Touching down in Houston after a year away brought different feelings—anticipation, excitement, and a little nostalgia. Knowing we’d soon be seeing family, friends, and, of course, the dogs. There’s something comforting about coming back to a place that’s become familiar, yet still has new surprises in store.
This time around, there’s something unique: we’re here in September, which is a first for me. I’ve never experienced Louisiana during this time of year, so I’m excited to see what autumn has in store—hopefully, I’ll catch a glimpse of some wildlife.
What’s also a first is to leave Cas back in Sweden with my parents for three weeks! God I hope that goes well.
Our three-week trip is a blend of revisiting places and diving into new experiences. We’re staying with Maggie’s family in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where she grew up. There’s a certain charm to being here, seeing her so naturally at ease, surrounded by people and places that have been part of her life for years. That’s something I miss when we’re back in Sweden—seeing her this comfortable, in her element.
The last leg of our trip will take us to Georgia to meet her grandma. That’s new territory for me, and I’m looking forward to it. As a bonus, we’ll be heading to the Georgia State Fair, which promises to be a lot of fun. I’m not quite sure what to expect, but I’m sure it’ll be a highlight!
A Sense of the Familiar, but with a Twist
While there haven’t been any major “firsts” yet, there’s a certain shift in how this trip feels. And specially for Maggie I belive. Knowing we’ll be heading back to Sweden soon gives everything a slightly different vibe—like a mix of familiarity and a quiet awareness that we’re just visitors here, for now. It’s a strange feeling, being both at home and not.
What’s Next
The next few days are already shaping up to be busy but full of good times. Maggie’s best friend and her twins arrived yesterday, and they’ll be staying with us for the rest of the week. By the weekend, more of her friends will join, and we’re gearing up for a big get-together. It’ll be all about reconnecting, celebrating, and just enjoying time with the people who matter most.
Before we head back to Sweden, we’ll make that trip to Georgia to see Maggie’s grandma and then fly out from Atlanta. The journey feels short and long at the same time—there’s so much packed into these three weeks, yet it’s already flying by.
Looking Ahead
I’m not sure yet how many travel tips I’ll have to share in future posts—this trip feels more like a chance to soak in the moments and reflect. But I’ll definitely be sharing updates and experiences as we go. It’s shaping up to be a memorable few weeks, and I can’t wait to see what else this trip has in store for us.
