Welcoming Party?

 Some of Rania's friends are still in KL - and it was pretty wonderful to get to connect with them briefly upon our return to KL. 

 

Singapore Layover

 Tracy got the Venture X credit card, which has the wonderful perk of lounge access for her and a companion.  Pretty amazing to get to stop in a lounge and enjoy some food and some relaxation.  This lounge was in Terminal 4 as we prepared for the final hop to Kuala Lumpur. 

 

Paris Layover

 Interesting to be flying through Paris during the Olympics and not having a chance to stop - or even a sense beyond Airport signage and tennis matches being shown on the TVs that the Olympics is happening.  

Thankfully, our layover was pretty short in Paris. 

 

DTW

 Well, I guess that this means that summer is officially over - the fountain in the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Airport. . .

 

Luggage

 In a whole host of unmemorable and uneventful posts, this may rank near the top of things not worth putting on the blog.  Generally (as we remember), we try to take pictures of our luggage as we depart - always a bit easier for the occasional, though hopefully rare, event when our luggage is delayed.  

Here are our four pieces of luggage for our return trip.  Some have seen better days - and some are staying here for Rania, who likely will need some of the better pieces than us.  Having the duffel bag is always handy for packing things that weigh more and also provide more room. 

 

A Final Stop

 Before heading to the airport, we stopped over to say a final goodbye to Jason and Nicole.  

 

Outside

A couple of pics on a magical July day, enjoying the sun and being out by the pond. 

 

It is SO WEIRD thinking of heading back to school and work, recognizing that Tracy will be back soon to take Rania to college - and that we are heading back by ourselves.  Not looking forward to the Empty Nest.  SO WEIRD. 

Amy Hern Sighting

 So special for Tracy and Amy to get to connect and get together for the day.  It had been way too long and so many great connections, great stories, hearing about the joys and challenges of kids who are growing up and the changes that comes with adulthood and nearing adulthood. 

What a magical day - if too short. 

 

Twinning

 Nothing quite like a white shirt with black stripes.  Always in fashion and a perfect match for sisters. 

 

New Driver

 Congratulations to Rania! Such great news that she was able to get her license - and a big assist to Bryson who helped with some tips, such as going to Wauseon, where it is much easier to get an appointment and easier to practice. 

 Going early to do and redo the driver maneuverability training on the actual course really helped.  So thankful for all of Rania's practice, for Uncle Jason (and Bryson) providing a car that is easier to navigate than our mini-van, and for the gracious professionalism from the team at Wauseon's BMV.  Congrats, Rania!

 

Twisters Recap - July 2024

In case you missed the movie, here are Reeve and Laura, with an assist from Gabi, doing a brief recap of the movie.

Twisters

 We went to Fallen Timbers on Tuesday discount day to get to see Twisters.  A fun-filled, quite interesting movie - and impressive work for coming up with a plausible and entertaining sequel quite a few years later!

 

Pizza at Grandpa Barrie's

Grandpa Barrie generously got pizza for everyone - and we had a wonderful meal and a beautiful evening sitting on the porch, connecting and being together.  

Of course, the requisite annual height checks - most had not changed, though Ethan sure grew a lot in the last year! 

Night

 I tried to get some pictures of the moon and the fountain, but they were all blurry.  I think this one was a mistake - though was the more interesting of the options. Either an abstract picture of light while moving the camera - or the view of our lake at night? 

 

Summer Tea

 Pretty amazing to have scones, tea, and a really delightful tea - and that all of Carrie's kids were able to make it. 

 

Heather and Dina

 Tracy got to spend the day with Heather and Dina.  Great to catch up, learn about their lives, all that the kids are up to and all of the experiences and opportunities from the past year.  What great friends!

 

Baseball Champions!

 Congrats to Ethan and his team - with a championship to wrap up the season.  Some good pitching, clutch hitting, and a really strong team, it was fun to watch them get another victory.  Other than Doug coming up with a rather new - and not so appropriate cheer after Ethan's pitcher struck out the side with three Ks, not to much to report.  

We got to run the bases after the victory!

 

At Work

 Rania is working at PF Changs this summer - both in the kitchen and as a server assistant.  Here she is after driving to work (and us dropping her off) as she continues to accumulate hours in preparation for getting her license. 

 

Aunt Marcia's

 Pretty amazing to get to go and visit Aunt Marcia's.  Lake Erie twice in two days! As always, it was wonderful picnic fixings which we brought, as well as some good time both in the pool and in the lake. 

 

Kaiden and Bryson were able to join as well. 

Maumee Bay State Park

 We were reminded of how great it is to get away - and how relatively close Maumee May State Park is.  Carrie and Scot had a tent for some shade - which Rania rightfully mocked - and it was a delightful day at the beach getting to do a bit of swimming and a lot of reading.  Spectacular - and so close, we wondered why we don't do that more. 

 

 

Grandpa Barrie's Ride to Church

 Quite the sweet ride.  Obviously, only one of those pictured could be qualified to ride. 

 

S'Mores!

 Scot and Carrie had a fire and we enjoyed getting to have some s'mores. Yum! (and a bit sticky)

 

 

Mark & Marta's Run

 Mark and Marta were part of a run - and pretty impressive to be so fit and accomplishing so much.