Last updated on March 4th, 2024 at 08:20 pm
It’s a cliche, I know but there really is no place like home. I understand for many that may not be true but for me there is no place on earth that is more beautiful, more full of love, and more full of amazing family and friends. It is SOOO good to be HOME!
It has been a very busy first week here, showing the kids all around and people stopping by to meet them. Not to mention with the 4th of July celebrations only days after we arrived we had to put our jet-lag on the back burner and a smile on our faces. There was no time to rest and get settled. It took until today to even unpack all our stuff, get organized and we have been here six days now.
Home gives me a feeling of comfort. I have so many amazing childhood memories here, and adventures I went on that will stay with me forever. Now, to have the chance for my kids to experience those very same things and make new memories here as an adult and as a family is priceless (another cliche, I am full of them here).
I grew up in Northern Idaho in a very small town called Bonners Ferry. Or as my Seattle friends call it, hickville! It literally is in the middle of nowhere. To make it even more seclusive my parents live outside of the town about 38 miles into the mountains, along side a river. It is beautiful and stunning, yes, but there is no grocery store to run to for wipes or milk if you run out. It’s a 45 minute drive for that emergency baby medicine or that chocolate bar you have a craving for. So being out here with kids you have to plan wisely and be prepared for anything.There are bears, moose, deer, elk, cougars, and all sorts of other wildlife out here that you need to be on the look out for too. You don’t want to casually go for a walk with the kids and come face to face with one. It’s hot here, and I mean sit-in-it-for-an-hour-and-you-burn, hot, even if you are one of those lucky tanners. So you buy the sun block by the gallon size here. This is all home to me, but just wanted to set the scene for you all.
I was surprised how much I missed the little things too. The smell of the pine trees in the breeze, the sound of the river flowing outside my window at night, the sound of the train horn blaring through the night as it passes by, the smell of Momma’s home cooking, and most important having someone taking care of me again!
As a mother of two, I am constantly running around taking care of the kids, the house, the husband etc but the feeling of someone taking care of me again is heaven and I never thought I would miss it so much. My Momma is a super hero too. The woman can go nonstop from the moment she wakes up until she collapses on her bed at night. She has a knack for organizing things for us all and always knowing when we need a snack or a drink or best of all, a hug. I have really missed my Momma this past year since Missy Moo was born. It was the longest we went from not visiting since I moved to the UK and I hope it is never that long again. She is so much apart of my world and I only wish we lived closer together so we could always be together like this. She teaches me so very much about so many things. I am truly blessed to have her as my mother.
My father is no different. He has been the solid rock of the family since I can remember. It brings a smile on my face to watch him play with my kids and them look at him with such love and admiration as I have for him. Buba is practically glued to him since we got here. He calls him, “Pa-Pa!” but with a french twist. We have no idea why but it sounds hilarious. If I get a chance I will record it. It is the funniest thing ever.
It was only the second time my mother saw Missy Moo in person, and the first time my dad met her but it wasn’t long before she melted into both of them like butter. They are amazing grandparents and there is nothing not to love about them both. My children are so lucky as am I to have them in our lives. It was a bittersweet meeting at the airport when we arrived for sure!
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The 4th of July has been a celebration I haven’t had the chance to come home for since I moved. It was always a huge day for families so I wasn’t ever too upset missing it solo but now that I have kids of my own it’s the perfect day out. My friends drove over from Seattle with their little boy to celebrate with us. We all joined in all the festivities of making patriotic treats, watching the parade, riding the Redneck Railway Train, face painting, bouncy castles, fireworks and a big America burger for dinner. Buba was in awe of all that was going on, and I felt at home seeing all the flags flying everywhere and a small community coming together as one big family. It was great running into people I haven’t seen in forever and introduce them to the tots. It was also great to go back to the old play grounds where all the festivities were happening, and the one I used to play at growing up to see all that they have upgraded and redid. Buba was in climbing frame heaven with his great pal Axel in tote. They were two peas in a pod all week.
To make the most of my friends trip over from Seattle, as it is an eight hour drive, contrary to looking so close on a map, we went to Copper Falls near my parents house. It’s a beauty spot that we take all visitors too. A place to hike up to, play around, and take in the beautiful scenery around you. If there hadn’t been so many more Grizzly Bear warning signs then there used to be, I would have stayed longer to practice my photography but with the thought of trying to out run a Grizzly bear with a double stroller in flip flops I kept it a quick visit. The price we pay to see true beauty!
With the fourth of July week passed us now, my friends had to go back to Seattle where I will join them again at the end of August there. It was a great week together and I am so grateful they made such a long trip with a little one to spend some quality time with us.
The fun didn’t stop there, there was family to catch up with that were camping nearby at Twin Rivers. Many of my cousins, second cousins, aunts and uncles were there who have never met my kids so I was excited to go. It was a hot day, as most days are here, all summer long. We packed our picnic dinner, swimming gear, extra dry clothes and headed for the campground. I think the kids were a little overwhelmed by all the other kids as a lot of my cousins are younger and they all excitedly stood around my two as soon as we pulled up. The questions started immediately…. “do they have an accent?” and “what do they like?” and “can they swim?” it went on. But it didn’t take long before Buba had all the girls doing everything for him and fit right in. Missy Moo was a lot harder to crack and didn’t leave my side much but it was still great to show her off to family that have never met her. It was a gorgeous afternoon swimming, having dinner together on picnic tables, and catching up. I have said it a thousand times but it’s so good to be home.
