Clean Tap Water and Other Stuff We’ve Missed

In two weeks we will return to South America and resume the road trip.

Even though we’ve been back in the US long enough to feel at home, it did take us some time.

We are drinking lots of tap water, sometimes accidentally speaking Spanish (poorly), and having to remind Bode that he can flush the toilet paper. It’s all very exciting. I’ve also spent more time shopping in the last few weeks than I have in the entire 16 months since we left Alameda.

Family and friends, of course, are the reason we are here in Texas for the holidays. It’s been great to spend so much time with them.  Because we lived in California, it was easy to forget that in addition to his cousins,  Bode also has a whole slew of step-cousins, 2nd cousins, etc here in Texas that he has never met. Not to mention that we have friends with kids he has never met or seen in a very long time.  We’ve really enjoyed spending time with all of them. Especially Bode.

We’ve also eaten a ton of great food and added a few pounds in the process. The other night Bode devoured 12 sushi rolls whole – despite  the clear unease of his aunt, uncle and those watching from neighboring tables. I’m not sure there’s anything (healthy) he loves to eat more.

We’re also pretty sure he will eat an entire gingerbread house before we leave.

As far as the blog goes, although all the recent extraneous VW-related stuff might be a bit of a bore to some, I really, really appreciated the break from photos and blogging. Jason – you may consider this my Christmas present. It is within our gift guidelines, inexpensive and fits in the van.