She's a Grand Ole Flag

"America! America! America!" the kids shouted from the back seat for each flag we passed on the road. The street was lined with flags, like the 4th of July, so the car remained noisy.

"Is the president coming?" B asked sincerely. "Dad, is the president coming down this street?"

Nope, that is in our other country. When a city puts up flags it means that the king is coming. We've even waved to him once or twice.

We love flags. E said today that he wants 3 flag stickers on his water bottle--USA, Spain, and our couscous country. Flags. They truly are emblems of the lands we love!

"When I go to America...

...can dad and I go to blocks...mocks...socks...fox?" muttered J (age 8)

"Do you mean Blockbuster?" said a surprised E (age 10)

That was it! And I thought that he was quoting Green Eggs and Ham!

Kids are excited

Our little H, returning "home" but yet leaving "home"

This is the first time we have been back to the states in 2 1/2 years. It's been funny to hear their different comments and the small details they remember--

B (the eldest) "I can't wait to explore Grandpa's basement. There is so much to look at down there! Remember he always has all of that pop down there that is diet--has zero written all over it? I want to drink root beer every night!"

J (age 8)"I want to eat at the place that has the face on it." We hemmed and hawed over this one! Then finally--Wendy's! Sure enough! I could go for a good bacon cheeseburger too! That led us to a whole discussion on Subway, "honey whole wheat bread," Cracker Barrel, etc. These are things that were stored in the recesses of their little brains, not talked about for years!

I noticed that my little JP remained silent. He was only 3 when we came over and doesn't have memories like this. H was excited about the airplane. Ah, the life of a third culture kid--a kid who calls two countries home but yet really doesn't "belong" to either culture.

So, our first time "home" might give our crew some surprises! Will you pray for them?