Justin and I went on an adventure this Christmas. On December 23rd, at approximately 5:30 in the morning, we loaded up our luggage and our dog, Ellie, and we began the long drive to Michigan. And I do mean long. We made great time, and arrived in 12 hours flat. Ellie was so good in the car; sometimes we even forgot she was in the car with us. We really enjoyed being together, too- we talked, sang, laughed, and slept (well, he did). It was smooth sailing all the way there.
UNTIL...
No, just kidding. It really was a very enjoyable trip. :) Gotcha!
We arrived to find my parents' house empty. We had let Dad in on the surprise ahead of time, but nobody else knew, so no one was in a hurry to come home that afternoon. But, one after the other, they all came in, and were ecstatic to find us already there, two days earlier than we had originally planned. Mom's reaction was priceless. Justin and I were hiding behind the Christmas tree in the living room, and we heard the door open, followed by a high-pitched "Is Katie here?? ... That's Ellie, isn't it? Are they here?!?" (Our Ellie had been standing in the front bay window. She gave us away!) When we came out, Mom hugged us about 5 times in a row and said something like "I'm so glad you're here! I can't believe it! You're early! I thought we weren't going to see you for two more days! I can't believe you're here! Ohhh!!"
Our 9-day trip was a bit of a whirlwind. We spent time with my family, laughing and playing games and eating and taking pictures and laughing some more. We saw SNOW, which, of course, gave me the warm fuzzies. We saw old friends and made some new ones, and my siblings and I lead worship at the church my Dad pastors. We also attended the humongous Christmas party for my mom's side of the family (if you don't know, she is one of seven children, and the family is constantly multiplying!) It was such a huge blessing to be able to see everyone. We had a great time!
We also celebrated my most favorite time of the year together, and that was the best of all. Even though we aren't kids anymore, Dad read us "The Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve, and we each opened one gift. Christmas morning, Justin and I were the first ones up, and we woke everyone up to have breakfast and open presents. It felt just like my childhood, except that this time, my darling husband was there with us. :)
Our last day there was on New Year's Eve, and we rang in the new year with good food, hilarious party games, and of course, a midnight toast and some kisses.
I don't know why, but this trip was much more meaningful than some of the others we have taken. We always have a great time with my family, but this time I really savored every moment, and made mental notes about the family house, the family dog, and my hometown, which just happens to look its best underneath a blanket of fresh, sparkly snow.
Maybe it's because I have a feeling that 2010 is going to be big. I can't wait to see what God has in store.
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