Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright

Hello everyone, happy Friday.

In two weeks from today I will be on a plane flying to the states. This will be the first time that I have been home in a year and a half and I can't wait to give my family a hug. My gramma Wilma passed away last month, and I know that this will make it a difficult Christmas in some ways, but it has also made me so anxious to see my Grampa and Gram, and to spend lots of time with them over my trip.

My wonderful Gram and I are going to spend time doing one of our favorite things together: browsing the Nelson Art Gallery in Kansas City. I can't wait to have lots of lunches with her and for her to show me all of the new things that have been built in KC while I've been away. My Grampa and I are planning a day of looking through old pictures at his house, which I am so excited about. I can't wait to find and frame some pictures of my Gramma, who I will miss so much this Christmas, but who is healthy and happy in heaven right now.

Brian is going to be here in Saipan for Christmas (this will be the longest we've ever been apart since we've been engaged!). I am so thankful for him and how he still wanted me to go to visit the states when we found out we only have enough money for one plane ticket. I have a wonderful, thoughtful man! He will have many of our friends here who are also staying on the island for Christmas, but I also know that he would love lots of skype calls from friends and family. Also, I can give you our address here if you would like to send him a little Christmas note.

Happy Holidays from Saipan!