United States Vacation Adventures - Part 1 Cincinnati

8/5/2018

BEST VACATION EVER

Family, friends, boating, canoeing, church families, cornhole, fourth of July, pick up trucks, mountains, dirt bikes, football, American food, game nights, hiking, grill-outs, movie nights, bonfires.... Some of the many things that made this trip the BEST VACATION EVER. There's nothing quite like being back home after 2 1/2 years and getting your fill of all your favorite things. I checked all my favorite foods, places, and activities off my list and am already looking forward to the next time I'm back in the States. #MERICA

This trip was a great reminder for Will and I of how many special people we have on the other side of the world that love and care for us. We got to see so many incredible people and were sad that there were many that we still didn't end up getting to see. Our hearts are full.

Below I've added a full video from our adventures in the Cincinnati area, along with many pictures!

A Grand Welcoming

It's no surprise that the Claibourne family goes big at airports to welcome loved ones. Setting foot on American soil after so long was amazing. Seeing my family was even better! Also extremely happy that my Thai brother, Richie, was able to join us for a few days!!

Fourth of July

When we decided to spend the summer in the States, I wanted to be sure that we were here for the 4th of July to celebrate this country that I love! Will and I had a blast playing outdoor games and picnicing with many old and new friends.

Food

I had a list of restaurants and foods I knew I had to get when we were back. We enjoyed so many of our favorite foods! (Some not shown here, including Skyline. That was our first stop! I also enjoyed lots and lots of bacon!!)

If you left America for a while, what restaurants or food would be on your "must have" list? Write them in the comment section at the end of the blog!

Friends

Grateful for the many people God has brought into our lives and that we got to see some of them in Ohio. Some are from high school, some from college, some from internships, some from church, some through basketball, etc. (Some are not pictures here) We are thankful!

Water Activities

Thanks to 4 different families, we were able to get out on the water on 4 different occasions. We enjoyed boating twice (knee-boarding, tubbing, and wakeboarding), swimming in a pool, and canoeing on a river!!

Family Photos

A special thanks to Brandi for taking these family pictures for us! Here are a few. (Just missing Evan)

Other Special Moments

Other special moments included hiking, visiting both my childhood home church and Cincinnati home church, enjoying beautiful sunsets, visiting Newport, going back to the place Will and I met (CCU), watching France win the World Cup, and enjoying a bonfire and smores. Many other moments weren't captured in pictures but they are memories and moments I'll never forget.