9. There's no place like Home

Recently, I had the chance to go back to good ole' North Carolina for Thanksgiving break. It was so good to see my family and friends and eat a delicious home-cooked meal! The Cannon Center is great but it doesn't meet the quality or satisfaction of eating a home cooked meal. One of my favorite parts about our Thanksgiving meal is the pretzel salad and my momma's special sweet potatoes. I don't like sweet potatoes but I'll eat hers if that tells you anything about how heavenly they are. She makes a top layer that consists of brown sugar and I don't know what else, but it makes it taste like a dessert. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

I don't have the luxury of having a car here at school so it was nice to be able to drive again. I didn't realize how much I had missed it! I know it sounds a little silly, but driving the same roads that I knew so well from driving or riding on them growing up brought back so many memories. Memories of car rides with friends, memories of high school and bus rides with my teammates, and so much more. There's just something about driving those country back roads, lined with trees, that is beautiful and peaceful.

Also, I was so ready to see my two adorable little nieces! I was excited to see my parents and sister and brother-in-law as well, but I guess you don't really understand until you're an aunt or uncle. They brighten up your day so easily and watching them grow is so much fun. My nieces are full of energy and personality. Just a simple hug or smile from them melts my heart! Thanksgiving break was short but well worth it and I can't wait to go back for Christmas!

This was the first time they saw me when I came home for Thanksgiving and we sat there just like that for at least 10 minutes. It was the cutest thing ever.