It was our first full year in India. That being said, we spent time all over the world. For more than six months Lady Hiva was in the United States for training to become a Diplomat. We were so happy for her and he accomplishment, but it was sad to not have her home with us. Thankfully, we have technology and we were able to have her on video call in the morning and evenings.
We also traveled to 19 different countries. We ate baguettes and croissants in France; we had brats in Germany; we at chocolate in Switzerland; we froze on the sea breeze of Ireland; we did a whirl-wind tour of the United Kingdom; we rode camels in Oman; we did a safari in Sri Lanka; ate pho in Vietnam; and many more!
Lady Hiva's mum got sick and passed away this year. That made an unexpected trip back home to Hawaii to celebrate her life with Lady Hiva. Dust had several cancer treatments and surgeries throughout the year. Both Little Muggles have grown taller and gotten smarter this year!
JANUARY
We visited family in Germany and then used that as a home base to tour several of the neighboring countries. We went to a few of the villages where ancestors lived. We celebrated Koala Bear in Europe with cousins. Then we ate burgers for her birthday in Saudi Arabia on our way back to India.
FEBRUARY
We found out that Lady Hiva had passed all the exams and interviews and was selected to be a diplomat for the United States. We were all so proud of her! We spent the month touring around Mumbai and finding hidden gems of places to enjoy.
MARCH
We celebrated Lady Hiva's big milestone birthday. We had to cancel our planned trip to the United Kingdom--she has always wanted to go to Ireland for her birthday--because her mum was not doing well and eventually passed away. Lady Hiva was able to go and spend time with her before she died. The two Muggles and I joined her for the funeral. It is always good to be home in Hawaii, but was a sad reason to be there. Dust had to go back to Singapore for more cancer treatments.
APRIL
We stayed home in India for most of the month. It got really hot and we needed to regroup after all the changes in the family over the last few months. The last week of April we finally made it to Ireland!
MAY
We started the month touring the United Kingdom after a trip in Ireland. We landed in Scotland and then drove down to Wales and finally saw England as we made our way to London. It is an understatement that we all love this country. Lady Hiva left us the last week of May to start her training in Washington, DC
JUNE
The Little Muggles and I tried to find a new normal in the home without Lady Hiva. Technology made it better, but it is not the same as having her home. They finished the school year and geared up for seeing their friends in a few months.
JULY
We spent the majority of the month in the United States with Lady Hiva! That was the best part. We flew to Orlando to surprise her there. (She was trying to go on a solo trip that we ruined!). We spent a week at Walt Disney World then made our way to Hawaii. This trip was different than any other trips back home. Lady Hiva's parents were gone. That was an odd feeling, but in some ways it was good because for the first time Lady Hiva came to the beach and did "touristy" stuff with us! We concluded our trip camping and 24th of July celebrations in Utah. Dust again had some more cancer tests and biopsies. Lucky Dragon had his birthday with all of us before Lady Hiva left again for DC.
AUGUST
The Little Muggles started school again. They were so happy to be back in school. We were counting down the days until she joined us. Dust had his milestone birthday and it was our Family's 15th Birthday! But it was sad because Lady Hiva was not here for either event. Dust and the Little Muggles went to Hong Kong for a quick trip. Ended up locked in a hotel the entire time due to a large typhoon.
SEPTEMBER
Lady Hiva came home! YAY! We were all so happy. We had 4 days together. We did a quick trip to Oman to ride camels and go cliff jumping into a wadi oasis. Then Dust left for more cancer treatments. The Muggles had a virtual piano recital. They both have grown so much in their piano skills.
OCTOBER
Dust was in Utah for a month of Cancer treatments. Lady Hiva and the Muggles celebrated Halloween. Lucky Dragon was a baseball player and Koala Bear was a Donald Duck Ghost.
NOVEMBER
Dust was able to come home. Lucky Dragon participated in an international swim competition representing his school. We had Thanksgiving dinners several times. Once in our home with neighbors and friends and then another time at a fancy hotel. It was an amazing season of gratitude.
DECEMBER
We had a busy month of friends and events. We went to Sri Lanka at the start of the month and loved seeing the animals on safari. We also all liked going to the gem and jewelry shops. We loved Christmas. This year we drew names gave each other gifts. We each received a gift that was purchased and another gift that was made. It was so much fun to see what every one created and bought for each other. Instead of other gifts, we went on a trip. We chose to go back to Hong Kong and actually be able to explore this time! Luckily, it was sans tropical storms this time!
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