Bethlehem Revisited

One of my favorite parts of the christmas season is some of the things we do every year that become a tradition to look forward to. Something most people around here look forward to is Bethlehem Revisited- a walk-through living nativity right outside of town. It is an incredible experience! When someone arrives, they will go to the welcome center and sip on hot cocoa and munch on cookies while they wait, and once it is time to go, they will load up in a bus with 20-25 other people and head to the hill. They will be led by a guide that will take them through the whole walk. It starts with a few prophets telling about the coming messiah. After walking on up the hill, you see an angel coming to Mary to tell her she is with child, and you continue to walk through the hustling marketplace and to the inn, where Mary and Joseph are told there is no room. You experience the angels coming to the shepherds, and the wise men leaving their place to go search for the messiah. Finally, you see Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the stable. It continues to take you through a brief synopsis of the life of Jesus and goes all the way to the cross. For years and years, this has been going on. I remember being very young and going through it with my family. Though i didn't understand all of it when i was little, it is something i have held on to as a great memory from year to year. What i do remember most of all is how real it seems. All the actors have costumes that look like what you think people would have worn in bible times, they use all kinds of animals, and the sets look just like it. Through the years, i have been helping out with it, and doing different things. Some years i got to be a walking singer and go behind the groups while they are walking and sing christmas carols, other years i was in the marketplace selling all kinds of things from frozen chickens to live chickens, baskets, bread, and anything else they pulled out for us! Unfortunately, i was unable to work the first two nights this year, but i enjoyed playing music in the welcome center the last night. It is such an incredible thing and i am so glad to be able to experience it every year in a different way.

Season Finale

It goes without saying, my favorite fall hobby is volleyball. It always has been and probably always will be. Ever since i started playing in 6th grade, i have loved each moment of it. Of course, some times were better than others. For example- running stairs at the practice after a game for all the serves we missed or the early season conditioning we had to do. But in the end, the reward is always worth the effort. 

This weekend it all came to the end as we wrapped up my senior season at nationals in Omaha, Nebraska. It is bittersweet, but i have nothing but good memories to reflect on. 

My favorite year has to have been my sophomore year. Getting to play on an older team made the biggest impact on me on so many ways. It made me strive to be a better volleyball player, but more importantly, i saw the character of some of the girls on my team. Being able to look up to them as examples made me see the importance of a good foundation built in a relationship with Christ for going out in the world after high school. Because of the impact they had on me, and the way God used that to effect me, i grew the most in my sophomore year. 

After losing those 8 seniors the following year, we had a rebuilding year. Finishing 6th in the state and with a winning record was not too bad of an outcome, though. 

Then this year. Senior year, supposed to be the best year of your life, right? Well, in certain ways it was. Other ways, not so much. I absolutely loved my team, and we got along like a family. We were a family. Some challenges came, but we overcame them together and enjoyed every bit of it. Coming home with 4th place at state, we finished with a winning record of 46-12. 

Then, off to national we went! Although things didn't go quite as planned, we all had a blast with each other, and even though volleyball season is over, we will be friends for the rest of our lives. I am so grateful for the impact CHIEF volleyball has had on me. I will miss it, but life goes on and people grow older. My prayer is that just as i looked up to the older ones and saw a Christ-like example, others can say that about me and i can have that influence on the younger generation to come. 

A Fun Fall

 Some of my favorite things happen in the fall.

One of the things is volleyball.It goes without saying how much i love the sport, but in with the games and practices comes the team and all the girls i get to see during it. I love being able to go places with my team or just hang out with them at tournaments. Along with volleyball season comes football season. Some of the best memories come from curling up with a blanket and hot chocolate and watching football with my family. Going to games are also fun and a usual family activity!

I also enjoy the weather. Many saturdays in the fall are spent at my house making home made apple cider from the apples on our tree, cooking up a storm, doing yard work or all kinds of things. Of course it has changed, being the only kid at home, but my family used to have so much fun together and even though it is vague, i still remember when everyone was home and doing activities together.

Even though it is somewhat far away, i love the anticipation of Christmas coming. The weather starts to get cooler, the first snow starts to fall, people get excited about staying home and cozy... all of it is so much fun for me.

