vacation's all i ever wanted

          "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

           No joke, I had been looking forward to my Christmas vacation from July and on. I had planned out the whole thing, had a countdown going on in my phone and on Facebook, planned out my family’s gifts, and thought about it probably every single day at work. It was probably the most I’ve ever enjoyed the United States and simple things were so much sweeter.

            When I landed, we made a huge scene in the airport. I basically ran when I saw my family. I hugged my dad, sister, mom, brother, aunt, uncle, and cousins; we took up so much room we were asked to move over. We cried. Then 5 of my cell girls were there at the bottom of the escalator with signs. It was the most overwhelmingly awesome feeling. I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome home.

            The 12 degree weather was a real shock, but I love cold weather. Max the Husky was so excited to see us when we came in the door that he peed on the floor.

            Christmas was amazing. I had bought all the gifts in Saudi so long ago that I was dying for my family to see them. Mom cooked the traditional Christmas breakfast I was used to, and the peppermint mocha coffee creamer was better than I had remembered.

            I was so happy just to be with my family, joke with them, tell them stories, show them videos, and hug my grandma. I got to see my family in Jonesboro, and still be home for New Years. We spent New Years Eve with my parents’ friends (who are super cool) and Joe’s girlfriend, Miranda, who built a killer tent in the downstairs.

Hit up the mall with my girl Gran to find some quality sales, including $80 Gianni Bini shoes that I paid $22 for. Aunt Sara found me a great $10 dress, and Gran was a rascal the whole time. I spent 2 straight hours catching up with one of my oldest friends Falon. (You know the feeling when it has been a long time, but you feel like nothing changed?) 

Let’s see what else?? Sleepover at Gran’s house with the cousins and my brother and sister. Guess who threw me a surprise birthday party?? Gran! I enjoyed stuffing my face with all of my favorite foods. AND it snowed!!

So many people showed me how much they care! I was constantly getting asked when I was free to hang out. Nicole flew from Cleveland to see me! Julie drove from Memphis, Cary Beth from Little Rock, and the ice got in the way of Elizabeth and I meeting in Tulsa (but we still made it happen in Dallas). Did I mention Julie bought me a Monster cookie from Rick’s? It was just like the old days in college (and high school).

My sister and I made a great Instagram video of how to make snowcream. My family went to Genghis Grill (one of the best places ever!) I went to a movie and got the giant popcorn. And my mom finally made those famous lemon cookies. Sarah and Sam from my old cell group had dinner with me at Jose’s. Sam doesn’t like Mexican so she got a burger! Haha. Bethany Craft chased me down more than once to hang out :)

We all got sad towards the end. Dad, Natalie, and Gran asked off of work. Joe skipped cell group, chapter, and discipleship to stay home for the last couple of days. My mom was off the whole time! My uncle and aunt had us over. It was just a perfect 3 ½ weeks. It wasn't goodbye, it was "until next time" as my grandma said.

I couldn’t be more blessed!