Christmas 2023: Harrisonburg

After the Miller Christmas in Columbus, we headed down to Harrisonburg for the Yoder Christmas. (We carpooled with Blake and Brendan in their new Tesla). We celebrated our Christmas the next morning after a nice brunch. The afternoon was filled with snacks, going to see Mom and Dad's new house (which is still under construction but getting close to being done) and going on a walk. Afterwards, we came back and have a nice Christmas dinner, complete with party potatoes (which is something I always request).

Malakai checking out the attic at Mom and Dad's place

The next morning, we continued a tradition we started in Asheville - going out for brunch. In Harrisonburg, the place for Brunch is Magpie Diner, which is cute and delicious. They have a few pastries that are out of this world. (Looking at you vanilla twist). This time, however, Levent and I split a pistachio cardamon roll that was fantastic.

That afternoon, the weather was lovely so we got out of the house and headed to Shenandoah National Park.  Due to all the nasty weather the U.S. had earlier in the week, most of the roads were actually closed, which meant we couldn't get to the trail we wanted to. So, instead, we made our way up a road up to a look out. Not the best hike/walk in history but not the worst activity either. Plus, we stopped for ice cream on our way home because we're Yoders and that is what we do.

That evening, Leah and Jeron and Levent and I went on a double date. We started the evening at Mashita, a Korean fusion place that had yummy food and free arcade games.

Katsu chicken

After we had our fill of games, drinks and food, we headed to SageBird, a cider house that was having a trivia night. I think all of us (or at least Levent and I were) were hesitant about joining in, but I am so gad we did. It was really fun and we were a lot better at it than we anticipated. We were even in first place at the halfway mark. We didn't end up placing but we laughed a lot.

The next morning, Mom, Leah and I went out and about - mostly to the Agora, which is a market place with a few different business under the same place. We had coffee at broad porch, looked a few vintage things at one of my fav vintage shops and went to Charlie Rose, a boutique I really like especially since they have inclusive sizing. Later that afternoon, the three of us went and got manis or pedis. I had never had a manicure before and for some reason was itching to try it out.

We wrapped up the evening with a family forced fun game tournament. The first was a game that I cannot remember the name up but where you flicked small discs across the board to your opponent's side. It's very quick and actually pretty fun. The second tournament was a Mario smash brother's game. This one was Malakai's idea and everyone, including Ma and Pa, had to play. It took a little convincing but everyone did end up playing. Mom kicked Dad's butt. It was hilarious. Levent ended up winning both tournies. What a champ.

The following day, we met up with Blake and Brendan again to head back up to Ohio. But not without stopping to get pastries from Magpie again for the road. (And coffee from Merge). 

And that was the end of our quick Christmas in Harrisonburg. 

Cheers.