Behind the Moon

Did you ever see the movie Apollo 13?  There's a bit where the astronauts - who are in a precarious position - have to orbit around the moon in order to use its gravitational pull to "slingshot" them back to earth.  Right before they go behind the moon, and out of radio contact with earth, one of the astronauts says to Houston, "See you on the other side." 

Kind of how I feel when we have Naomi here for a few days.  We love it, but I do feel disconnected from my "normal".  I know if we had a toddler around full time, we'd adapt to a new normal, but since she's only here for a visit, we put a lot on hold.

I mean, look at that face...  wouldn't you? :D

I tell Gunnar that God is preparing him to be an AWESOME dad, 

because he is so helpful with Naomi.

Actually he's great with kids in general, but the two of them have a special bond.

There was lots of playing in the bath,

(especially after playing in the mud puddles)...

... trying to slide on this slope by the stairs...

... snuggling with Gunnar and trying to talk him out of his watch,

(I know it's not a great pic of her, but I love how she's so completely relaxed in his arms)...

... watching people and animals go by...

(though she thought the deer were goats, and wanted to hug them... ???)

... and lots and lots of going to the park...

... actually, FOUR parks...

... because somebody could swing all day long.

She loved to take a pile of books over to the bottom step

(a just-her-size seat) by the window and 

"Read-a-book".

I'd offer to read to her, and sometimes she would accept,

but often she'd say, 

" 'self."

She was pretty excited about her very own little doughnut

at our favorite bakery.

Pink! With sprinkles!

Then, yesterday it was time to watch at the window for Daddy...

... and what a happy reunion that was!

So now we're sliding back into our normal groove.

Well, as normal as things ever get around here.

And looking forward to the next visit :D