I am not funny, China is funny.: 2014

Miracle Strip Amusement Park was the place to go in the summer when I was younger. My nights there would be filled with laughs as we rode rides like the Log Flume and Dante’s Inferno. Some of my best belly laughs came while riding the Musical Express! All was fun and games until my cousin, Amy, wanted to ride the roller coaster. “Come on, Chryssa, you’ll like it.” Truth be told, I hated every moment in the forever long line and the anticipation as the coaster climbed each steep hill. As I departed the ride, even though my hands ached from holding on so tight, I still managed a smile.

Since March, my time in the states has been a little like those moments at Miracle Strip. I have watched beautiful sunsets and had great belly laughs as I have caught up with friends and family as we reminisced over old memories and made some new. I was there to welcome my new nephew just a few days ago. What a special gift! My “hold on tight” moment came when Tony’s mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May. As frightening as that moment was for all of us, she has pulled through and doing better than we could ever imagine! Our roller coaster ride continued as our place of residency came into question. In June, it became pretty clear that Texas was not going to be our home…at least not at the moment. We became hopeful for a project in Raleigh, NC. Unfortunately that fell through. It now looks like our family will be relocating to the Philippines. The kids and I will head to Clemson for the start of school while Tony awaits final word on our move. And so the roller coaster ride continues. Hey, maybe I will like it…and manage a smile.

Here are a few pictures to highlight our summer

Noah, Kendall, and Hannah Grace doing one of their favorite summertime activities.

A baby shower for my fabulous sister!

Hannah Grace and Giggy just days after the brain surgery.

Hannah Grace's 8th grade dance

Auburn Basketball Reunion

Florida vacation

Everyone loves to hear Uncle Bill's stories!

Happy July 4th!

Hannah Grace's big catch...all on her own!

Putt-Putt with the cousins

I just loved that this belly laugh was caught on camera!

Introducing Micah Ellis Moore!

“Sappy.” That is how my child described his emotions during our last few days in Bulimba. Ellis walked into the kitchen one morning and said, “Mom, I am feeling sappy.” When I asked what he meant, he replied, “Well, I am sad to leave my friends here, but I am happy about going back to the states.” Yep, I felt sappy, too. While we had so much to look forward to in the states, the thought of saying goodbye to our dear friends tore at our heartstrings. Quite honestly, I know it was our last good-bye for many of them. Over the Christmas holiday, one of my favorite childhood friends asked me, “Are you really that happy or is that your Facebook life?” I got a good chuckle because she would totally be the one to call my bluff, but there was no bluff to be called. As happy as I was for a year and a half, I was just as sad those last few days. I try to remind myself that I am one lucky girl to have experienced the Bulimba lifestyle. I am even luckier to have encountered such wonderful friends. So, thanks to my precious Rosie, “Until I see you again my friend, until I see you again…”

Now bear with me as I post some of my last moments in Bulimba.

I know this is fuzzy, but I love this crew!

The awesome foursome, minus Joy. See you in Paris, girls!

One of the things I will miss the most is walking Ellis to school. Here is Ellis with one of my favorite "Lollipop Ladies".

Dinner at the Customs House, my favorite restaurant.

Our fabulous neighbors, Gwyn and Lynn. On one of our last nights, he made a FEAST of steak, hamburgers, and sausages. I am not kidding! That doesn't include Lynn's variety of fabulous sides!

Hannah and Hannah Grace at Max Brenner's. Hannah was our first sleepover guest in Australia. What a doll!

Ellis had a handful of good Bud's. Here he is with one of them.

I loved the fresh squeezed juices and homemade lemonade! I didn't get a picture of my juice, but here is my favorite lemonade!

My dear friend, Jen. Sorry you had to miss work...not really.

Catching up with Katie at Custom's House. I told you it was one of my favorite places!

Oh, how I will miss those sunsets!

Our lawn bowling friends, the Gelaudes. I don't remember who won our last match. Haha!

The children got in on the action, too.

My Monday morning walking buddy, Erica. Our last trip up Main Street. The picture doesn't do it justice. This hill is STEEP!

A spur of the moment visit with Rosie and Stefania.

I am hoping I will see you in Canada!

One of my many scrabble dates with Amy. Say what you want, we had fun!

We will have to settle for Words With Friends for now.

Last Bunco: Funny enough, this picture was taken before the wine!

Our last Aussie lunch with the Gelaudes. See you in Houston!

Hannah Grace and Bri. Many tears were shed when Hannah Grace had to say goodbye.

Last play with Jakob, Lucas, and Tom. Here they are climbing the Memorial Park trees-Ellis's favorite!

Jakob's mom was so kind to bring along some treats.

I am not sure what they are doing here, but I love it! I still get teary-eyed when I think about the fun Ellis had with these boys!

My friends and I gathered for a wonderful lunch before I left. They gave me this beautiful Bulimba painting and a Stephanie Alexander cookbook. One day maybe I will be able to sit down and read their notes without shedding so many tears!

Forget the tissues, I brought a whole roll of toilet paper!

Toni and Jen, cracking me up. Don't they blend right in to the picture?

This is a perfect Erica and Rosie picture! Erica has a fabulous laugh and I LOVE that Rosie is ready to knock me out for taking so many pictures!

"Until I see you again my friends, until I see you again...."

Hugs to you all!

To ease the pain of leaving, we made a few pit stops on the way back to South Carolina. Tony’s parents met us in Hawaii for a few days of relaxation. They then took the children back to the East coast where they were able to watch my dad and his team participate in the NCAA tournament. Meanwhile, Tony and I had a few more days of bliss in Napa with friends that I adore (and that live much closer, I might add)!