By Ross

December was a time for catching up with family. We arrived in Lafayette, Louisiana (the heart of Cajun Country) to meet up with my large family that includes my parents, seven brothers and sisters, and countless nieces and nephews. The visit coincided with my dad's fairly major back surgery that turned out better than expected and he quickly discharged home to continue his outpatient physical therapy rehab program.

These visits are really great because Robin and I get along with everybody and my family is always up for a few laughs. However, they can also be stressful because you just don't feel like you're spending enough time with everyone. And three weeks goes by very fast. And forget about trying to catch up with friends, they just don't make the cut because family comes first, at least for us. (We were lucky to catch up with our dear friends Ayla and Stephen, the Rutherfords, Father Louie and Sister Carm…sorry to all of those we missed!)

During our stay in Lafayette, Robin flew to Lexington, KY for a visit with her family while I stayed back continuing the visit with mine. All in all we feel pretty good about our time spent with our families, and wish we could have squeezed in more visits. But alas the road called us forth on a new adventure and on January 2nd, we packed up for the second half of our trip. As a reminder, we are chasing sunshine.

Christmas morning with sister Robin and family.

Visiting Family

Florida Panhandle Camping with Family

Texas Hill Country