We made it through the wilderness, yeah we made it throuuuughhh!
Obviously, the wilderness is 7 months of basement lockdown and 2.5 years away from home.
“Shitney & Wayne” – thanks, TB!
Honestly, traveling during the pandemic wasn’t as bad as I expected. We needed a negative covid test, which is a requirement to enter the United States. Plus, when we left for America, we had both vaccine doses, but it hadn’t been two weeks since the second dose, so we weren’t yet considered “fully vaccinated.” This was no problem since testing is free and on every other corner in Munich. Masks were required, which we expected and, quite frankly, liked. The only noticeable difference was the availability of stuff to do in the airport in Munich (most everything was closed), a long line to get to our gate (an extra check for the negative test and a valid reason to enter the U.S. as tourists are still not allowed), and reduced food and drink service on the flight (only one wine for me).
Overall, it was quite easy!
This time, we had about 3.5 weeks at home, split between both families and friends. From this point, this post is basically just a bunch of pictures.
Part 1: The Crosson Crew
The Crosson/Christopoulos crew met us full force as soon as we stepped off the plane… all 15 of them! It was a lovely (albeit slightly overwhelming, no offense, of course 🤪) start to our trip, and they were a great welcome home gang!
After that, we went to a baseball game, tried new restaurants, played on the lake, and basically fit in as much as we could while we could.
Finally got to meet Sis & TB’s pup, Tammi Lynn Michelle Obama Sipes.
Part 2: The Wrights
As usual on trips home, Shane and I were only together for about a week, and he’s really bad at taking pictures. So, it’s a good thing my mother-in-law arranged for some family photos.
Part 3: Friends
As expected, there’s never enough time at home, but we were lucky to be able to fit in a few friend trips.
3/4 of the soul, but Brit was with us in spirit! 
Bestiessss!
Like most, the pandemic gave us time to do a lot (too much?) thinking. We’ve always justified living abroad because “we’re only a flight away.” For over a year, the pandemic dictated otherwise, which made us particularly appreciative of our time at home and the friends and family who made the effort to come to see us or check-in while we were in America.
What have we learned? While we love living abroad, two years away is too long. đź’—
Up next? Chicago!… where we spent our final few days in America.
TschĂĽss,
The Shwits 
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