Though we wrote this post before Christmas, we are just now getting around to publishing it on the web:

We are sad to report that Chris’s Mema recently passed away.  The family decided against formal funeral services, but we were determined to support/distract Chris’s parents, so on Thursday afternoon, we pulled the trigger for two last-minute flights back to the states on Friday morning.

Florida Highlights:

• Surprise at the airport: After nearly 20 hours of travel, we finally arrived at the Tampa airport.  We were exhausted but obviously excited to see Mama Milne and Papa George.   Little did we know when we landed, though, that we had lucked into a two for one deal!  Sarah’s parents actually flew down for the weekend and completely surprised us (we were so out-of-sorts at the airport that it took us a while to actually realize what was going on).
• Sunshine and relaxation:  One of our favorite days of the quick trip back was a lazy Saturday at the dog beach.  Skiing and traveling are obviously wonderful,  but we’ve been very “go-go-go” lately, so it was a treat to have a chill day at the beach with our families, our pup, a few beers, and bocci ball.

 

DC Highlights:  On our way back to Switzerland, we made a quick stop in DC (long layover is probably more accurate of a description).  Sadly, with only 24 hours to spare, we missed a lot of people (Matt, Ryan, & the kids, Jessi and Tyree, EY people, Kilmer people, and many DC friends to name a few), but we were thrilled to connect with the few friends who were available.  Many thanks to our pals who came out to “celebrate” our homecoming despite it being a Monday.

As if this short trip wasn’t enough of a whirlwind, tomorrow we head to Thailand!