A couple of weeks before Christmas, I noticed an article on www.stltoday.com that listed Branson as one of the top 10 Christmas lights displays. We had been wanting to go to Texas or New Orleans, but given my new job and lack of vacation, that was not a possibility yet. Thus, I suggested that we go to Branson for a Thursday night -- Saturday morning trip. We kept the plan simple and decided to go to Silver Dollar City on Friday for the day to see the lights. My anticipation had been built up the entire week letting up to this trip because everyone had been telling us how amazing the lights were down in Branson. I have to say, I was not disappointed! Below are just a few pictures of our great little trip!
This was just the start to a PERFECT weekend! We also went to church twice on Christmas Eve, first at the Catholic Church we have started attending since my move to Kansas City, St. Mark's, and second at her family's Episcopal Church. We have grown to love St. Mark's since the very first week we attended mass there because the priest is nothing short of amazing. I have never seen a priest so connected and so in tune with the parishioners. Just a few weeks ago, he received a standing ovation for his sermon and at the end of the mass on Christmas Eve, he brought all the kids to the front of the church with him to assist him with the final blessing before mass ended. I cannot wait for us to not only get involved at the church, but also to meet this priest. Simply put, this priest is a role model for all current priests and those striving to become one!
I have just covered the first two days of the weekend to this point and there is so much more to talk about still! After we went to our second mass of the today, we returned home late that evening around 12:15 am. I had suggested to Kati that we open our gifts before going to bed because, first, I wanted to see what she had gotten me, but more importantly, I wanted her to see what I had gotten her. So the wrapping and tissue paper began to fly to reveal what we had gotten each other with her cat Lucy having a grand old time playing in the scraps! After opening 3 gifts myself (she got me a scarf, sleeping pants that are super comfortable, a yankee candle, and a laptop bag), she opened her gift to unveil a jewelry box!
We were both quite pleased with the gifts we had gotten each other, but most of all, we were thankful just to have each other because that is what matters most to the both of us. For me, the best Christmas gift is having her in my life and knowing she is there for me no matter how bad of a day I am having or how difficult of challenge I have that lies in front of me. She truly is the BEST THING EVER to happen to me and I thank God everyday for bringing her into my life!
After a fun Christmas Eve, Christmas Day had finally arrived. We spent the day with her aunt and uncle just across the border in Kansas. It was quite the fun day full of DELICIOUS food and great conversation. I enjoyed playing UNO for the first time in years that evening! I look forward to many many many more Christmas's with Kati!
To wrap up the 4 day weekend, we went four-wheeling yesterday with one of her best friend's who was in Kansas City for the week. I had never been four-wheeling my entire life, but it was incredibly fun! Kati chose to hold on to me the entire time rather than drive which I enjoyed greatly...it will definitely be something I would like to do in the future again.
This sums up what was a Christmas weekend full of great memories that I will never forget! Most important though was spending it with the one very special person with whom I am going to spend the rest of life. Having her in my life is the greatest Christmas gift EVER! :)
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