The little reminders of home.

I love my mom.

I love my dad.

I love my brother.

I love my puppy-dog.

 I have the best family in the world.

I have been having a great couple of days. The kind that make you stop and appreciate everything you have, how blessed you've been, and how much you still have to experience in life.

On Sunday I got to skype with my family (sans my dad) and seeing my little brother, with his adorable smile and seeing how much he has grown made me so homesick. I didn't realize how much I miss that kid. He is a really great brother, and I can't wait to return, tease him about girls and watch Psych with him. It also freaked me out that the next time I see him he will be graduating from high school! When did that happen? I know that a lot of my friends are planning on staying in Europe this summer to travel, but seeing my brother graduate is so much more important than seeing Big Ben. And Europe will still be around for a couple of years.

A letter from my grandma arrived for me today. It made me smile, because she always includes little details like what she needs to make for lunch, and what grandpa did/didn't do, so I always feel like I am sitting on my couch listening to her tell me stories as we watch Mystic Pizza for the 37th time or crying while we listen to Frank sing. It's the little things that I always remember and treasure.

I am sad every time I have to say goodbye to my family, but I will be home in 125 days and that is not enough to do everything I want to do. But I will bring back so many stories to share with them.

P.S. My host family says it's supposed to snow tomorrow!! Like a foot! Unfortunately, living in the Alpes, they do not close school for snow. I will just have to make snow angels in between classes then.


P.P.S. I heard a family friend is having another baby! Congratulations! I am sure this one will be just as sweet and precious as the rest. And it is due when I get home! Can't wait to babysit!