As you can see we have been very busy in our first week back home to the USA! I am so happy to be able to share this amazing place on earth with all of you. Show you where I grew up and you to get to know more about me and my American family! I will be sharing all my state side adventures over the next two months while I am here and when we head off to Seattle too. Catch me on Instagram for a daily feed of American way of life! If you ever get a chance to visit the west coast, do it! You won’t be disappointed.
Looks like you’ve had an amazing first week back! 4thJuly celebrations sound aawesome and the kids are clearly in their element 🙂 must be fab to have that kind of life just waiting for you any time you want to go visit #MagicMoments
Yes it really is especially when you have had enough of it all. It’s a great place to escape to pure happiness.
Wow you have such a lovely family and your family home is really gorgeous. Despite it being so secluded I bet it was a really lovely childhood. I love the surround area, it looks amazing. And so good to hear Bubba and Missy Moo have clicked with your parents instantly. Sounds like you’re having a wonderful time!
It couldn’t be better. I love it here with the kids. It was a great childhood. Thank you.
I empathise with so much of this as I’m really close to my family and we were living away in New Zealand when my son was born. Looks like you are having an amazing though. Enjoy every moment xx
Yes making up for lost time for sure. It’s so hard having little ones and living so far away from them all.
Wow Jenny, your home looks absolutely stunning. You’ve done do much already in your first week. Funnily enough hubby and I have revelry discussed seeing more of America and the west coast looks right up our street. Have fun and look forward to reading more about your adventures
Yes it’s a beautiful side of America there is so much to see and do on the west coast. You should definitely do it sometime.
Apologies for typos! Stupid iPhone and big fingers!
Haha no worries.
Happy to hear you’re having a wonderful time in the US. Looks like a truly magical place to have grown up and it’s so lovely that Missy Moo & Buba are getting to experience all of this too. Here’s to a summer filled with making great memories. Love the photos x
Thank you so much Izzy. It really is magical here. So blessed I get to share it with my kids.
Wow it looks so beautiful there and so nice for you to spend this time with your parents. Just watch out for those bears!!! Enjoy xx
Haha I know they still scare me. Lol we will. So excited I get to be here for two whole months. Amazing.
Aww this post is so lovely, your family home is actually stunning! I had no idea that you lived so far out from anything convenient! But I guess that’s a good thing at times too. Proper privacy and those views….beautiful. I cannot wait to keep up to date with your stateside adventures. xxx
Thank you debs. It truly is stunning here and I am so happy to be sharing it with my kids mr p loves it here too. A great place to escape to
Ohhh Jenny I actually got a little teary reading this post. I can really feel how happy you are to be home it’s so lovely! Also your parents place looks absolutely stunning what an amazing place to grow up those views are perfection….danger from the wildlife brings an extra spice to it!! That feeling of being home with your parents really is unbeatable I am excited to have that too in just two weeks (eeeeek!!!!). I bet the busy-ness of your first week has probably helped you all with the jetlag by not having time to think about it!
So pleased your having a wonderful time!!! Xxxxx
Oh I am so glad you get to go home soon too. It’s an amazing feeling. Glad you liked the post was worried it was too long but wanted to share my first whole week home.
You are never going to want to leave!!!! I adore all these photos can’t wait to follow your trip this summer – LOVE the rice krispy treats!!!! xx
Thanks Lucy you are so sweet. It has been amazing so far and lots planned coming up to share.
How can you bear to leave! Sorry, that’s not very helpful is it, but it looks and sounds wonderful. I’m so glad you’re all having a lovely time 🙂
It’s always really hard to go back to the uk but that is where my hubby and house is so I just think of not living out of a suitcase and it semi helps. But it’s hard to leave for sure. Even my husband finds it hard to leave. Lol
Aww I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you to live so far away from your family Jenny, I don’t think I could do it 🙁 Looks like you’re having an amazing time there and making some great memories for the kids, looking forward to reading more of your US posts 🙂 xx
Thank you. It really is hard but only became extremely hard when I had kids. I am blessed I get to come home for two months though. Show my kids the American way lol
looks lovely! glad you had a brill time.
Thank you. We are having a blast.
Looks like you’re having an amazing time. Your parents home sounds idyllic and what an amazing place to live. Have fun with your family over the next 2 months and looking forward to hearing more 🙂 #whatsthestory
Thank you Cath. It truly is idyllic. I am so excited for all that we have planned over the next two months.
Just stunning, would you guys consider moving back? Love the photography too, so cinematic, only ever been to LA (which I love) so can’t wait to read more! x
Thanks Vicki. No I couldn’t live here with Buba’s allergies we would have to be nearer a hospital. It’s already nerve racking just visiting and being so far from a hospital if he needed it. But it’s amazing to visit but I love Seattle if I ever was to move back to the states I would want to move there!
