So I really thought I would be a great blogger while my hubby was in Afghanistan. I was going to let the world know just what our Unaccompanied Tour was like and how like so many others have claimed, it was "so much easier than expected."
Well, after September 13 I realized this year was going to be hard. It was going to be filled with fear and worry, sleepless nights and tears. Lots and lots of tears.
I had decided to stay at post. I did this for a million reasons but mostly because we didn't know where we would be headed next so I didn't want my kids to be in 4 schools over the course of 2.5 years. Sounds reasonable right? I did not take into account that our embassy would have a HUGE turn over the summer my hubby left and thus no one would know me. I would be left out of the embassy community and at home counting the days until our next R&R.
I was unofficially asked to move houses right before my hubby left because of an uncompliant landlord, and the process to move after he left was a NIGHTMARE. Not just moving but navigating the embassy politics when I didn't have anyone at post to call BS on my behalf. The house we were moved to all though not perfect is better than the one we left in so many aspects, but I'm not sure it was worth the fight to make it all happen.
We have had some exciting adventures this year because the UT provided some extra money to splurge on a couple of great vacations.
In December the kids and I visited Panama. We spent a few days just hanging out on the beach, swimming and playing. Then we took a tour and saw the Panama canal and visited the Natives. It was truly amazing. A few days later we met up with the hubby for Christmas and enjoyed 2.5 weeks together.
In April we flew to Germany and stayed in Garmisch for 2 weeks. It was amazing. Other than 2 days in the hospital because Eli took a fall we saw it all and still had time to relax and EAT!
May also brought an R&R. The hubby came "home" and we tried to have life as normal. The kids going to school and we spent the days planning our pack out and watching movies. Oh yeah, and we took 3 days and went to Rio ALONE!
We are about to say our final good-bye of this UT and begin the craziness of end of the school year and sorting through the house to lessen our load. Good-bye's SUCK! And even with the mantra of only 45 days to go, I wonder how we are going to do it.
We are looking forward to being a family again, we are excited to move to Manila, and we already have a summer packed full of activities.
I hope to be a better blogger in Manila.....but honestly, probably not.
