Now that Christmas is long since past in every way (except for finishing putting away all of the junk we've acquired or used for decorating), I'm going to post about the holiday.
We went to UT on Dec 20. It was crazy as usual trying to get stuff done and get out the door, but we miraculously made it on the plane and the suitcase full of presents did too, thanks to my very kind next door neighbor Kendra, who came to the rescue and the security folks being understanding and letting all sorts of liquids pass by. There was lots to still get done once we arrived, but Mom and Melanie and Michelle helped with babysitting, cleaning stinky diapers, Christmas carding, and shopping for presents.
Christmas Eve is really the main part of the holiday at the Hansens', with the enormous turkey dinner and program; the games and setting everything out. Felicity had her heart set on being Mary, so luckily the many other little girls consented, despite much drama.
It was not as chaotic as it could have been, thanks to Michelle bringing musical activities and Heidi producing the nativity. That's a lot of people to have in one house, especially little kids, so the potential for craziness there is huge. I was pretty wiped out by the end of the day and did not participate in the Water Game. Besides, I was 35 weeks pregnant!
Christmas morning was fun- Felicity and Matthew were both very enthusiastic about their gifts. That is my favorite part about Christmas, watching the children open their surprises and be excited about everything. Katrina was less excited, but she still enjoyed the day, especially as the cousins came over and played.
The rest of the trip was really great. We went out a lot, the children went sledding 3 times and Felicity went ice skating once with the Bergesons, Mom and Kent, and the family got together multiple times to do stuff, usually eat. Mom made homeade donuts and we got to see the Harveys a little too.
And let's not forget about Anziano Hansen and his endless practicing. It was really fun to hear more about his mission and see some pictures of Italy.
I also visited briefly with my former companion, Edlira Hoxha Koopman and her 3 children. And I finally met my famous niece Camille, who was well enough to be moved to UVRMC from Primary Children's Hospital. She is still very small but big enough that her parents can now hold her.
We came home on January 2 to a very messy house. It was a really fun trip and very restful for both Mark and me. For him because he didn't have to travel and he had several days off in a row, for me because Mark was with us and we were at Mom's house, where there are lots of extra hands to help care for or play with or discipline the kids. I felt much more positive about things once we returned, and it was a very sad Sunday night saying goodbye to Mark as he started traveling again. However, we will have somewhat of a "break" again soon...I'm scheduled to deliver this poor nameless boy in the next few weeks, and Mom will come and Mark will take some time off.
5 comments:
I'm going to start commenting on your blog so that you'll feel more motivated to update more. :) You really get addicted. I need to start a group called 'Blogaholics Anonymous."
So are you going to stop sending emails and only do your blog? These blogs complicate my life.
Hooray for another post! It was so fun finally getting to know you and your children after years of Kent keeping you all to himself. Good luck with the baby naming and let us know if we can do anything.
We love to hear about your family. We are coming up to Dallas again soon to visit (when were we there last - last Easter?). We will let you have your baby first though.
Whoever had 34 days in the "How long before Jo's next post" pool is the winner! I was overly hopeful and had 23 days. For all those who want to participate in the next pool, please send 50 cash dollars to me and your guess on our blog. I'm going to start it off by guessing 18 days.
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