I'll be home for Christmas...

Last Friday, I clicked the heels of my red slippers together, closed my eyes tight, and when I opened them, I was in Kansas! If only it were that simple! If that were the case...every airline company would go broke. Last Friday morning, I hopped on a plane before the rooster had a chance to crow and a few hours later I was in Kansas...not as simple as the red slippers but it's the next best thing!
I hadn't been home since the beginning of May so to say I was a little excited would be an understatement! When I landed, Mom was waiting at the edge of the security checkpoint, as she always is, waving esthetically and grinning ear to ear! For most people this might be a little embarrassing but the airport is the one place for exceptions! I have to confess, I was equally silly and was waving as well! We ran a few errands and were homebound by late afternoon. There really is no place like home!
My family spent Christmas at home and it was really nice to spend some quality time together for the holiday. It was refreshing to not be running from place to place. Christmas eve we had a big dinner which consisted of fried turkey, dressing, green bean bundles, sweet potatoes, and rolls. It was delicious...some might say it was more like a thanksgiving meal but it's what all of us requested! This was the first year in a long time that we didn't eat beef for our christmas eve dinner...I guess we thought we'd support the turkey farmers this year?? Regardless, it was pretty darn good!
I am so thankful for my family and that I am able to come spend time at home in a place where I can truly unwind and recharge! I've probably taken this for granted in years past, but home becomes a little sweeter living a plane ride away! Mom and I have gotten a lot of bonding time in which is always a blast. She's been teaching me some of her cooking secrets, I've been teaching her how to knit, and we've gone shopping (which is something both of us love, especially when we find bargains!). I've gone and checked cows with my Dad and Sadie (the newest edition to our family, a miniature australian shepherd puppy), and hung out with my brother! We should have some baby calves born in the next few days...the first ones for the year! I'm hoping a few of them come before I leave so I can post some pictures.
I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and had the opportunity to spend some time with your families!

Me and Sadie Mae having some bonding time...

Checking cows with Sadie and Dad...Sadie doesn't like the windshield wipers, she was trying to attack them! 

Mom teaching me how to make her potato soup...I absolutely love it and can never seem to make it as good as she does!

Our amazing Christmas eve dinner...Yum!

The book my brother got me for Christmas...signed by Temple Grandin! This book is perfect and fits right into my graduate school work...

Our family had a piñata on Christmas morning, brother and I thought it was about the coolest thing ever. We had never had a piñata before!