We were Ohio-bound for turkey this year! The girls were smiling from ear to ear looking out the windows of the plane. Lauren said that the last time she flew she saw angels in the clouds. I believe her sweet soul and hoped she saw them again. We landed smoothly into Columbus and headed north to Amish Country (Walnut Creek) where the Foster's live in the peaceful, pretty hills.
We met a "reindeer" along the way and got in the holiday spirit shopping and eating and shopping...and did I say eating?...and eating and... well, let's eat some more.
The girls loved being spoiled by Gramma and Grampa and were surprised with a fun buggy ride by their neighbor amish boy. The chilly air was filled with clippety-clops and apple cider. The next day we headed up to the town Josh & I grew up in and showed the girls our old houses and schools. I don't know how thrilled they were, but it sure was a delight for us to be "home" with our kids. Everything felt so familiar & the same, the only thing that changed so much... was us.
We hiked and played in some of our favorite parks and met up with several dear childhood friends. Distance and time don't touch these forever friendships. We just pick up where we left off and giggle along the way with our kiddos in our hands now.
Here's the whole gang with full bellies from too much goodness. We checked out (and tried not to laugh too hard at our pathetic hairstyles/clothing) a zillion old pictures in albums, played games, let the turkey and sweet potaotes settle in and felt the warmth of family that hadn't been all together in a long time.
Brothers don't shake hands, brothers gotta hug.
