Going home for Christmas…

I am happy to say I just spent the best 3 weeks of my life with my friends and family, and I was lucky enough to have my fiancé by my side. Although it was exhausting, it was all worth it in the end. We both had the opportunity to surprise Dom’s side of the family on Christmas day, thanks to his brother. We were able to pull off an amazing surprise and it could not have gone any better, and I can definitely say that I feel a part of his family. I never felt such a warm welcome, and I would do it all over again if I could.

Besides having an amazing Christmas day and meeting my future in-laws, I had the opportunity to bring Dom home to my family, and they could not have made it a more special time for us. Not only that, we were able to have our best friends meet one another, which was just as special to both of us.

I had the opportunity to bring Dom and his best friend to New York City on New Years Eve, and I would have to say that this was a night full of memories and great laughs for all of us. Not only was New Year's Eve fun with them, but the days following it were just as amazing. I was able to have my best friends and Dom’s best friend officially meet, and thankfully we all hit it off great. That being said, I would not trade our old and new friendships for the world, and I cherish the memories that we all made together.

Beyond the great laughs and memories, there was one thing that stuck out to me specifically that made my trip so special. It really did touch me deeply how much my younger brothers loved Dom (they’re 3 and 4). Someone very special to me once told me that children are a very good judgement of character, and that person is absolutely correct. The oldest of my two younger brothers, Luke, is who made this very clear to me, but in a subtle manner. The day that Dom had left to fly back to Hawaii. Luke walked up to me, and it was right after I had gotten back from driving Dom to the airport. I had just walked into the door and Luke ran up to me and said “I’m really going to miss Dom…. I love him.” I nearly started to cry, and it was very clear how much of an impact Dom had on his life in just a short week’s time.

Family and friends definitely helped make this trip one that I will never forget. From going to see the tree in New York City with my fiancé, to ending up in Brooklyn after our night out on New Years Eve, this trip was the best time of my life. I was happy to be able to share Dom with everyone who means the most to me in my life. Not only that being able to also have quality time with my best friends was just as special to me. I can’t wait to see everyone again, thank you all for being so kind and loving towards us!