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02 January 2011

Christmas in Kansas

For Christmas this year, Me&Ry flew out to Wichita, Kansas to be with my family! I left on the Monday before Christmas, and Ry came out on Wednesday. It was our first time being apart since we got married (crazy).

My family moved to Wichita in August of this year and we have been looking forward to visiting them ever since. Wichita is my new favorite place! The area where my family lives (Andover) is beautiful! The homes are all gorgeous with huge manicured lawns. There are no fences between houses, so our dog can just run and play where he pleases. I was surpised by how many fun things there are to do in their area. They have all the restaurants and shopping anyone could ask for. There is also a huge movie theater and other entertainment just up the street. My favorite feature is the YMCA. It is the best gym/activity center you have ever seen multiplied by 10. There are pools, classes, courts, tracks, equipment galore, etc., etc. I could live there! I would gladly ditch my pass to Gold's Gym for one to the Andover YMCA. Wichita is a little different than anywhere I have ever been. There are so many open fields covered with giant bales of hay intermixed with developed area. There are corn fields everywhere that will be full this coming year. I think the most unique thing about Kansas is the lack of anything on the horizon. I have never been anywhere that did not have a single mountain or hill in any direction. The tallest things in Wichita are trees and power lines. Seriously. I have always lived pretty close to impressive mountains and/or skyscrapers. It was very different to look up and see only blue sky in every direction.

The best part of Christmas break was family time. We haven't all been together since the Spring... which the longest we have ever been apart. I wasn't expecting Christmas in Kansas to be extremely memorable or fun, but it definitely turned out to be one of my favorites!

We spent our time exploring Wichita, baking, cooking, eating, putting together puzzles, watching Netflix and just spending time together. I love that there was no pressure to be anywhere, do anything or look perfect. Some days, we would hardly even venture outside into the frigid Wichita temperatures. We would stay cuddled up inside hanging out and talking.

Highlights of the trip:

Hog Wild BBQ - 
Kansas BBQ done right.
We love their amazing pulled pork, brisket, baked beans, etc.

Three 1,000 piece puzzles - 2 finished, 1 in progress

Christmas morning - obviously. presents galore! We are so spoiled.


Cooking and baking up a storm
this was so great, but also very bad.
There was so much yummy food, 
but I literally couldn't resist eating everything in sight.

sleeping in

Christmas shopping with the family

"Kansas people" watching

Cinnamon's Deli


getting my hair done

Ryan became a "gamer" playing Call of Duty with Cole

SNUGGIES!
Cute Cole surprised all four of us with snuggies for Christmas. 
We opened them on Christmas Eve and stayed in them for the rest of the break!



Kansas Sunset


Tornado warning siren (haha)
These are positioned on every other corner.


I hope we get another opportunity to visit Wichita and possibly explore more of the Midwest! We are so grateful to my family for making this an incredible holiday. We love you guys and miss you already!

1 comment:

  1. thats so fun exploring new places! sounds like christmas was a success!

    ReplyDelete