After (narrowly) avoiding a workers’ strike that would have stranded us at the Brussels airport, we began our 20+ hour journey to Kansas City to celebrate Christmas with our families. Aside from a few minor outbursts, Max was an outstanding traveler. His favorite parts of the adventure were the moving walkways and the play area at the Philadelphia airport.

Ever the courteous traveler, Max knows to stand on the right and let people walk by on the left.
Ever the courteous traveler, Max knows to stand on the right and let people walk by on the left.
Max enjoyed the layover more than we did
Max enjoyed the layover more than we did
Frozen at 20,000 feet
Frozen at 20,000 feet

We arrived in Kansas City with enough time to recooperate from jet lag before the holidays offically began. Max has a habit of getting sick after our transatlantic journies, and this trip was no exception. This time it was Roseola, which made coping with the 7-hour time difference all the more difficult.

Once Max was feeling better, we made the most of our time in KC. We met Santa, saw the model trains at Union Station, savored our favorite Kansas City-area coffee, and spent as much time as possible with our respective families. We especially cherished getting to meet our nephew/cousin Graham, who was born after we left for Belgium.

Enjoying Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop
Enjoying Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop
Max and Dadda meet one of Santa's helpers
Max and Dadda meet one of Santa’s helpers
Union Station, beautifully decorated for Christmas
Union Station, beautifully decorated for Christmas
PT's Coffee ... next to our family and friends, it's the thing we miss the most about the US
PT’s Coffee … next to our family and friends, it’s the thing we miss the most about the US
Max and his (Great) Aunt Carol
Max and his (Great) Aunt Carol
Max meets Dadda's former Tae Kwon Do instructors
Max meets Dadda’s former Tae Kwon Do instructors
Visiting with our old friend, Fr. Gerard
Visiting with our old friend, Fr. Gerard
Max lays on the love for his cousin Graham
Max lays on the love for his cousin Graham
Elle, Max and Graham cook up a storm in Oma's kitchen
Elle, Max and Graham cook up a storm in Oma’s kitchen

Christmas

We celebrated Christmas first with the Carhart family and a few days later with the Camacho family.

With three babies under 2, Christmas at the Carhart house was chaotic in the best possible way. The cousins got along very well and we got endless laughter and joy from watching their interactions.

One cherished Carhart tradition is getting into our Christmas pajamas and gathering to read The Night Before Christmas as a family. This year was very special, as Opa gathered his three grandchildren on his lap to continue the tradition with the next generation.

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We went to bed on Christmas Eve, as visions of sugar plums danced in our heads. When Christams morning came, the kids were giddy to open the presents they received from Mom & Dad, Oma & Opa, and Santa.

Merry Christmas from Elle, Max and Graham
Merry Christmas from Elle, Max and Graham
Max hugs his new baby doll
Max hugs his new baby doll
Marveling at a new book
Marveling at a new book
Checking out his new car
Checking out his new car
Taking his Baby for a ride
Taking his Baby for a ride
Max and Elle whip up breakfast in the new kitchen Oma and Opa gave them.
Max and Elle whip up breakfast in the new kitchen Oma and Opa gave them.

When we gathered together with Paul’s family the weekend after Christmas, we got to celebrate all over again, with a house just as full. 7 aunts and uncles, 2 grandparents, and 2 dogs made it easy for Max to find a playmate.

Basking in all the attention
Basking in all the attention
Learning to play catch with his godfather
Learning to play catch with his godfather

We celebrated our time together with a huge meal, and everyone opened their presents one by one. Max particulary enjoyed playing with his new race track and cars. It was a very special Christmas, and we were grateful to catch up with all of Paul’s siblings and their spouses.

Saying Goodbye

After the holidays were over, we settled into a bit of routine for the remaining two weeks of our stay. We also celebrated Max’s second birthday (a bit early) with KC barbeque, cake, and Max’s favorite meal: noo-noos (noodles) & cheese.

This is how a two year old eats cake
This is how a two year old eats cake

Saying goodbye to everyone was difficult, but we were also happy to get back to our cozy home in Leuven for our last few months abroad.

We are grateful for the wonderful memories this Christmas!

Max loved living with Oma, Opa and their pup-pups, Zeke & Zeus
Max loved living with Oma, Opa and their pup-pups, Zeke & Zeus
Getting one last hug from Grandma before our flight
Getting one last hug from Grandma before our flight
A final Camacho family photo before take-off
A final Camacho family photo before take-off

More to come soon…