Morning Rounds and Evening Musings

2,000 miles, 4 cities and three visits with family later, Wes and I are back home, and back in the swing of things. We had lots of fun, and here are some of the highlights, along with some of the cool stuff I enjoyed doing and learning about during the trip.

1. Family History: We had dad take us on a tour of Holland, Michigan. This was the old furniture store my grandpa ran, and the house where my dad spent a few years. It's now a Mexican grocery store, but it was cool to be connected to a part of our history. I also learned that twins run on dad's side of the family--my grandpa was one twin out of two sets my great-grandmother had. Yikes! I also rekindled some Dutchness when mom taught me how to make banket--a traditional Dutch pastry we've always had at Christmas, but I've never learned to make. It was a success!

Grandma and Grandpa Don at our Christmas Eve gathering with the Ten Harmsel's.

2. Fun! After a grueling semester, Wes and I had a great time sleeping in, watching movies, going out, and taking a hike to lake Michigan along the dunes. It was cold on the beach, but beautiful and well worth it.

3. Grandma Van Goor. One of my big reasons for wanting to spend Christmas in Michigan this year was to spend time with Grandma as I haven't seen her in awhile, and as her health continues to deteriorate and I am reminded how fragile life is. It was good to see her, and at the same time difficult. She's not the same Grandma I remember, and I missed hearing her laugh. I think growing old sucks, and living without Grandpa makes it suck all the more. Grandma taught me a lesson in growing old, and the importance of community, reaching out and living honestly regardless of your stage in life. Still, it was good to reconnect with her, and have her be a part of Christmas like she always used to be.

Me and Emma, my cousin who is adorable and cute and who likes me. Kids aren't so bad. Sometimes. :)

4. Chicago! Wes and I had never been, and spent three days enjoying the cold, windy city. I could definitely live there--and it was great to spend some time in a place with much more to offer than Atlanta. We stayed right on Michigan Avenue, ate Chicago pizza, walked a lot, spent Christmas money and enjoyed eachother's company. I love traveling, and especially with Wes!

5. Dora and Steven. Wes and I ended our trip with 2 days with Wes' sister and brother-in-law. It was great fun, lots of Yahtzee and beer and jokes. It was fun for me to get to spend time with Dora and Steven on their turf, and I loved our time together with them. They are delightful folks who I am lucky to be related to. Thanks guys!