There are many things i enjoy about the fall season, but one of the main things, i would have to say, is getting a little extra time to bake and try new things. One of my favorite things to experiment with is pumpkin, so i have included my most recent recipe. Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
Enjoy! :)

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Place rack in the middle of the oven. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners or spray each cup with a non stick vegetable spray. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground spices, and salt.  In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and pumpkin puree, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips.    Fill the muffin cups evenly with the batter using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Place in the oven and bake for about 18 - 20 minutes, or until firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center of one of the muffins comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool. Makes 12 regular-sized muffins. Note: The batter can be baked in a 9-inch (23 cm) loaf pan. Butter or spray the loaf pan with a non stick vegetable spray. Bake the loaf in a 350 degree F (177 degree C) oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: 1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3/4 cup (180 ml) solid packed, canned pumpkin puree 1 cup (175 grams) semisweet chocolatechips

Read more:
http://www.joyofbaking.com/muffins/PumpkinChocolateChipMuffins.html#ixzz2j2ZMIObo

A Surprise Homecoming

Thursday night as i was driving to Olsburg to visit a friend, i was thinking about how much i wished my sisters were home, especially for this week as it is my volleyball senior night and our last home game of the season. On my drive home, i decided to call up my sister, Anna, and chat a bit. We talked for awhile, mostly about what she had been up to and how busy she is being an RA and a senior in college in South Carolina. I missed her so much. Out of all my siblings, we are probably the closest in relationship and we are so much alike. Being 23 hours away makes things just a little difficult. We talked and talked and finally said goodbye. Little did i know that it wasn't goodbye for long! 

Friday morning i did my usual routine, but when i came home from workout, mom told me we were going to go to a pumpkin patch with my little nephews. It sounded like fun to me. I quickly took a shower and we left. After an hour or so of painting pumpkins and making crafts, we went to Panera to have some soup on that chilly day. I walked in to my dad and brother with their phones out taking a video of me. It was kind of strange. I didn't even know they were going to be there, but okay! Looked like fun! They were acting pretty strange, and told me to look under the umbrella in the corner because my little nephew was hiding from me. I picked up the umbrella and out jumped Clark....and...ANNA! I was so shocked, i didn't know what to say! I almost dropped my little niece i was holding. After many questions and hugs it became real.. she was actually there! Now it all made sense why everyone had their phones out taking a video. :) My whole family had known about it for a few weeks but she wanted to surprise me and come up this week for my senior night, my dad's birthday, my niece's birthday, and an alumni volleyball game she got to play in. It worked out well and i loved the surprise! She doesn't fly out until Wednesday, so it gives us plenty of time to catch up. :) I was so thankful for the time i have gotten to spend with her so far, and i look forward to more time. Overall, it was a great weekend and i could not have asked for a better surprise! 

Flavors of Fall

One of my favorite fall activities is getting to bake all kinds of goodies in the kitchen. I have been wanting to try pumpkin doughnuts for a long time and i finally found a good recipe. I have made other kinds of doughnuts before but had never made pumpkin. What better time than in October?! :)

First you make the sugar to go on top, mixing together:

• 1 cup sugar

• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

For the actual doughnuts, the ingredients include:

• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 large egg

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk

• 1 cup canned pure pumpkin

• Canola oil (for deep-frying)

And then for the powdered sugar glaze: 

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• Whipping cream

To prepare:

Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl to blend.
Whisk first 8 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until blended (mixture will be grainy). Beat in egg, then yolks and vanilla. Gradually beat in buttermilk; beat in pumpkin in 4 additions. Using rubber spatula, fold in dry ingredients in 4 additions, blending gently after each addition. Cover with plastic; chill 3 hours.
Whisk powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons whipping cream to blend. Whisk in additional cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, to form medium thick glaze. Can be made up to 3 hours ahead. Add doughnut holes to bowl of spiced sugar and toss to coat. Spread doughnuts on 1 side with Powdered Sugar Glaze. Arrange doughnuts, glazed side up, on racks. Let stand until glaze sets, at least 30 minutes.

