Bittersweet homecoming

It's always sad to leave. 

I love my brother and sister, I love spending time with the little nephews o'mine and I love being a part of the hubby's bubbly family. I love the palm trees and the sunshine, not the heat so much anymore. I love the food, but am craving a salad like crazy after that week long junk food binge-fest we were on. (You have to stuff your face with the foods you can't get where you live, ya know!). 

I disliked the area more than I thought I would, I feel like a lot of what was great about it growing up has changed. And while I love those big American personalities, I find I may have become a bit too Finnish to get into it. And I felt like a cynical wazoo the whole time! 

But all in all, it was a fantastic trip and I'm happy and sad to be back home. Good thing there are Koda Bears, Kissa panthers and Manta-faces to make it better. Oh and skype.

I took quite a few pictures of our whereabouts but not nearly as many as I thought I would. It's just harder to take pictures of your old hometown, I guess. Here are some to share though. :)

In between closely documenting the makeup and hair going-ons of the bride and her maids, I snapped some still lifes of everything available and mostly of these gorgeous shoes the bride wore. Ah, reminiscent of Cinderella!

(I can't believe I ever lived without this camera)

The hubby and I looked rather spiffy if I say so myself. :)

The amazing wedding cake.

I had a bit of a love thing going on with these chandeliers...

The super tasty dinner I ate. Yeah. I ate ALL that. Mmm, I would do it again, too!

It was just a really gorgeous and enjoyable wedding! I am so happy for the wonderful couple! :)

The next morning I took some pictures of the flowers taken home from the reception. So beautiful, makes me want to grab a paintbrush! (Speaking of which, I found a good deal for 10 small canvases so now I  have plenty to paint on!)

I also got to meet some new dogs; my sister-in-laws two (a Boston terrier and a miniature pinscher) as well as her husband's old hound. This picture makes me laugh, look at their expression when Charlie (seen below) got to come in the house and they stayed on the patio.

This is Charlie. He's a jack russell and my mother-in-law's. :)

I think this could possibly be enough of sharing for now? I still have a few pictures to share of my sister's house and flowers. You know me and flowers...

Thanks for reading! It's good to get a chance to blog again! :)