Back in Madrid!

As I'm sitting here on the plane back to Madrid, I can't help but think if I'm ever really meant to take trips to Spain. This is my third flight to Madrid during my lifetime and all three flights have had complications... to the point that I never end up on the plane that I'm originally supposed to be on! My first trip, three years ago, was the absolute worst. I'm not sure if you all remember that story... how I tried getting on three different planes and one of them slammed on the brakes right before takeoff? Then I was stranded in NYC for two days by myself! Then there was a big winter storm when I tried to go to Caceres last spring for student teaching and this time there was a tundra, which postponed my flight by three days. However, every time I go to Spain, I end up making it safely and each experience ends up being  life-changing. So here's to yet another life-changing experience!

Originally, I was going to make a big post about my two weeks (which turned out to be almost three weeks) at home, full of details but 1. too many things happened and 2. every time I think about these past three weeks, I get a little sad because it's already over. So instead of dwelling on the sadness, the endings, and the goodbyes, I'm trying my best to focus on all the good things that happened and look ahead because I really do have a lot to look forward to during the remainder of my time in Spain, including lots of visitors from the US!

A few highlights from my trip:

- being greeted with lots of hugs, kisses, and a big welcome home sign from my family at the Omaha airport on December 21st

- driving for the first time in 6 months (I won't mention all the things I did wrong)

- drinking lots and lots of fresh cold milk

- eating some much-missed American foods - pumpkin pie, La Jua's nachos, Kraft mac and cheese, Twin Bing bars, chips and dip, etc.

- "sister bonding day" with Paige

- spending Christmas at home

- visiting my Godparents in the beautiful state of Colorado

- seeing all of my wonderful friends in the Ames area!

- watching Pitch Perfect about a dozen times

- photographing my first wedding all on my own

And some pictures...

a photoshoot with my friend, Mary

Christmas Eve <3

Cocoa with the Christmas ham...

My dad grew a beard and I got bangs! Don't we look good!?

My incredible Godparents in Evergreen, CO!

"cuatro gatos" Spain reunion night

New Years with Tomas

SB came to visit for New Years!

Missed this girl

McKinzie and me at The Cafe :)

doing a little birthday celebrating

This weekend I plan on unpacking, resting and trying to get on the correct time zone. I start work again on Monday and I'm sure there will be plenty of more stories to come soon. :)

I miss you all already!