Ryan's first trip to the USA!

Last Monday, we returned from what was most definitely the most exciting and emotional trip of my life.  We spent 3 1/2 weeks in Connecticut with Ryan.  It was so awesome! 
Ryan was a super, wonderful, amazing baby the entire time, which started on the airplane.  He was fantastic on both the flight from Stuttgart to Frankfurt, as well as the flight from Frankfurt to New York.

We received tons of complements once we landed at JFK about what a fantastic baby Ryan was the entire flight.  Way to go little man, we're so proud of you!

Of course, the trip was only to get better from here.  We got to my dad's house, and well, it was a mutual love fest.  Ryan loves Grandpa, and Grandpa loves Ryan.  It was so wonderful, touching, and heart wrenching to see my dad with Ryan, knowing that I live so damn far away.  Its the being far from family that is the toughest for me about living abroad.

From the first of June, it was a "meet everyone" fest for Ryan, and he did incredibly well.  Obviously, Ryan met his Grandma Cheryl and Auntie Gigi the next day.

And, he was welcomed as the newest member of the "Bruegger's Crew," which is funny as the group is primarily retired guys :)

As the days went on, Ryan got to meet a bunch of other awesome people.  Some family, and some of Mommy's friends.  

 Mommy's long-time friend, Emily

 Meeting Aunt Terry, Uncle Ed, and Laurie

 Ryan meeting his cousins

 Ryan meeting more family

Ryan's first encounter with a cat, Lucy!

Of course, we also got to spend time with Aunt Karen, Jeff, Kaethie, and Elizabeth, but sadly, we can't seem to find the proof of this.  Ryan also got to meet Mommy's friend Monica and her new little baby.  

Besides all the exciting faces, there were tons of exciting places too!  Beyond the airport, Ryan had tons of new experiences in his other home country.

 He arrived in New York sound asleep, and in his jammies.

 Every Connecticutician must go to Stew's!

 At the New England Air Museum

 Enjoying a little lamb for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel

 Rediscovering his German roots at Old Heidelberg restaurant

 First trip to the beach

An afternoon at Captain's Cove Seaport

 Shopping!

And if that wasn't enough, Ryan also had a busy time supporting the German national team playing in the European Cup.

 As always, our time was too short though, and we ended up running out of time to see everyone we wanted to see.  And, I'm sure Ryan and Grandpa wanted to spend lots more time together.  But also, Ryan had so many "firsts," and just like all our other experiences, I'm so glad I was able to share this wonderful experience with my little boy.