It keeps going

Yep. That's right. I've decided to try and continue my blog. I liked the way it allowed me to share my stories with my friends and family, not to mention the way that it has helped me to remember all of the things I've done. If you're one of the bored few who decide to continue to follow this page, I have to warn you: I won't be going to Paris for the weekend. I won't be learning new phrases and sorting my way through tartan and tweed(though I'll likely continue to wear both). Nonetheless, I would hope that my life here in the states has its own moments worth sharing. Because now more than ever, I am reminded of the fact that the people I care about are not always with me.

So, without further adieu, I will continue where I left off.

The first thing I did when I made it back to Columbus was attend my sister Olivia's orchestra concert. I was a bit disoriented. The time and the fact that I was back at my own middle school kinda weirded me out, but I was glad to be able to hear Olivia play.

After couple of days of last minute wrapping and holiday parties, it was Christmas Eve.

The whole family was back for Christmas (including Emily and David), so the tree was overflowing with presents.

After the festivities had wrapped up(wink) most of us made our way to Nashville to visit my Grandparents. Naturally, the evening was dominated by card games. In particular, six-handed bid euchre. It is a frustratingly difficult version of our favourite game, but accommodates six players.

Leaving too soon from my grandparents house, we made another seven hour journey to Pensacola, Florida. My sister Amanda's college roommate and our long time family friend, Christina Gemma, was getting married. Amanda was in the bridal party and we were all invited. Not many other non-family members traveled as far as we did(14 hours by car). Call us crazy, but it was really nice to be there. Here we are at the rehearsal dinner.

And here was the view from our hotel window.

The day of the wedding was pretty relaxed for those of us not involved. We played cards, and horseshoes, and swam in the (outdoor) pool. I even got a bit sunburned. In late December. It was weird.

Then back to Columbus, I spent my last week catching up with friends and basically just bumming around the house. My dad, my brother, and I played a good amount of our new FIFA soccer and Assassin's Creed video games. We were properly addicted to my new board game, Settlers of Catan and spent many afternoons and evenings trading sheep for wheat by the fire. On my last day in Columbus, Wyatt and Livvy got a snow day. Dad decided to splurge and buy some new wood from the grocery because I had finally managed to deplete our stores.

I am now packing for my semester at Wheaton and will arrive this evening to move in to my new apartment. I don't want to forget anything, so I'll have to sign off here. Thanks for continuing to read.