We were able to go back home to my parents for Christmas this year; the first time I’ve been home on Christmas Day in about 5 years. Usually, we go back to Kansas earlier in December or in January when flights are much cheaper and end up staying in Kansas City instead of going back to the farm. But this year was special, so we only spent a day in KC and then relaxed with family for the next 3 days.
It’s always a headache of sorts trying to find time to spend with our numerous friends that live in the KC area, and unfortunately this time we were only able to see just a handful. But we made the most of what time we did get to spend together. We also weren’t very good at taking pictures this trip, so sadly a lot of people went undocumented. I’ll try to do better in the future, but I was just more concerned with getting quality time in instead of breaking out the camera.
We did get to enjoy a lively brunch with our college friends Shawn & Mindy, Drew & Sallee Gaelle and their cute kiddos.
The Other Harrises drove all the way from Wichita with Wilder & Story
The Jacks and jolly Jonah
After a few more meetups and a slumber party at my brother Ben and sis-in-law Kim’s, we made the 2 hour drive back to my parents’ farm on Christmas Eve morning. Mom had whipped up an awesome lunch for us kids and it was wonderful to all be home together again. Just like we did every year growing up, we loaded up the car with mom’s homemade Christmas goodies and drove around for hours delivering happiness to friends and family around town. I think Todd got a very thorough tour of our small town and the surrounding countryside, whether he wanted to or not. 
Christmas morning, we were up bright and early enough to open presents as a family (and uncle Kenneth came to join in).
I love seeing everyone’s faces as they open gifts. And fortunately, I have a brother who gets extremely excited over anything to do with airplanes or toys. I think his favorite gifts we gave him were the toy airplane glider and mini potato gun. Next year, we’re just giving him all toys. Sorry Kim.
After presents and lunch, Todd and I bundled up and headed out into the chilly weather for an adventure on the 4-wheeler ‘jitney’ (as my dad calls it).
Rockin’ some pretty awesome outfits. I remember wearing those helmets and my mom wearing those blue coveralls when I was a kiddo. Hey, whatever it takes to (try to) keep warm & safe.
Todd begging ‘let me drive, let me drive, let me drive!’
I was really hoping for some snowmobile fun, but you take what you get.
On Sunday, we had uncles & aunts, cousins and family friends come out for several hours, so that was nice to catch up with everyone. Perhaps a bit overwhelming for Todd, but he should be relieved 90% of my family weren’t able to attend.
As usual, the time together wasn’t long enough and before I knew it, we were saying our goodbyes and heading back to Seattle. It was a very Merry Christmas indeed and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend our Christmas in Kansas. Hope you were able to enjoy some precious time with your friends and family this holiday season as well.
