Sunday the 17th the ward choir sang in church. It was nice to be a part of. I enjoy singing with the choir. I took some pictures of the kids by the tree. On Monday we worked at preparing for a trip to Utah. That evening we opened gifts from each other at home. It was fun to see the kids excitement with the things we gave them. The week before I had worked hard to make Andrew and Spencer new pajamas in secret. They were pleased with them and have enjoyed wearing them. It is fun to do surprises for the family.
It was fun to catch real smiles!
I remembered to take a picture of them in their new pajamas at my mom's home
Tuesday morning we got up early and were on our way by 6:00 in the morning. We like getting an early start so we can drive through Spanish Fork canyon in the day light. The drive went smoothly and we had no difficulties with the weather. We arrived in Orem at my mom’s house about 4:00 in the afternoon. We enjoyed a nice evening with Mom. I fixed us some dinner, in fact I did most of the cooking while we were at her home. I didn’t mind, it was nice that I could do some things to help her.
Wednesday the 20th we went up to West Jordan and visited with Neal’s parents. We just hung out at their home, playing games and visiting. It was a nice relaxing day. Thursday we were back in Orem. Neal took Andrew and Spencer up the canyon to play in the snow and try snow shoes. There wasn’t much snow though and so they ended up just doing a hike. It was a nice day for them to be out together. Ruth, Caleb and I spent time with my mom. We helped her do her Christmas cards. It was a relaxing day. When Neal and boys got back we all went to the Orem cemetery. It was cold but a clear day, not like two years ago when it was snowing. It was nice to go visit Dad’s grave. I miss him.
Friday we went to Thanksgiving Point to the Museum of Natural Curiosities. We met with many from both sides of the family there. It was fun to see so many and having fun watching the kids play while the adults visited. Our family was the last to leave out of our group, the boys lasted for six hours!
It was fun to look down on the cousins playing together. Andrew and Spencer got a group of kids work together and make a building in the Lego room.
Saturday afternoon Neal, Ruth, Mom, Rachel and I went to a production of “Forgotten Carols” that was performed in Cottonwood Heights. The boys spent the afternoon with the Hubbard’s. I really enjoyed the production. I have always liked the music from the first time I saw it performed in 1992. I am glad that I was able to see it again. Michael McLean talked at the end and had the audience sing “Silent Night.” It was so beautiful and spirit felt.
Sunday morning we went to Dallin’s ward for their baby blessing. Little Jake was born in November and Dallin had the blessing on a day when many of the family could be with them. It was special to have a baby blessing at Christmas time. Jake is a cute little baby and the family all took turns holding him and enjoying his presence. We also went to the Hubbard’s ward at 1:00, so we got lots of singing and feeling the special Christmas spirit that day. In the evening we enjoyed a nice meal together, the kids acted out the Nativity for us and then we opened gifts from Dallin’s family. The two families had decided to do a gift exchange for the kids. They all enjoyed opening more presents. We enjoyed our time with Dallin’s family that day.
Andrew was learning how to carve a turkey
Christmas day dawned snowy and the kids were so excited. They had a few more gifts to open from grandparents and others. We enjoyed a quiet morning at the Hubbard’s home, playing new games, reading new books and visiting. The kids played outside in the snow. About noon we drove down to Orem to spend the afternoon with Mom and Rachel. The kids thought it was fun they had a few more gifts to open from my Mom. We enjoyed time visiting and relaxing there, with a nice meal together, with red jello for Caleb.
Ruth got busy reading all the books that were given her and Spencer started in building things. They were all happy with their gifts.
This is a good picture of my mom. We enjoyed spending time with her.
Tuesday the 26th my family got together to do gingerbread houses. We had a great day visiting, playing and making our houses. Jeanie came down from Logan, so all five sisters were together. We missed having Doug’s family with us. It was a fun party day.
The Hancock sisters
Wednesday Neal went up Big Cottonwood Canyon with his brothers, David and Dallin. They did a little hiking and some snow shoeing, there was more snow from the week end storm. I stayed in Orem with the kids. We visited with Jeanie and Mandy’s family. That afternoon we went back to Hubbards.
Thursday we spent the day at the Hubbard’s home. Dallin’s family came over again and the kids had lots of fun playing outside in the snow. I always think it is great how well the cousins get along and play so well together. That afternoon a group of us went to Salt Lake City to the Family History building. We enjoyed doing the interactive things with Family Search. While there my Aunt Verna saw me and came over to talk. It was so good to see her. I had been thinking a lot about my dad and just seeing his sister I felt was a tender mercy. Verna had come to Salt Lake to see the lights and since they weren’t on yet she can come into the history center to stay warm. She could have chosen any of the many buildings on Temple Square to go to, but we happened to be in the same place at the same time and uplifted each other. It was a special thing. We talked for a bit and then went out into the cold to see the lights. She didn’t think she could walk around much so we said good bye and she went to see what she wanted to see. I enjoyed walking around the Square with the family. It is always so peaceful there. Friday we drove back home.
It was a warm day, the snow was melting but they had lots of fun playing in it
the moon was so pretty by the temple
We made good time and the drive went smoothly and we made it home in time for dinner. Ruth was happy because she wanted to go to the Stake dance New Years Eve party that evening. She had a lot of fun at the dance and enjoyed being with her friends and staying up late to celebrate. Saturday we were in recovery mode and doing lots of laundry. Ruth had a babysitting job that evening and was up late again. She was worn out on Sunday with her late nights. Sunday, the 31st, we all decided we should just go to bed at a normal time.
Monday morning we welcomed the new year in with a good breakfast and time together. I had promised Caleb I would play Monopoly with him, clear to the end! Andrew played with us too. It actually ended up being a fast game and it was over in an hour. Caleb won, because he had been able to get Park Place and Boardwalk! He was happy he won. He has really enjoyed that game lately and has played it multiple times with who ever will play with him the last few weeks. Neal worked with Andrew on train projects and with Spencer on his pinewood derby car. Ruth and I enjoyed watching a movie together. It was a nice calm family day for our new year.
Tuesday the kids worked with me to get all the Christmas things put away. While Ruth was vacuuming after all the things were packed up the vacuum made an awful sound and wouldn’t work. This is the second time this has happened with this vacuum. The roller gets jammed up and breaks the gear that turns it. I think it is hair that tangles in it, although I try hard to clean the hair out every week. I took the vacuum apart and confirmed the problem and ordered a replacement roller that will be here by next week. So the vacuuming will have to wait. Wednesday the kids went back to school. They were all happy to get back into routines. Yet they were tired at the end of the day. I am thankful we had so much family time over the break and could strengthen relationships with so many. What a blessing family is in our lives! We love all of you.
To start off the new year Spencer and Caleb worked on a little song to share
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