We surprised our families and ourselves by making the last minute decision to go back to the States for Christmas. The question was brought up many times knowing that we missed our families and all of David’s brothers were getting together for the first time in 4 years, but we decided against it since our stateside is coming up in June. However, on December 22nd, we received a gift from my Mamaw Betty with an inviting and convincing email. With our supervisor’s blessing and everything taken care of, we left the next morning. It was a looooong trip there and a loooooong trip back, but the time there was worth it. We really just focused on quality time with family since the time was short. It’s special to have the kids remember and know their family that lives on the other side of the world. The memories that were made are priceless.

So thankful we were able to be in the picture this year!

The chef (affectionately known as Uncle Dale) who pulled out all of the stops. . .

Low country boil. . .

Lobster tail. . .

Prime rib and sirloin. . .

We celebrated January birthdays before we left. Uncle Dale turned 64 and Caden 4!

The kids got to experience the treat of Mamaw Betty’s famous breakfasts and strawberry jam!

Despite the lack of snow, their was somehow enough for not 1, but 2 snowmen :)

And a small snowball fight. It doesn’t snow here where we are in Asia, so the kids were excited!!

Games with the Miles cousins and Grandma!

From oldest (top) to youngest (bottom), 13 in all. Cort, Caily, Colt, Connor, Lexi, Jack, Carter, Kylie, Bria, Will, Caden, Colson, and Claire.

Cousin time!

More fun with Grandma!

Fishing. I think only 1 was caught. But they did sit by the poles for an entire day!

Thankful for warm enough weather to be outside every day and play in sand!

The older cousins finding fish bait

They all played together really well. Thankful for this time together.

Testing out the water. . .

Grandpa and Grandma Miles with the 13 grandkiddos

The Miles Crew – 23 in all. . . we had a week of quality time together before each going their separate ways

Some pics of our travels.  On the way there we took a taxi, 2 trains, 3 subways, 1 bus, 2 airplanes, and drove a car (for the first time in over 3 years by the way – scary) 6 hours to West Virginia.  It took 35 hours.  The trip back was longer though.  We flew out of Raleigh on Thursday morning and finally made it home on Sunday morning.  That trip was a lot longer, plus we brought back way too much stuff (so our luggage was heavier and bigger), and Caden wasn’t feeling well (so we carried a barf bucket across the world too). Whew.  Thankful for traveling mercies!