Back from visit

Back yesterday from a visit home. Every time the feelings on returning here are so different. Had a wonderful time in the states, did a lot of things, enjoyed the weather and just relaxed with family. I know I am exhausted - my kids slept all day today pretty much but I couldn't sleep. The baby kept waking last night and I was up at 7am, just worked on unpacking and then went shopping. Everytime I went to lay down to sleep I couldn't get to sleep. So that exhaustion (and stress, I imagine) is just making my emotions worse - so homesick! Or just weepy. Confused. My dual citizenship came through while I was away and I suppose I am just at a different sort of crossroads on the evolution of the immigrant - the finalization. I hope I feel better after a good sleep. I probably need a good cry.

Dammit, I meant to write a great post about what a great trip I had and some of the good things that happened on it (not least the flight back which was the best long haul flight I have ever had, even with the two kids on my own!). But then I started typing and this whinge came out. Sorry about that - I do hope to write about the trip itself when I am feeling more stable and less weepy!

No, I think it's necessary to do a bit of whinging. I can't imagine what it must feel like. I go through a bit of that every time I go home to California and then return to Michigan. I'm wondering whether it'll be harder when we are visiting California from England, or easier.  How many trips back have you made altogether? Visits home can really rock that sense of stability and contentment. I sometimes think I'm better off not making them (though I know that's not true). 

I hope a little sleep and the distance of time helps you feel more settled. Let us know how you're feeling after a few days. I'm sending the Sandman your way!

Welcome home, Stella.  Congrats on the dual citizenship and hope you feel better soon!

Congratulations on your dual citizenship coming through.  After you get rested and are feeling better come back and tell us all about your great trip.

Thanks, guys. Still a bit shaky, the baby has been very unsettled since arriving home and it is driving us all nuts (lack of sleep, really). But - the trip was great!

We did a roadtrip to Arizona that was a lot of fun - Northern Arizona is beautiful. Could not believe how built up California had become, which was really brought home as we traveled on the 15 - it really wasn't until you get past Barstow that the nothing begins. We also did a camping trip out in the desert which was very enjoyable -  me I am glad I got to go camping (have not done any since moving here) and the kids, even the baby, really liked it. My daughter loved hiking about. We had a good day at the beach, too, including a ride in a Boston whaler in the bay that we saw pods of dolphins from, and a couple seals.

Most of all it was a relaxing time with my family, who really spoiled us and took care of us.

I am still a bit dazed about the citizenship, I think once I have my passport it will seem a little more real.

Arizona is gorgeous. What a strong Irish connection there is there, too, which was totally surprising.

Wow, sounds like a fantastic trip! Too bad your husband couldn't join you!

Yeah, it would have been wonderful if he could. We are thinking next time, if the family comes this way, rather than spend their time here at our house in Belfast, we all do one of those package holidays in Spain together. This way, my husband can go, we have our own wee family holiday, and everyone gets to laze around on the beach. Depending on the package, it won't be that much more than what it would cost for my folks to come over and spend a couple weeks in Ireland. Which reminds me to start looking them up online, lol.

Yeah, it would have been wonderful if he could.

Maybe next time?

Although Spain might be a better option.  Good luck!!

we all do one of those package holidays in Spain together. This way, my husband can go, we have our own wee family holiday, and everyone gets to laze around on the beach.

Ohhhh, that sounds like a fantastic idea!  I'm glad you had such a good time with your family.