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Making Memories

September 27, 2018 by Payton and Grace Downing

For the roughly 3 1/2 years we lived in Asia Pacific, we were newbies. Or at least, that’s how it felt. Upon our return to the US, we’ve felt the same way, albeit to a lesser degree. I can speak English and navigate most cultural things here, but I still feel lost a bit. Where it gets really confusing is doing everything with a 3 year old. I decided early on that I wasn’t going to try to do any preschool type stuff (he’s been asking about reading a lot). He did learn to count to 10, but that happened by accident. I decided the best thing I could give him was to form good relationships with friends and family in our three homes, California, Michigan, and Colorado. Here are some things we’ve done along the way. I always think it’s kind of silly to post pictures of kind of normal things, but it helps to remind me how different things are for a third culture kid. So much of this stuff was only on the pages of books before he got here. Now it’s tangible and ready to be enjoyed! So here’s to making memories and enjoying new things!

So, you can’t really see the deliciousness, but it’s there. Fresh pressed apple cider and fresh doughnuts from Erwin’s Apple Orchard. Pure Michigan experience for sure. You can’t really see the yellow jackets dive-bombing our faces for the doughnuts. It added to the experience.

Finn has been waiting to ride grandpa’s forklift for a really long time. He enjoyed Uncle Aaron giving him the royal tour of the lock and safe shop. 

Great Grandpa Jack was one of Finn’s favorites. Grandma Rita passed away while we were overseas and it was hard seeing Grandpa and not seeing Grandma there too, but we were thankful for our time together, which included a trip over to Canada!

Riding on a tractor with Great Uncle Jerry

 

Meeting horse named “Finny”
The prize-winning stallion

Family at the firehouse. Finn was thrilled!
Grandpa Alan
First plate of chili cheese fries at the Coney Island.
Labor Day fun at Kensington Lake with the Aunties
When Aunt Ruth has to haul you out of the lake because you’re throwing sand
First date in a loooong time thanks to grandparents and auntie Hope. Brazilian BBQ was delish.
That day where he finally started to pay attention in Sunday School. Thanks to Ms. Sue for being so patient!
Riding the carousal at Greenfield Village with the cousins. Thanks Amy!

Seeing the Thunderbirds at the Airshow. Thanks Jay and Kim for a lovely time.
The City Museum in St. Louis was a great stop on our road trip. We might have sent him down a slide that was a little too scary, but he survived.
Classic American childhood experience, the Penny Pony

Ice skating. Chilly, but great fun with my sisters and friends.

Only one bump on the head, which seemed like a miracle. It does seem odd to put sharp blades on a kid and them put them on a slippery surface. haha.

Going through all these photos was a good reminder of how many blessings we’ve enjoyed even while it’s been hard to go through so many new transitions. God is good.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: family, Home Assignment, third culture kid, transitions

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