We had an incredible four months in Europe that were filled with adventure, but there is nothing like being home for the holidays. It was time for the Raffs to head back to the USA to celebrate with the Mathews’ side of the family. We had a busy 2.5 weeks which we spent primarily in Brownsburg, Indiana at my parent’s house with a quick trip to Minnesota to see my brother’s family. I’m only going to touch on the highlights.
I did find it a bit stressful to go from living out of one backpack for four months to being home and reunited with all the stuff we left behind in the van. It was great to have a slight change in wardrobe (jeans felt so good)! It was a little overwhelming, and a good reminder that we don’t need that much stuff to be happy.
One of the things that we missed the most while traveling was home cooked meals, so we really enjoyed being able to cook at my parent’s house. I even got to bake a red velvet cake, cinnamon rolls from scratch and help with the family tradition of pasties!
The other thing that I really missed while traveling was a good shower with loads of hot water. Plus, a shower door so the water doesn’t go all over the bathroom and a fixed shower head! Oh, and I’ll just add in being able to do laundry every few days is such a treat.
However, the best part of being home was spending time with my family. I am very lucky to have an amazing family that all get along and have fun together! We do have a little sibling rivalry, especially when it comes to the placement of each kids’ ornaments on the tree. My sister moved all her ornaments to the front and center of the Christmas tree, so I decided to take revenge by hiding them around the house. Once she realized they were missing, she went on an ornament hunt which might just have to become a new tradition!
I also very much enjoyed spending time with my Grandma who will be turning 97 in January. She perfectly timed several jokes during our Christmas celebration and even got caught cheating playing Taboo! I cherish every moment that I get to spend with her as she is an amazing person.
We had many new experiences while being home including learning how to ride electric scooters from our 2nd cousins, being driven around by my 16-year-old niece and playing Magic: the Gathering with my nephew! It was a treat to hang with the “youngs†even if they did call us “ok boomerâ€!
Craggin’ was happy to have us home, and we took him on a road trip to Minneapolis to visit my brother’s family. We had a great visit playing with the kids and catching up with my brother and his wife. I especially enjoyed learning new games and getting crushed in chess by one of my nephews! Mike enjoyed wresting with the boys and playing bird bingo with his neice. We did enjoy a few local brewpubs and a really decked out brunch place too.
We rung in the New Year with the family and enjoyed my brother’s amazing tiki cocktails. I loved having a dance party with the kiddos, and I finally figured out how to be part of the cool club! We toasted 2020 with our French champagne that we brought from Paris. It was the perfect celebration.
The last few days was filled with errands and packing. It was a tricky pack job for only a 2-month excursion to South America. The tricky part was figuring out what gear to bring for our 2-week high-altitude climbing expedition. We eventually got it figured out and were ready to catch our flight to Ecuador! Â
It was the perfect break in our travels to enjoy lots of family time before transitioning to another continent. I am very thankful for my generous parents who let us crash at their house for 2.5 weeks and turn their basement into packing madness. We really enjoyed spending time with everyone and helping prepare and clean-up from the holiday celebrations. We did miss the Raff side of the family but look forward to spending time with them in May. The mountains are calling us again, and we must go! Happy 2020 everyone!
Mike looks a little tippy in the New Years picture!
Mighty quiet around here now. Have a great adventure and we will see you in March
Nice article, it sure was nice having you around for a while. Check email on car.