Top Burger, Quilt and Update on Andy

I am sure you can tell from the title of this post that it's sort of an 'all-in-one'.  Noah and I are back home and glad to be here.  I will say however, that I don't love the snow on the ground.  The weather in Portland (although rainy on most days) was wonderful and I am missing it there.  We really had such a great trip and I want to say THANK YOU to Andy's parents for putting up with us for so long.  It will be one of our greatest Christmas memories.  Also, a special shout out to Kenzie for doing her happy dance for me.  She stayed up past her bed time and kept me smiling.  We all watched Troop Beverly Hills (I love that movie) and they were sure to take care of Noah and I after Andy left. 

Before Andy left, one afternoon he, Noah and I took a trip up to Camas, WA to tour around Andy's old stomping grounds.  The Stockhoff clan lived in WA for 6-7 years when Andy was in elementary/jr high school.  He really enjoyed going back and seeing how the place had changed and I was happy to go along for the ride.  When we saw this place Andy got so excited...the Top Burger.  We just had to stop and get a milk shake and some fries.  We even stopped at the market next to Top Burger and got a couple of blow pop suckers at Greg's (Andy's brother) request.  It was a special moment...

For Christmas this year Andy and I decided to give his parents a quilt.  This was my first quilt mind you, and my mom was a big help.  I did all the sewing, but she was right there helping me get it all right.  I think it turned out perfect and I am glad Andy's parents like it as well.  I am not sure I will be making another quilt anytime soon...I prefer more 'instant gratification' sewing projects.  You know, the kind that only takes a few hours and then you can enjoy the fruits of your labor?!  Anyway, here it is in all its glory. 

Lastly, and update on our main man...Andy.  He left on Saturday the 9th.  I hate good byes, but I can say that THANKFULLY this goodbye wasn't as difficult as the first.  Mostly because I know I will see Andy in a little under 4 months...I am excited for that day.  He had a direct flight from Portland to Amsterdam.  I won't go into details, but apparently it was a LONG flight (and not just because it's 10 hours long).  So I know he was happy when it landed.  He had a 6 hour layover in Amsterdam and decided that he would explore the city.  He took the train to the city center, walked around and grabbed a bite to eat, then headed back to the airport.  Next stop- Dubai.  The original plan was for him to next catch a flight from Dubai into Afghanistan...but because his flight was cancelled...he had to wait in Dubai for a few days.  Lovely.  Anyway, he is still there and will be for another day.   I know he is ready to get back to Afghanistan to finish up his deployment.  For those of you who haven't heard, we will be heading back to Missouri...or Misery.  I can't quite decide.