Hatch/Hunt Family Christmas Party

Last Friday, we held our annual family Christmas party. The date and place had been chosen for a couple of months but as the date got closer it became more challenging to figure out what should be done. The week before the party, Dad ended up in the hospital again with a bad infection in the leg where his vein had been harvested. They thought he would be in for a day or two and ended up not getting out till Thursday. We had been hoping that even though he may not be able to come to the whole party, we were hoping he could come for a little bit. The week of party, we had to decide whether to postpone the party or hold it without dad. It was decided that we should go ahead.

I was in charge this year. Since we knew that dad wouldn't be able to come up to our house, we scheduled the Relief Society room in the church near their house. This is the first year we've ever done it at a church. We still wanted it to be festive and like Christmas so Mom, Martha and I set up a Christmas tree and decorated the room. It looked really nice - well as nice as a RS room can.

Alyna and Dennis enjoying dinner

Andrew and Lindsay were so happy to have their picture taken.

Now that we have a bunch of little great-grandsons in the family, we are having to take into account their needs for earlier bedtimes and foods that are edible for all. We had everyone help bring finger foods and we had a lovely dinner.

Rachelle with her new baby. The boys did a little coloring while the adults finished eating.

Ryan and Maryann's little guys came dressed as Santa's little helpers.

Hunt and Van Natter families.

We played a Christmas carol pictionary game and exchanged gifts. The little ones provided plenty of entertainment and excitement. It was a nice evening but it was sad not to have Dad there. We stopped by the house before heading home. It was good to have Andrew and Lindsay, Alyna and Dennis get a chance to visit with dad for a little bit.

We know that life is full of surprises and always changing, which can be good. My Christmas wish is that our parents live many more years and are healthy and able to enjoy watching their grandchildren marry and become parents.