Well, we've been home for a whole week now - and what a week its been! We've finally gotten into a schedule and our bodies are slowly adjusting to being back in Ohio. Last night was the first night all three of us got a full night's sleep!! Iyla is sleeping through the night and is enjoying spending the day with her mommy. She also likes trips to the store, her new toys, and the pets. To celebrate, we went out to dinner tonight and Beef O'Brady's (FYI - they are a very family-friendly sports restaurant)
One question many people have been asking is what Vietnam is like? The best answer I have is that it is completely different than any other place you've been. I think the thing that amazes me is how busy Hanoi is - there is constant activity and energy. Every street is filled with things to buy, people going about their daily business, and a constant stream of two-wheeled traffic. And, yes, it is hot! Here is a typical street scene:
The most interesting thing is that, although we couldn't wait to leave, we are already looking forward to going back!! For those of you who may be travelling soon I will post some of my observations in the next few days.
Here are Iyla and Michael checking out their pioneer digs!!
Janie and Iyla visit with some 'fellow' pioneers-- I think we fit right in with them!!
After our history lesson, we visited Dana and her family. Here are Dana and Courtney visiting with Iyla.
Later, we joined our neighbors, the McIntyres (the BEST neighbors ANYONE could hope for!!) and their niece at a local farm where we were able to feed the animals. Iyla liked meeting the horse.
Iyla also liked feeding the donkeys. She of course enjoyed spending some time with Bob, Stephenie, and little Dina.
Later, we all headed to the nearby playground for a few trips down the slide and a few minutes in the gazebo.
Well, we've been home for a whole week now - and what a week its been! We've finally gotten into a schedule and our bodies are slowly adjusting to being back in Ohio. Last night was the first night all three of us got a full night's sleep!! Iyla is sleeping through the night and is enjoying spending the day with her mommy. She also likes trips to the store, her new toys, and the pets. To celebrate, we went out to dinner tonight and Beef O'Brady's (FYI - they are a very family-friendly sports restaurant) 
Well our time here in Vietnam is rapidly coming to a close. We have some mixed feelings as we leave. We are THRILLED to be returning to the States, to the most wonderful place in the world-- HOME!! We are happy to be able to introduce Iyla to her adoring family and friends. However, this journey home is a bit bitter-sweet. We had a lovely time in Vietnam and look forward to coming back someday. We greatly enjoyed being over here and going through this experience with our friends (who now feel like family)- some old friends and some new ones. We will miss having casual lunches and leisurely strolls through the lobby in which we run into someone we know. We are also sad to be taking Iyla out of the only country she has called home. At the same time, we know Iyla will have a sunny future in the USA. It will be quite an adjustment back at home for all of us but it is one we greatly look forward to.
