April to September

I've been busy.  A lot has been happening...mostly good things :)  Here are some highlights and also some fun things

Me at Indonesian Independence Day celebration

A large neighborhood celebration on the beach for Independence day
A popular activity is to grease a wooden pole with prizes on top.  A group of boys have to work together to get up said pole to claim a prize (yes....that IS a bra hanging on the top)

I'm sitting in my living room.....with a great view of my neighbors temple and their idols.
 They burn incense and give food offerings twice a day.  America has churches....Bali has these

This is called a "Jack fruit".....huge but delicious!!!!

Had a friendly competition with the staff on my base (about 60).....I WON!!

Going home to America!!!!
I couldn't believe how much leg room I had on a DOMESTIC flight....in Asia, my knees would be touching the front seat!  
Americans.....we have it nice here!!!!


My time in America
September - November

The other set of twins in my family......they reminded me SO much of how my twin and I use to be (hahah!!! ok, we're still like that :)  Friendly, love to cook, and LOVE to talk :)  I loved it!!!

I 

Some of my AWESOME Alabama family
(sorry Pennsylvania family....hope to see y'all next time) 

My dad and I have the same favorite dessert:
hot butter cake....with butter melted on top (and in the middle)

So, this shouldn't look weird considering the above picture.......
and yes.....that IS a whole piece of just butter

Got to finally see my cousin (who's like a sister) with my sister.....it was loud and wonderful
:)

FINALLY!!!!!!!!
After 7 long years....I got to go to the NC State fair....and eat!!!  
I ate the following (on 1 trip):
Roasted corn, hot dog, nachos, philly cheese steak sandwich, ice cream, another roasted corn, and I think a few other things I forgot about :)
By the way.....I'm literally skipping with happiness down the food streets

BEHOLD!!!!! 

The fried food board (at the fair)

How many things can YOU count???

My favorite band!!!!!
Amazing concert!!!
SOOOO many cowboy boots and rednecks.....my people!!!!

This is for my Asian friends
This is an all-you-can-eat food buffet
(salad section, meat section, vegetable section, and a dessert section)
This means I can pay one price, and eat as much as I want.  Yes, this is why Americans are fat :)

My new favorite activity.....target shooting.  

By the way, this is NOT a BB gun...it's an actual gun that shoots actual bullets.  Powerful and fun!!!!

Thanks Chris and Carrie making this happen!!!

My sister and I went to a Renaissance fair for Halloween......and THIS!!! 

is a roasted turkey leg!!!

A witch!!!! We found a  witch!!!!!

To end.....I encourage you all to follow this example :)  

I do :)

NEXT

Thanksgiving and my time in Russia!