Holiday Recap

Is it just me, or do the holidays already seem like forever ago? Maybe it's because we traversed the earth twice, or because suffering from jet lag makes everything seem like a dream, or most likely because we are back to living in a tropical jungle so the cold and snow seem like seasons past. 

At any rate, I wanted to document and share the amazing, memorable, heart warming (and stomach filling) time we spent with our family and friends back in the USA. It's never easy to leave, but we treasure and enjoy the time we do get to spend back in Kansas and Nebraska. We are pretty darn fortunate to be able to make so many trips back home (have you looked at a map lately just how far away Singapore is?!) and to have such awesome, genuine, supportive people in our lives. Whenever we travel back to the states (which is tracking to be about every 6 mo), we have these kind of 'check-in' moments in which we always come away reassured and excited that we are both doing the right thing and embracing this big adventure, but are also looking forward to one day making the Midwest our forever home.   

Lots of photos to share - until next time America... 

We landed at MCI after about 30 hours of straight traveling on Friday 19 Dec at 5:00pm. By 7:00pm we had a house full of our closest friends celebrating Michael's and my birthdays. The Duvall's were so kind and generous to throw us a 'fiesta' birthday celebration and it did not disappoint. Ponak's margaritas, Mexican food and 0ur most fun friends. I can't think of a better homecoming! (the party was epic - I blame my euphoria for not taking more photos).

How cute is this mama-to-be and model child? 

Hi Mary! 

All great gatherings at the Duvall's end (at 3am) on the screened in porch. 

After a full day of recovery, we were on the right time zone and ready to tackle the mean streets of KC. We made a list of restaurants/food we missed and wanted to eat. Winstead's, check!  

How can I get some of that right now?! 

Daily outings with Jack. (If I was an A-list celebrity, this would be my paparazzi photo).

As I was taking 58, 467 photos of Michael and Jack, this teeny old lady walked by and said to us, 'you guys are so cute. Merry Christmas.' Aw, I love Midwestern hospitality. Now Michael, get me a dog stat!

Lunch with Michael's Grandpa Lee :)

It's not a trip to KC without The Peanut - check! (best bar in KC, btw). 

Christmas Eve cocktails with these fun people. Cheers.

Nana makes the most stylish hats and scarves for her favorite gals.  

Christmas morning we were up early and hit I-29 N to make the trek to my parents house up in Omaha. Michael is a pretty good driver for someone who hasn't owed a car in almost 5 years and lives in a country where they drive on the left side of the road. Side note: we got absolutely hooked on Serial during our long drives.  

After a quick drive we were ready for a fun filled Christmas through the eyes and ears of a 4 year old. These two... 

Nothing but sweet, precious, trouble ;)

Christmas morning with little kids is such an amazing, hilarious, ball of sugary, santa-filled insanity. Poor Uncle Michel, he didn't stand a chance. He certainly earned his nap that afternoon.   

Is there anything better than sweet little 4 year old kisses? 

Selfie stick! We purchased one for both our families and they were big laughs. The selfie stick epidemic here in Asia is out of control. 

Ladies day out. 

A few days after Christmas we traveled back to the Durham (look familiar? :)) The little boys were so excited to see the biiiiigest Christmas tree in all of the land! How cute are we?!

Awww...

Love my family.

Diner breakfast, check! 

When you meet your best friend's baby.... 

Heart is bursting. 

Omaha nights. 

Michael joined my dad and played cowboy for a day.

Every true expat needs a hometown Walmart run. So. Much. Stuff!!

And Chipotle, check! 

Sunday evening my parents, Michael and I all went to Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience . It was SO much fun. These 3 brothers know every single Beatles song and take requests written requests throughout the night. Needless to say, Michael was in heaven. We are already looking forward to going back next year. 

Last night in Omaha with these munchkins. 

Selfie stick! (Luke's face) 

Back on I-29 headed South. KC part deux. 

Once back in KC we gathered the crew and headed straight to Lawrence. I can't even remember the last time I was in Lawrence. Needless to say, I was extremely pumped. 

#TWINNING 

Rock Chalk! 

KC BBQ, check! 

And just like that, we were nearing the end of our trip and ready to ring in the new year. 

NYE. 

Love these folks. 

Cheers, 2014, for quite the year! I have a feeling 2015 will be pretty special as well...

This holiday season just wouldn't quit! Barnds/Duvall family Christmas. Grill master Whoosh. 

Selfies! 

Duvey Bros concert. 

And finally, on our last night in town I did two of favorite things: Ponak's with the family, and catching up with my sisters. HBD Whitters! 

That's all folks! What a whirlwind of a trip. We are safely back in Singapore, getting back into the groove and working off all that delicious American red meat. We had such a wonderful time and were able to see so many of our friends and family. We do not have our next trip back planned yet, but are looking forward to a whole slew of visitors in Singapore this coming year. 

Cheers to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2015 everyone! 

XO,

CD