Holiday Hustle

We're half way done with this adventure of living across the world, and one thing remains true... I love going home! The holidays were extra special this year partly because we hadn't really intended on going back to America. Initially our hearts and sights were set on traveling and utilizing the nearly three week break to see the world.

But then the reality sunk in: A) we can't honestly afford to travel for three weeks, and B) how do you celebrate Christmas without your family, and snow, the fresh pine smell of a real Christmas tree, or a well-written homily by a Father who pours his heart and soul into priesthood, and C) were we truly ready to wait 10 months before seeing our nieces, siblings and parents? No way!

So, we gave in to the children begging, and packed up the bags (six small jam-packed suitcases, shoved inside of six empty large ones... yeah, we've done this once or twice) and we made the 14 hour trek home.

Of course, half way through the flight, the in-air-wifi goes out, and we are stuck with three kids who don't have movies, or TV, or internet-based games available. Bring out the melatonin, and get everyone to sleep! Two of the three woke in time to start puking before the landing. Then once we got off the beloved plane, we find our luggage to have been lost.

Awesome.

With a little attitude adjustment, we kicked off the two weeks at home with a surprise visit to my sister and nieces -- they had no idea what was happening, and she nearly peed her pants. This was probably the best surprise I've ever given someone. Mostly because it was so needed, and such a blessing for myself to be able to see her ... and hug her ... and just hang out with her. It's been a shitty year.

View video at of the surprise at: https://youtu.be/NqW4EpQx5bI

We spent the next several days shopping and celebrating Christmas. It was everything I love about the holidays - the hustle and bustle, the wrapping, the hiding of gifts and sneaky secrets, the magic of Santa, the then the reminder of what the holiday is truly about. We were all together and it was amazing.

One of my favorite pictures from the week of Christmas is below. It captures a little about what it's like at my parents... sleepovers, cousins, games, wine, crazy kids (climbing furniture), surrounded by more gifts that anyone can imagine, and many - many - many smiles.

We visited with so many friends, and yet missed so many....

We squeezed in playdates, doctor appointments, and first haircuts with our favorite stylist...

And we even made Jarin's dream a reality. We attended the 2016 Rose Bowl, thanks to my amazing in-laws who kept the kids while we flew to California and back to cheer on our Hawks. The outcome was less than ideal, but this was a super fun experiences with some of my favorite people.

 

It was literally 8 flights in the matter of 2 weeks! Whew! For us, going home is full of adventure and always refreshing. 

But we love coming home too.