Sprinkle 2 rimmed baking sheets lightly with flour. Press out 1/3 of dough on floured surface to 1/2- to 2/3-inch thickness. Using 2 1/2-inch-diameter round cutter, cut out dough rounds. Arrange on sheets. Repeat with remaining dough in 2 more batches. Gather dough scraps. Press out dough and cut out more dough rounds until all dough is used.

Using 1-inch-diameter round cutter, cut out center of each dough round to make doughnuts and doughnut holes.

Line 2 baking sheets with several layers of paper towels. Pour oil into large deep skillet to depth of 1 1/2 inches. Attach deep-fry thermometer and heat oil to 365°F to 370°F. Fry doughnut holes in 2 batches until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Fry doughnuts, 3 or 4 at a time, until golden brown, adjusting heat to maintain temperature, about 1 minute per side. Using slotted spoon, transfer doughnuts to paper towels to drain. Cool completely.

These are great to serve to guests or just to make for your family for fun! 

My favorite way to enjoy doughnuts is with a cup of coffee and sitting on my back porch in the beautiful fall weather. Enjoy! :) 

Hyllningsfest

Not many people have heard of Hyllningsfest, but to Swedes, it is a huge holiday! Every other year, there is a weekend in October that everyone goes back to Lindsborg for Hyllningsfest. Usually, the day will start out with a parade. The parade has the typical marching bands, old cars, dignitaries, and such, but what is special about this parade is all Swedish traditions played out, like the Tompte (kind of like the Swedish Santa Clause) comes and walks the parade. All day, the whole park is filled with crafts, demonstrations, games, talks, and all sorts of fun activities. Another fun part of it is that everyone dresses up! Swedish clothes tend to be very colorful and busy. Everyone has a Swedish costume, usually for the girls, it is a long skirt with a colored, patterned apron worn on top with a white blouse and a scarf. 

 One of my favorite memories of Hyllningsfest was getting to dress up in my favorite Swedish costume, and playing around the park with my cousins and friends. I also enjoy getting to see all my family. No matter how far away they live or what is going on, everyone tries to make it back for Hyllningsfest every time- including my extended family! 

Hyllningsfest is taking place this weekend in Lindsborg, and my brother and his wife and kids are coming from Chicago, my other sister from KC and her little guy, and the rest of my family in town are all going. Sadly, since i have a volleyball tournament, i won't make it, but i have enjoyed growing up with the tradition and will always try to make it back in years to come. 

One of the many reasons i love being Swedish and in this family is because family is a huge thing in our lives. No matter what is going on, we always do our best to have a fun family get-together every year. 

Super Seniors

My mom has been thinking it would be fun to get together with the rest of my graduation class and do something before summer was too far gone. The other day, she thought of doing a water themed party at my house! Before long, she had all kinds of ideas and had already emailed all the seniors and families about it. 

We have hosted parties before and when there are lots of kids (or just fun adults) we have set up a big slip n slide in our front yard! We get this huge tarp- 20 feet wide, and 100 feet long, and put it down on the grass in my front pasture. We get sprinklers and hoses and SOAP. Lots of soap. There is a little bit of slope, so that works well, and you run and slide down the tarp! We also spent the day before filling up countless water balloons for games that my mom had planned. 

Finally the day came, we set up the slip n slide, got the balloons out, dad rolled the grill down to the yard, we set up tents and tables, and we were ready for everyone to arrive.

As soon as they were all there, we started the slip n slide. It was chilly at first, but it helped that the tarp was black and it was sunny! They all loved it. Some of them would slide down and have somebody throw them a balloon from way up at the top to see if they could catch it. 

We then moved on to a water balloon toss, and the second round, where you had to put soap on the balloon! 

Eventually, everyone was cleaned up and ready to eat. The dads grilled the meat and and we all had a good time eating together. It was a fun afternoon and a great opportunity to get to know the class a little better. Hopefully, we will do more activities together before our senior year is over. 

Happy 60th!

