#27 Page 1 of 365

               On Dec. 24th (Christmas eve) I said goodbye to my room mates and headed to the airport at 11 AM for my 3pm flight back home for the holidays! And I know I didn't mention going home at all in my blog, but it was because I was planning to surprise a few of my friends. Anyways I arrived in Illinois around 8:30 and was picked up by my parents. We then got my bags and headed to my uncle and aunts house to celebrate a quick Christmas Eve sense I missed the rest of the party. When I got to their house I walked through the door and to my surprise they held up a giant banner that said "Welcome home savannah!". It was such a nice evening catching up with them and I couldn't wait for Christmas to come so I would be able to see the rest of my family. At night I wrapped my presents that I got for my family and then went to one of my good friends house. She wasn't home yet from a Christmas party so I helped her brother and one of his friends wrap some gifts before I surprised her. When I saw her pull into her drive way, I went up to her room and sat in one of her chairs. when she opened her door I said a simple "Hi Tia" and at first she was a little stunned, then had the biggest smile on her face, ran up to me and gave me a huge hug. We talked for a while, then I went home and got to sleep in my  queen size bed.
              Christmas morning, I went to church with my family, out for breakfast and then went home and opened presents. My plan was to take a shower, get ready, surprise my other friend Olivia then head out to my grandmas for Christmas... well those plans quickly changed when I laid down for a "quick" nap. I ended up being woken up to my mom saying "savannah c'mon were going to be leaving to go to grandmas in 15 minutes." What was supposed to be a short 30 minute nap turned into 4 hours. I had to veto surprising Olivia, and instead took a fast shower and get ready. I ended up being late to my grandmas but was still very excited to see everyone. after a fun filled evening with my family I headed over to surprise Olivia and boy was she surprised to see me at the door! All in all Christmas eve and Christmas day was filled with love, laughter and family.
           The rest of my break consisted of hanging out with friends, sleeping in (A Lot) and I was able to complete 2 independent service projects (ISP's) at the Saint Vincent De Paul food pantry at Saint Mary's church. Being able to work within my community was a blast because these are the people that I see around town; and knowing that I am giving back to my community is an amazing feeling.
       For New Years I went over to my cousins house to celebrate 2016. I realized that many people say "New Year, New Me"; but in all honesty I don't want to be a "new me" I want to continue bettering myself and leaning throughout this new year. 2016 I know will be filled with even more adventures and excitement. I plan on taking this year a day at a time and loving every minute of it.
           
                                                                                                                                  ~Savannah

Leaving Illinois!

Arriving in California