Christmas Recap...

From runny noses to family car trips, Mexican food to peanut butter and MUCH more in between my Christmas break couldn't have been more complete. 

My flight home started off with my first flight delayed which meant every flight after that was delayed too. Thankfully I had time in my layovers to run (literally) to catch the next flight. My stops included Frankfurt and Philadelphia. Small world: while I was waiting at the gate in Philadelphia, I heard my name being called. turns out it was an old friend from church and we were in the same family group for mission trip (to Europe ironically). Our parents are in the same Sunday School class at church. 

The first few days at home gave me time to catch from jet lag, slowly recover from a cold and run a few errands. Thank you to the genius bar at the apple store for retrieving all my files and pictures because my hard drive crashed mid December. Mom and I went to Costco and I was caught off guard by how they took everything out of the cart before the item is scanned and put it back in your buggy. (One time I just put my basket on the belt at the grocery store in BP and the lady just stared at me. She would not begin scanning the items until I took everything out of the basket.) When I was at Walmart, I was had forgotten about the varieties of one product. Example, I wanted to buy Goldfish for the kids to bring back and there were at least seven different kinds, I went with the original, ha. 

On Christmas Eve, Mom, Dad, Sarah and I spent the evening together and opened presents. they finally got to open their gifts I brought them back. 

Mom's handmade nativity scene from the Budapest Christmas market

GF flavored oatmeal and my favorite cereal :) 

Christmas Day we drove to Shreveport, Louisiana to my Uncle Ralph and Aunt LaVeta's home for delicious Christmas lunch and opening presents. We spent the night my wonderful Aunt Melba in Alexandria and then headed to Lake Charles and DeRidder, Louisiana to spend the day with more family. 

We drove back to Texas on Thursday and Sarah had a minor surgery on Friday. Her wound had not been healing correctly from appendix surgery in August. She is one tough cookie! 

Saturday included lunch with Jenn, Katie and Sarah. We have all been friends since Jenn and I were in the fourth grade and Sarah and Katie in the sixth grade. Our friendship means so much to me and it was such blessing to all be together for a sisters lunch. 

Dad and I drove to Arkadelphia Saturday night and had the pleasure of staying with the Teeds. Liz came over and we all got to catch up around the fire. We went to Fellowship Church and the Teed's hosted us and the Quick's for lunch. I am so blessed by their friendship and thankful ate lunch together with the Quick's. Sadly I didn't take any pictures. 

On my way back home passing through Texarkana, my dear friend Nikki and I caught up at Starbucks. She has a beautiful heart for teaching and will be getting married very soon! 

Monday was a day for packing and an open house. We had many wonderful neighbors and friends come by to visit and see me. I got to share a few pictures and share about some neat experiences. 

Tuesday I departed the great state of Texas and had the same route that I flew over on and arrived on the second. None of my flights were delayed and was stopped for them to check electronics in security and got a new stamp in my passport. The man checking my passport was very friendly (especially for being around 6 am) and wished me a Happy New Year.