'Twas the week before Christmas...

’Twas the week before Christmas and 70 degrees
No snowflakes in sight, just a nice coastal breeze
As we planned for our trip to our beloved buckeye state 
The weather app told us of snow on our arrival date
We shivered at the thought -- tropical drinks in hand
Snow and ice somehow doesn't sound as fun as sun and sand
Despite the weather, we decided that we would surely go
For it had been too long since we had seen the faces of those we know

So onward to that state up north -- over 1500 miles away
Where first there'll be a celebration for my big brother's birthday 
Then onward even further north, to Will's family we go
And a mandatory stop at the Kent bars regardless of snow
There'll be shenanigans and Great Lakes beer and Swensons galore
And the next day Will will insist that we have Swensons once more
A Christmas Eve with beloved family and a white elephant game
Then on to a Christmas Eve party where everybody knows your name

Christmas morning with my family -- nieces and doggies in tow
Despite my aversion to the cold, I hope for them it snows
The day will be filled with games, laughter, love and wonderful meals
And many touching moments that will give me "all the feels"
Then to the great Columbus where my best of friends dwell
For a night of great debauchery with the ones who know me so well
We’ll pick up right where we left off, despite so much being new
And our time together will end too soon, as it always tends to do

My dear Ohio, we miss you so, despite loving where we are
We wish we could move you all down here so you weren’t so very far
But for now we’ll enjoy our time up north with friends and family
​For we’ve missed them more than words can say and in our hearts they’ll always be