         Recently, my mom turned 60. For my dad's 60th last year, we threw a big surprise party, so we thought we should do the same for my mom. Because her birthday wasn't until the middle of August, and the kids would be back at school in KC, Wichita, and South Carolina, we planned it for the end of July so all the siblings could make it. Because my dad is gone all day every day at work, it was quite a bit easier to pull it off. We would bake pies during the day and freeze them, or even prepare stuff right under his nose, and he was totally oblivious. However, it was different with my mom. My sisters and i planned out as much as we could in advance but the only way to actually do anything was to get her out of the house. We convinced mom to meet my sister from KC in Topeka to shop for the day and then come home around dinner time. 

        Finally, the day of the party came. We made a game plan and as soon as she drove out of the drive...it was go-time! Kristen was in charge of decor. The party tent was set up, and the table were decorated. It looked great!

Inside, Anna and i were cooking up a storm. We had many hors d'oeuvre's to be made all in just a few hours. It was a challenge! We recruited some help and finally finished right before all the guests began arriving. Finally, as soon as everyone was there, mom and Emily drove in. It worked, she was surprised! It was so fun to meet or see again her older friends from growing up or her college years. Some guests drove from Oklahoma, so it was good to visit with them the next day, too!
   
    Overall, the party was a success and we were glad it all went smoothly.
I am so thankful for the 17 years my mom has poured into me and many years she's worked to bring this family together. She does so much for all of us, and we are so very blessed.

Summer Happenings

Everyone looks forward to summer for different reasons. For some, it is being out of school, for others the weather. Or both! One thing I LOVE about summer is getting to go out to different houses and teach 5-Day clubs. 5-Day club is like a backyard bible club. The last 4 years, I have gone to a camp to learn how to teach these clubs. Christian Youth In Action (CYIA) is a 2-week intense training camp to learn how to teach the gospel to kids anywhere from preschool age to 12 years old. This camp takes place in many states, but the one I go to is in Newton, KS. About 40 or so teenagers come to this camp. The first week of camp is 6 full days of classes and tests. There are so many things that go into teaching a club. We learn how to teach a bible lesson, missions story, songs, verses, games, ect, weaving in the gospel in every activity. The second week, you actually go out to Newton and surrounding areas to teach a club with usually 2 other camp members. It is such a great camp. Not only to learn how to teach others, but to strengthen your own relationship with God. Because of the busy schedule and all the learning that goes on in a short amount of time, the biggest lesson I learned was relying on God to get you through and trusting him to use you even through your weaknesses. After the camp, the goal is to go home and teach as many clubs as you can throughout the summer. Of course, summer is always a busy time, but I usually teach a few clubs throughout the summer. I love kids, and I love teaching, so it is so much fun for me. Some of my favorite memories include getting pie in my face because the kids reached their offering goal for the missionary, or leading small children to Christ. It is incredible how much God can work in a child’s heart even at a young age. I am looking forward to teaching more this summer!

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

I decided i would write about something i am passionate about. Health and Fitness! Some of the things that are important to me are staying in shape and eating well. Although it isn't always easy and i often lack motivation, it is so worth it once you get into a routine.

So......why workout?

1). Stay in shape- who doesn't want to be fit?
2). Improve your energy
3). Be able to control your weight
4). Sleep better
5). For fun!

Don't forget, working out CAN be fun! There are many tips to staying motivated...a few that i find helpful are:

*Set goals- I am a naturally competitive person, so the best way to push me is to make a goal. If you have something to strive towards, it is always easier to reach it. Set a goal and reward yourself when you reach it!

*Keep a routine- schedule in your workout time just like any other activity. Once it becomes a habit, it will be harder to miss a workout and you will feel guilty if you don't! ...That's right- The guilt trip.

*Find an accountability partner- Don't do it yourself! It is much more fun to invite friends or neighbors to do it with you.

*Reward yourself- maybe you've been looking at a new pair of running shoes or just need some new kickin' tunes to run to. Set a goal and when you reach it, don't forget to reward yourself. You will be surprised how quickly you get there!


Eating is just as important as working it off, but it is all in moderation. Don't think of foods as "bad" or "off limits" as long as you keep moderation in mind.

