We're back!

Well, we're back in the US...but not quite back in the central time zone. Miss Ellie is having a bit of a hard time with jet lag and has been up before 5:00 a.m. every day since we got back. In addition to the jet lag, she has a nasty cold and eye infection -- both of which she came down with the night before we left the UK.

After spending Boxing Day at Peter and Sue's (and enjoying yet another delicious meal!) and the 27th at a big Hirst family party, we drove down to London and stayed in a pretty posh hotel. We were so excited about the big, comfy bed, but we only got to enjoy some peaceful sleep for about three hours before Ellie was up screaming...and would only stop when she was brought to bed with us. She slept fairly well, but Damian and I experienced fists to the temple, kicks to the chest, etc., which made it slightly harder for us to sleep. The next morning, we were exhausted and very thankful for cartoons and a pacifier -- they kept Ellie happy enough to allow us to get ready and out the door. Totally enthralled by the TV:

Feeding Ellie was interesting -- she loved the freedom of sitting in a big girl chair and pretty much ate her entire meal while standing up.

So, although we are all tired and we already miss our family in the UK, we're glad to be home and confident that, at some point, we'll get some sleep!