By Kelly Moad
Moving abroad is an experience that we always wanted for our family. Then add in a global pandemic and all the various obstacles that have come with it. An experience is definitely what we’re getting! With all the new adventures and discoveries though, our hearts and minds (and food desires) are always drawn back to HOME. Home is Texas! So naturally, our summer was spent back home with family and friends. And y’all, we packed in the fun, that’s for sure!

Our big family reunion took us to Cedar Creek Lake near Dallas. That was a great time for everyone to break away from home and enjoy total free time floating in the lake, paddle boarding, pool volleyball games, and lots of eating and drinking.

We cheered on our Astros one evening…sat right behind Tucker in the outfield. Mommy enjoyed some free time while the kids attended NASA camp and Sea Camp. We ventured into town a few times to see everyone else and take advantage of more restaurants and shops we’ve been missing. Aunts and Uncles spoiled us with movie outings, pool time, and lots of game time around the dining table. Unfortunately, we had a disappointing attempt at Schlitterbahn, three days in a row. Thanks a lot, rainy summer.

Our home base was in Bolivar at Grandma and PawPaw’s house. We had many sunny days on the beach, body surfing the waves, searching for shark teeth, tossing washers, and enjoying time together. We visited the waterslides, because no trip to the beach is complete without a slide down at Fun Spot. All the family gathered at the house for pool time with drinks and snacks as we prepared for home cooked meals. And of course, we had built-in kidsitters for a couple nights out.

Then before you know it, it’s time for summer to come to an end. Packing bags, albeit a few more than when we arrived two months prior, packing coolers with deep-frozen foods we’ve been missing, and hugging our loved ones one more time. The quality family time refilled our tanks for another year abroad. So here we are. Back to reality, back to school, back to work, back to another year far from home. The memories live on as we look forward to our return to the States next summer. And Texas – Thank you once again, for showing us a great time!

[August-24-2021]