There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home...

You know, Dorothy got it right.  There really is no place like home.  After 5 months in Paris, I got to return to the states for an entire month (hence the reason I have been MIA in the blog world).  It was an amazing trip filled with family, friends, and ENGLISH!  I can't even begin to explain how wonderful it felt to be in the land of the free. 

There was a lot on my to-do list.  People to see, food to eat, things to buy, places to visit.  And I am happy to report that I checked just about everything off of my list! 

We began our time in the states in Northern Kentucky.  I felt like a celebrity as we rode the escalators up to baggage claim, and realized we had a whole fan club waiting for us!  When we got home, Rudy was waiting for us as well.  I was a little worried that she wouldn't remember us.  But as soon as we walked in, she started going crazy!  That evening, Dustin's mom cooked us a great Thanksgiving dinner (since we missed the real Thanksgiving) that we got to enjoy with both sides of our family.

The whole week we spent in Kentucky went very quickly.  To help check an item off of my to-do list, Dana and Corey had Abuelo's cater a family gathering (I wanted to eat the sour cream and cheddar cheese by the spoonful). 

Tiffany with the goodies from Abuelo's

At Corey and Dana's

Brotherly Love

Rudy is not supposed to be on the couch.  But she loves her uncle Jeremy and cousin Brady!

The Boathouse with Kara, Jesica, and Jennie

Dustin, Ken, Matt, Matt

After our week in Kentucky, we spent a week in Indiana.  We did Christmas with my family...and even Rudy got in the Christmas spirit.

I also got to see my Chi O girls (I am devastated that we didn't get a picture!) for a night of pizza and girl talk. Whenever I am back with that group, it is like no time has passed. There is definitely something special about my group of sisters!

Later in the week, Dustin and I went with my dad and sister to an IU game.  I always love visiting Bloomington (even if the Hoosiers decide to lose while I am there).

Me, my dad, and my sister.  The man at the far left in the black and white picture is my grandpa!

During the second half, I got to hold a big head!  And yes, I chose Justin Bieber. 

On another fun night in Indiana, Dustin and I visited with friends at Fox and Hound.  It was so much fun to see everyone!!

My long-distance book club!  But we were missing Jessie :(



Me and Matt

Me and Dr. Love (AKA Jeremy)

BEEJ!

 
On New Year's Eve, we got to hang out with some of our favorite people!  We attended the annual party at the Rodockers.  Much fun was had by all!
 

Dustin had to head back to Paris on January 2nd.  Since I had no real reason to return, I decided to stay in the states for a bit longer.  I got to spend a couple of wonderful days with my sister, and then I flew down to Ft. Myers to spend 9 days with my parents.

It was really hard to get on the plane back to Paris.  Through tears at the Ft. Myers airport, I said "see you later" to my parents.  Even the security guy who checked my passport asked me if I was going to be ok.  I answered though my tears that I was, in fact, going to be ok.  The truth is, even though many days I would rather be home, would rather be with my friends, and would rather be eating Mexician food, I have an amazing opportunity to live a life I never thought possible.  So as this new year begins, my goal is to stop focusing on what I am missing at home, and start focusing on new and exciting experiences.