We spent Christmas back home in the U.S. The anticipation of going back was almost too much for the kids, who were completely distracted by their excitement. They could not wait to see their family and friends. It was a wonderful trip.

Home, sweet home.

A trip into the city for breakfast at the Walnut Room. A tradition 35 years old for me!

With my mom and sisters at the Walnut Room

We were also able to get together with our friends and family to celebrate the holidays at a few gatherings.

Christmas partying with friends!

Juliana playing with her dog cousins, Mack and Missy.

Ornament exchange for Sophie and her friends.

Mani/pedi date with Katelyn.

My Godson sporting his new Swiss cap.

Eve of the Eve christmas cracker dinner at De Campana.

Sean’s thoughtful gift for Vin.

With our dear friends.

We spent Christmas Eve in Frankfort, at my parents’ house. They moved a few days later, so it was the last Christmas Eve there, which was special.

With my beautiful sisters on Christmas Eve!

Uncle Jake is the best pizza chef.

The girl cousins trying to get the jingle bells out of their boxes. A fun game.

These two love each other so much.

Silly cousins.

It was really nice to be home, in our U.S. home, for Christmas morning. The kids scored a nice haul from Santa, and we were thankful he took into consideration our need to get it all back to Europe. Thanks for the small, packable gifts, Santa!

Christmas morning on Indiana Street.

We spent Christmas day in Spring Valley, at Marc’s parents’ house. It was a nice, relaxing day, visiting with cousins, aunts and uncles.

Christmas day in Spring Valley

Marini boys

Fun with the Marini cousins!

Moving day came and went for my parents. It was emotional, but it was time.

Moving day for my parents. After 39 years in their house, it’s time to move on. This photo was from Christmas Eve.

Parrillo cousins on moving day.

Moving day. It was an emotional day, and a lot of work for my parents. Onto new adventures!

One of the most fun things I did while I was home (I’m not kidding): I went to Target. Many times. Did the cliche American thing and grabbed a Starbucks and cruised the aisles, then came home with many things I did not need. It was bliss!

Target! Oh, how I’ve missed you. No Targets (or anything similar) in Switzerland.

New Year’s Eve was spent with the Coyles in Park Ridge. It was our last night in the U.S., and it was so good to be with family.

New Year’s Eve at the Coyles. Thanks, guys, for hosting us! Happy 2016.

Time to go back to Switzerland. More adventures to come in 2016!

On our flight back to Switzerland. We miss home already!

Snowy view from our Swiss house.

Jet lag for days.

Everyone happy when the Christmas gifts the kids received in the States arrived in Switzerland!