Par-tay!

When we got a Christmas party invitation from Erin Ross, I was super-excited! It had been a while since our scattered group of college friends had all been together. The hostess with the mostest suggested that everyone meet in the middle (Columbia, halfway between KC and STL) and bring their favorite Christmas cookies to share in a cookie exchange.

Erin had warm cider waiting for us when we arrived. Instead of dividing the cookies up straight away, we talked to A.J., who is serving as a missionary in Japan, while we munched on the cookie selection: pistachio, molasses, no-bake and Irish whiskey drop cookies. A.J. had funny stories, as usual, including his experiences with Japanese earthquakes and living above a market and "dollar" store. I sure miss him sometimes, but it was nice to visit with him during the party. It was like he was there!

It's crazy how much catching up there was to do! We didn't watch movies or play any games; we just talked and talked and talked. And we opened presents. Tracy brought the girls some amazing organic bath bubbles and bombs, and Jason and I regifted a few things around our house that we hoped would find a little more love in someone else's home. We took a break to go see the Magic Tree, which is a tradition I developed the last few years I was in town.

I'm so thankful for the friends I have and so indebted to Erin (and Bella the cat) for hosting such a fabulous party!