Korea: my life, my story: Christmas Travels in the US of A

Holidays in America

12/22-29/2012 @ Des Moines, Iowa

Day 1

This year, I made it home to Iowa for Christmas. It was wonderful to see family and friends. I flew into Des Moines on Saturday, the 22nd, and was pleasantly greeted by a giant hug from my nephew. I also got to meet my brand new baby nephew, Shahil. Accompanying the children were my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and Chris. The whole group had some pizza, and we called it a day. I went home and hung out with the family.

( Incheon Airport )

( Incheon Airport )

( Incheon Airport )

( Penley's snack time )

( Penley )

( Ford family Christmas tree )

Day 2

On the second day, I had some family time in the morning, followed by some crazy good friend time. Chris, Brodie & Thomas had arranged the most thoughtful party imaginable. We went ice skating, played some music, drank some beers, whiskey & mimosas, jammed with rock band, and had an all-around good time.

( Penley: holding Shahil )

( He loves his baby brother )

( & 김 [seaweed] )

( I had Mexican food with WENDY! )

( Thomas )

( Brodie: lacing up the ice skates )

( Josh, Brodie & Thomas )

( Josh, myself & Brodie )

( Chris & Avalan )

( PALS )

( Adam, April & Chris )

( Ting )

( Wendy )

( Thomas )

( Chris )

( Chelsea )

( Robin & Nikki )

( Casey's pizza needs to be eaten. )

( Chelsea's Chris )

( It was very Christmasy )

( Chelsea, Chris & Thomas )

( Brodie & Nikki )

( Mimosas & Rock Band )

( Brandon )

( Chris )

( Snacks )

( Josh )

( Myself )

( Adam )

( We played this game for hours. )

( hat switch! )

( Brodie was sleepy. He had had quite the two days. )

( Just like old times. )

( Thank you, Avalan, for taking camera control! It was severely appreciated. )

Day 3

On the third day, I spend some time getting reacquainted with my hometown. After this, we had a little Christmas Eve celebration at home with the family. I didn't take any pictures this evening though. We just spent time together.

( Dallas Center )

( It snowed... )

( Dallas Center )

Day 4

This was Christmas Day. We took the hour and a half drive down to my Grandma Maynes's farm. It was wonderful to see the family again. All of the little ones have gotten so darn big. It was fun the play with all of them and to get caught up with all the cousins, aunts & uncles. I've missed this type of Christmas celebration.

( Iowa )

( Chicken Barn )

( The Boat )

( The Pond )

( Water Pump )

( Grain Bin )

( Machinery )

( The Farm )

( all the kids )

( Shahil likes to sleep )

( The Stanley girls )

( Penley )

( Penley loves getting dressed up! )

( Nick & McKenna )

Days 5 & 6

The last couple days of the trip were pretty chill. I spent time hanging with friends, watching movies, playing with Penley, and just enjoying my ma and pop.