Home for the Holidays

Before embarking on a crazy trek over the Atlantic for the holidays, we enjoyed a wonderful weekend in what feels like our European home, Wiesbaden. It felt just like old times attending the Squadron Christmas party and taking part in the Christmas market madenss. Although we hope to feel this way about our new home, it's quite comforting to know we are only a mere 2.5 hours away from this special place and many of our friends. The drive back North was pretty horrendous with the blizzard that hit Germany the night before our flight, and we weren't quite sure we were going to be able to make it to D.C. Although our flights were delayed and Dulles airport had been closed down the day before due to receiving over 20 inches of snow, we were the lucky ones who got through. We made it to U.S. soil and had a fantastic time playing in the mounds and mounds of snow over the next couple days in front of Jon's parents' house. We then headed down to the farm in North Carolina where we had tons of fun with Mark, Karen and Sam as well as the multitude of other relatives that live there.

It was my first Christmas with Jon's family and it was so much fun attending the local country church Christmas Eve Pageant and the infamous Christmas Night Hobbs gathering I'd heard so much about. There were over 35 people there and yet that was a small group! Quite different from the Catlin Christmases. We very much enjoyed the wonderful quality time we got with the family before embarking, yet again, down South on the 26th.

We arrived in San Antonio to spend a few days at the ranch and right away it felt like Texas with the sun shining and of course, no snow. After celebrating a belated Christmas, Jon and Jason became ranch workmen scheming up all kinds of projects. One of which was to build a massive bonfire from the dead wood they'd been cutting down. The whole fam took part in roasting smores and late night four-wheeler drives. It was such a blast and I can't believe we'd never done that sooner. I believe now it will not became a ranch Christmas tradition.

After four days at the ranch, we spent one night in BCS to stock up on DD pepperoni rolls, always a necessity when we come to Texas, and then on to Austin for New Year's. In order to avoid the crowds on New Year's Eve, we had our downtown extravaganza on the 30th and hung at Laurel and Jason's for the 31st. I can't think of any better way than to welcome the new year with the best of friends, who also happen to be family. Although it was stressful and hectic traveling transcontinentally over the holidays, it was so worth it to be able to have two Christmases with such incredible families. Oh, and to get our fill of Tex-Mex is also a mad bonus!