Christmas, Part 1

Merry Christmas! Belated is better than nothing, eh? The last few Christmases for our family have been anything but normal. This was Jeremiah's & my first Christmas away from home, though. A unique twist. 6 of us Stateside siblings were able to get together at Jon's house for a Christmas brunch.

Bachelor's attempt at decorating for Christmas...

Lots of laughter going on~

Girls provided the food and the guys covered the drinks.

  

We tried to contain the trouble-makers :)

Snow Days

Prayer! It really works...not that I doubted it, of course. This girl has been praying for that lovely white stuff that falls from the sky during the winter season.

Snow imprint from my niece's shoe.

 

 

2 munchkins who had way to much fun at my expense (hint: snowballs). 

First snowman of the season. 

Yes, I know my sense of style is awful...but after not seeing snow for 4 years... : )

 

Pursuit of Happiness

After 33 hours in transit, I finally reached my home away from home. Well, they say home is where the heart is and I'm beginning to believe it. Though Africa is my home, 4 little munchkins in Maryland stole my heart at first glance. Meet my nieces...Madelyn (right) Meredith (center), Mikah (left), and Moriah (pictured farther down). Their antics never cease to amaze me. Mikah's sleepy, "I love you, Tannie," melts me, Meredith's unending energy makes me slightly jealous, Madelyn's infectious giggle produces giggles laughs of my own, and Moriah's sweet-natured temperament keeps my sanity in check (it is possible, honest).

Got our first snow, much to everyone's delight

My sister babysits 2 other children on weekdays, creating a hectic, but rather fun atmosphere. Hence, the days fly by!

   

My sister, brother-in-law and nieces made the 3-4 hour trip up to my hometown in for a family Thanksgiving. All the stateside siblings, minus 1 were able to gather for pie that evening. Just a f.y.i....jetlag/reverse culture shock is brutal. Do not try to carry on a conversation when you're beyond exhaustion. Epic failure....you'd think I'd be used to this by now. 

Moriah Jayne. Love my girl!

Aron, Dea and I attended a church Christmas banquet one evening. Fantabulous time~

 

Mikah love wearing "silly hats". Even if it is a baby doll and not a hat.