On December 5th after more than a full day of travel I finally got back to the Houston area where my sister, mom and dad picked me up with "Welcome" "Home" "Wade" signs. My journey started at 4:30am and I first took a train from Lausanne to Geneva then Geneva to Paris. I stumbled through the Paris metro system with my luggage and eventually made it to Charles de Gaulle airport. From Paris I flew to Chicago and then on to Houston.
My sister brought Chuy's mexican food comprised of quesadillas, queso, chips, dip and more and it was amazing (see above). In return I brought 2 pain au chocolats from Paris to my mom and sister and they really enjoyed those. While back in Texas I really enjoyed hanging out at home with the parents, seeing friends in Houston and Magnolia and even working for my dad some in order to make some extra money. Since Nikki and Brian planned to go on a celebratory graduation trip from December 22 until January 2, our small family had Christmas with them on December 13. (Below: the Christmas Card picture with Brian, Nikki, Glenn, Lorie and Wade) 
It was great to spend time with them and we had a huge meal, as always. Brian graduated from Sam Houston State University on December 20; we were all so proud of him and his accomplishments. It was even more special because Todd Watrous from church graduated in the same ceremony with him. (Below: Brian and I after his graduation from SHSU)
After the ceremony we all went to Mama Juanita's where I ate a record amount of fajitas. The remainder of winter break was filled with preparations for my 10 day trip in Europe before school started, going to breakfast and lunch with family and friends and soaking up everything I love about the United States of America. My Nannie (below) treated me to PF Chang's, which she only recently discovered and it was great. 
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were both great and it was a smaller Christmas time than normal. My Mimi, Granddaddy, Mom, Dad and I went to see Four Christmases, then ate at Cheesecake Factory, went to church and then returned home to open presents. (Below: My Dad and Mom and Mimi and Granddaddy opening their stockings on Christmas morning)
I was blessed with many things including clothes to keep me warm throughout the extreme winter of Switzerland and money to help with my travels - Christmas 2008 was awesome!! Shortly after Christmas I was packing for my return to Europe.I left on December 29th and arrived in Paris on the 30th - I'll write more about New Years in Paris and our travels to Belgium, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
God bless and Happy New Year!! - Wade
CHECK OUT THE ALBUMS:
Home for the Holidays
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001192&l=a8504&id=1534470084
Brian's Graduation
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001196&l=25bb0&id=1534470084
