Coming to America

Coming to Florida definitely made me feel I’m already in America! Last week, being in Hawaii didn’t make me feel that at all!

Last week we were in Hawaii for almost 6 days – beach bumming, sight seeing, driving around O’ahu Island and meeting dear hubby’s younger brother Tom and his friends. We had a great time, a few sunburn – a great tan for my white hubby and son! However, the hotel we stayed in and even the crowd in the tourist spots in Hawaii were filled with mostly Japanese people and other Asians (Filipino). I had to speak a few Japanese during my stay in Hawaii and I’ve heard a few Tagalog being spoken around. It is fair to say (write) that this made our transition easier, but I definitely wasn’t expecting that.

2 Generations
Tom, Matthew and Micheal
Taken on June 9, 2008 Hawaii

And then we came to Florida. Still jetlag, Matthew caught colds on the way here. We had difficulty trying to sleep at night and keeping awake during the day – and of course, keeping Matthew comfortable! Even mealtime is kind’a messed up – going hungy at inappropriate hours of the day and night.

But my in-laws are so gracious at our arrival! They certainly made us feel so at home. They prepared a cozy room for us to stay in their home and they are doting Grandma and Grandpa to Matthew. They toured us around the area, like dear hubby’s high school, a few churches and of course… Walmart.

Seeing Grandma and Grandpa for the first time.
Grandma Sally and Grandpa Leonard with Matthew at the Airport, Taken on June 14, 2008, Tampa, Florida

We’ve also met a few family and friends from the area. They are so happy to see dear hubby back for he hasn’t come back to his hometown for 8 years until now.

Dinner at Aunt Rosie and Uncle Greg’s Home
Aunt Rosie, Michael, Matthew and Uncle Greg, Taken on June 15, 2008, Florida