Have you ever heard the quote "You are what you eat!"...? It may sound strange but it is true!
Your eating habits show through in your performance. If you eat well, you will perform well, if you eat junk...well, you will most likely be slow and lethargic.

A couple things to remember about eating before a workout:

-Eat often (yes, i said eat often!) ...but small portions. Smaller portioned meals or snacks keep you energized throughout the day and helps keep your weight balanced.
-Eat enough protein and carbs- instead of buying protein shakes at the store, drink a glass of chocolate milk. It has the same amount of protein and it's cheaper too! Remember to eat healthy carbs. (Whole grains, fruits and veggies) Try to avoid "bad" carbs such as white flour, refined sugar, ect.

As always, it is hard to get in a routine of living healthy, but once it becomes a habit, you will be surprised how natural it feels. :)

Little Joys in Life

          I am the youngest of 7 kids, and recently the only kid living at home now! My 4 oldest siblings are married and have kids of their own! I am so blessed to have little nieces and nephews. I have always liked babysitting and loved kids, but there is just something different when they're actually related to you! Because i am the youngest and never had little siblings, it was a new thing for me when my brother and his wife had their first boy. I'm not sure how to describe it, but it is even more special when they are part of your family. Of course, the first nephew/grandson was pretty spoiled, but that is to be expected when you are the first! Now, i have 4 nephews and 2 nieces from 1 month old to 3 years old! It is a full time job trying to keep up with them! Fortunately, 3 of them live in town, so we get to see them quite often. Whenever Clark (the oldest) comes over, we are busy "booming possums", playing trains, riding the toy horse, hunting, drinking "toffee" (coffee),  playing "store", and whatever else comes to a 3-year-olds mind. He is a busy boy! We try to get to Chicago whenever we can to visit the other two littles. My oldest brother Eric and his wife Liz have a 2 year old girl and a 1 month old boy. Whenever we go, Miss Amalia has a new trick to show us. Lately it is how she can sing her ABC's and Jesus Loves Me! Holding new born babies is of course so special as well. Even though sometimes it is not my favorite being the youngest, a benefit is having older siblings that have kids! I absolutely adore each and every one of my nieces and nephews!

A Fun Adventure

Recently, i got the opportunity to visit Hannibal, Missouri. Naturally, i'd think "what's so special about a tiny town?" but after reading "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" the town has a lot more meaning. Hannibal, Missouri is the small town in which Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) was raised. It later became the setting for his famous books "Tom Sawyer" and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". I got to visit on my way back from Chicago a few months ago. It was a cold and rainy day so we didn't get to do much. The first place we went to was a little coffee shop attached to a kitchen shop. I was a cute little place! It was easy to tell it was a small town, because everyone in the coffee shop knew eachother and it seemed like they were regulars! After getting coffee, we walked across the street to a museum about Mark Twain, but we were running short on time so we just looked through the gift shop. We also drove down to the river...That was one of the neatest things! They had a boat that takes people on rides, but obviously, since it was January, it was not open. Even though we didn't get to do much, it was still a great experience and fun to see the little town i have read about! Of course, before we left, i made sure to get a picture with the stature of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer! :)

Inspiration in my Life

        Through the business that goes on in the life of my family, we have been planning for some time now my grandpa's 90th birthday party. Even though it takes a lot of work to find a place, reserve hotel rooms, find someone to cater, and all the things that go on, it makes me think about it. He's not just any grandpa! He's the only grandpa I knew well, (my other grandpa died when I was young) and is probably one of the biggest influences in my life. He was in World War 2 in the navy. While on a PT boat, two different kamikaze pilots tried to hit his ship but they both missed and hit the water. When he got back, he started a family and my dad was born. He was an artist and went to school in Lindsborg and then to study at the art institute of Chicago. He also had a great appreciation for music which was passed on to his grandkids! He has always inspired me to enjoy music. He is probably the biggest inspiration for me to keep on with my music, because I always know he is supporting me. He comes to town for about every concert I play in! Every time I go to visit, he is always teaching me something new. Whether it is about art, music, or just whatever he read that day, I am always so eager to learn from him because of the years of wisdom he has. I am greatly blessed to have a grandpa that is so invested in his grandchildren. I am looking forward to celebrating his 90^th birthday this year and am so grateful for the many years he has been such an amazing influence on me.