Oh Jenny, you all look like you are having such an amazing time. I know just how you feel being back at home with everything so familiar. It’s so special to spend time with family when you are so far away. Absolutely love that last photo of you and Missy Moo 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more about your trip x
Thank you Sara. I know you know how I feel. It’s hard but so wonderful to be back home. Best feeling in the world.
awww Jenny I am so pleased you’re having such a fantastic time back home, this time is so very precious saviour every moment x
thanks for linking up with #Magicmoments x
Thanks Jaime, it truly has been so very magical and amazing to have my kids where I grew up and be with my family. Thanks for hosting.
Wow, what an incredible place to have grown up! Just wonderful seeing so much beauty and that was where you called home! Sounds like you have had a busy but fantastic first week back and I look forward to reading more about your trip! xx #magicmoments
Thanks Caroline, hope you are feeling good and bump too! We are having a blast here. It’s so great to be home with my kids for sure. I can’t wait to share more with everyone but trying to switch off and enjoy it too. lol
Ah this made me a bit emotional, it must be so lovely seeing all your family and being home. Looking forward to more posts, it looks amazing where you are! x
How wonderful to be back home with your family and friends. It is a truly beautiful place, no wonder you miss it so much. Lovely photos of you and your family having a wonderful time getting to know the children and catching up. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
Yes of course. Thank you for the lovely comment and I am sure being out in the woods we will be linking up often. Lol
I feel so excited for you Jenny and I can’t wait to see more of your adventures at home. I don’t know what I would do without my Mum close but I suppose the silver lining is that it is extra special when you do go home and you can appreciate everything all the more. Enjoy your summer x
You have been very busy! Fabulous surroundings. Can’t wait to see more of your trip. The UK misses you x
Thanks hunny, hahaha UK misses me, you are too funny. It does feel weird blogging on a tuesday night and talking to people that are living wednesday morning. lol Time difference is throwing my Share With Me linky. lol We have been very busy busy, but that is typical of our visit here. Our two months isn’t enough for all that we have planned and there are few days we aren’t out and about meeting up with people and going on adventures. It’s crazy. I will need two months to recover. lol
What a wonderful place to grow up! I’ve never been to that area, but I’ve heard often how beautiful it is. Glad you’re having such a great time!
Thanks hunny. Yes it’s stunning up here. If you ever get the chance take it and bring a camera!!! Lol
That is just jaw dropingly beautiful – what an amazing part of the world to grow up in and no wonder you want to show it to your little ones! Sounds like a perfect start to an idyllic holiday!
Yes it truly is Carie. I wish I would have been more grateful for it all when I was here. Lol
This made me feel a little emotional Jenny, you can just tell from your words just how happy you are to be home. And what a beautify home it is, it is just stunning and your family look so lovely. I bet Bubba and Missy Moo are in their element, as are you. I can’t wait to read all about your adventures this summer. Please take lots and lots of photos! x
Oh thank you Katie I am trying but got a bit discouraged with how bad my photos have been turning out lately. Need to sit down and have a tinker. Want to capture great moments but find it hard to choose all settings get the photo right all while trying to get my kids to look forward lol
It sent before I was done. Yes being home has been so great, very emotional as I wish my family could be around my kids all the time. So it’s hard to know this is only for the summer and then have to wait another year. I love showing them where I grew up and all the American things here! I am excited to be able to share it all with everyone too!! Lots more adventures to come.
Oh gosh Jenny its just breathtaking! I’m not surprised you miss it when you are not there. Such a lovely posts with so many happy memories it almost made me shed a tear – i said almost! 😉
Glad you are having such a fabulous holidays lovely xxx
Thanks hunny. It’s been absolutely amazing! I am really enjoying it. Will be so hard to go back to the uk. Lol
Wow what a busy first week. Your family home looks amazing and I am so glad you are having fun and being looked after x
Thank you aby. We are having so much fun. It’s been an amazing first week. Very busy indeed. Second week not as busy but many more adventures to come.
Wow! It looks like you had a fantastic week back in the states. Very busy and very satisfying, I bet. I hope you get some time to unwind and relax while still going on adventures with your family and little ones.
Maria
cmntsblog.wordpress.com
Thanks Maria, it’s always like that here. I usually have something planned everyday as I have a huge family and it’s hard to see everyone if I dont. But we love busy and loud so it’s perfect for us but makes two months go in seconds. It’s amazing being home though.
Absolutely stunning and beautifully written post. I can’t wait to see more of your USA adventures xx
Thanks Michelle. It’s been amazing and I am looking forward to all that we have planned.
Oh wow Jenny what a post! Sounds like you’ve been having the most amazing time there and such fun too. Must be great for your family to missy moo and you’re having so many adventures. Love that someone else is going in a lake! Great post, thanks for sharing with #whatsthestory
Thank you Charly for your lovely comment and hosting. Yes I am so blessed with a great family and it’s been absolutely amazing to be home and spend so much time with them all and with my own kids making memories here now too. No place like home!