage this week. Man I love that guy. I think I will keep him another 9 years. We went on a date to celebrate, which was nice. Even though we wimped out and skipped dinner after the movie because we missed Peyton and Conner so much. We have gotten kind of used to having them around, and they are pretty much the coolest things ever.
9 years together!!!
this slide used to fit me
Then yesterday we got to do something AMAZING! Meet our niece! Jaylee turned one year old this week. She is the daughter of Jarrett’s brother, Jordan, and his super amazing wife Jodi. We have never got to meet Jaylee. She was born one week before Trek died, and we were already in Thailand (I wrote about her birth here). I wish we could have seen her grow more this past year, but seeing her yesterday was very touching for Jarrett and I. We are totally in love.
eeeek! she is soo precious!
Jarrett was so in love
so was Aunt Chelsea
can I keep her forever?
I look forward to many more play dates with our little niece/cousin:) After her fun birthday party, where she totally charmed us, we got to do yet another amazing thing.
One of our friends from Maui were in town visiting their family! It was too good to be true. The boys had a little group of friends in Maui and we miss them so much. All of their mamas became so much to me since we had no family there, none of them did either, so we were all each others Aunts and Uncles (that is even what you call grown ups in Hawaii instead of Mr./Mrs.) To get to talk to my dear friend, Shannon, and see her children’s little faces really meant so much to me. I am getting teary just thinking about it. I think I really missed all my friends and family.
Deveraux, Anderson, Shannon, and us:)
Wow, what an amazing few days. I have been a little emotional, both good and bad with all the emotions I am feeling. But I am so thankful to be here right now, it was the perfect choice for our family.