A Temporary Sister

               I've grown up in a large family (7 kids) and i have loved being around them. Sometimes more than others. For several years there were always people around the house, and i just got used to that, but recently, now that everyone has moved out, i have been lonely! This last December we got the opportunity to house a girl who is about 27, and working at Manhattan Christian College! After being the only child at home for a whole semester, Lindsey moved in to our basement. She is a joy to have around! She is like a sister to me when mine are all away. She loves to play games and hang out, and she also loves to work out! Every morning at 5 am, she wakes up to go to the KSU rec center and run, then she comes home, takes a shower, and goes to work. Every day! I could not imagine doing that. It is also nice to have her around when we go on trips, because she loves our animals and takes good care of them. Lindsey works at MCC as an athletic academic advisor. Basically, she works with students who are struggling to keep their grades up or athletes who have problems with their courses or grades. She invests so much time in her students, and is a great role model and helper for them. She brings that back home, too! She is always eager to help out around here or wanting to learn the newest recipe I make or whatever it is. It is so fun to have another girl here while my sisters are at college. We are blessed to be able to have Lindsey stay with us!

New Year's Traditions

            My family has lots of traditions, many of them being Swedish! Of all the holiday traditions, one of my favorites is on New Years Day when we have all of our neighbors over for Swedish Pancakes! Swedish pancakes are a lot like crepes. They are big and very thin. Usually we put lingonberries (berries that grow in Sweden) on it and roll it up. It is a big deal at the Weddle household! The week before New Year’s we go out and invite all the neighbors. We have done this for many years, so they expect it now! The night before is so much work! We make many recipes of batter, clean the house like crazy, prep it with all of our new Swedish accessories, roll silverware in napkins, and so much more. One of the craziest things Swedes do is make “Swedish coffee” which is coffee grounds boiled with water on the stove and then a raw egg or two cracked in (yes, the whole egg including the shells). Finally, you strain out the egg shells and coffee grounds and it is ready to serve! J Although I am a coffee drinker, I’m not desperate enough to drink Swedish coffee! Ick. Finally the day comes and the neighbors start arriving! Even when it is snowing, one of our neighbors goes out with her 4-wheeler and paves the drive way. The main reason we do this is to build a sense of community with our neighbors. Out in the country, people don’t move often so it is always the same crowd from year to year, and they enjoy seeing each other. It doesn’t always go perfectly, though. One year I spilled a whole bowl of batter. Another year, my dog got a deer leg and brought it up to the front porch as people were walking in! No matter how much work it is, it is always a good time of fellowship. I have enjoyed this tradition of ours from year to year.

Not an Alliteration

This New Year, I had an opportunity to go to Florida with a friend and her family. I have always wanted to go to Florida and I’ve been hinting at my parents to take our next vacation there. Because they are more "cold weather people" we always go to Colorado. As you can imagine, me being "warm weather person", I’ve always wanted to go to Florida! I finally got to go over this Christmas break! We left at 3:00 am to drive to Kansas City airport....not really my time of day. We had a layover in Nashville, and then were on our way to Orlando. We went to Daytona and stayed at a resort right on the beach. That was probably my favorite part of the trip-being able to walk out the building right on to the sand and out to the ocean. The first day we were there, we went sailing. The first hour was a blast. It was beautiful weather, there were waves, and it was fun to be out in the water. The second hour, however, was not so much fun. My friend's mom and I both started getting seasick. It got worse the longer we were out. That was my least favorite part of the trip!

We did so much while we were there. We went to Disney, shopped, toured old lighthouses, and shopped some more. We even cheered on K-state in the Fiesta Bowl from Florida! On New Years Eve night we swam in the Atlantic Ocean at midnight, and that is something I will probably never do again. It was a little cold. J So many memories were made on this trip and I loved every bit of it (except getting seasick). Next time my family goes on a vacation, I am definitely going push for a Florida trip. It is a trip to remember!