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This blog has been really hard to write because so much has happened since I last blogged and there are so many events I want to remember. Since a picture is one of the best memory keepers I've wanted to get some of the kids pictures as well some of the ones I took.



We just returned to Holland after spending a wonderfully hectic couple of weeks at home in Providence. We had a very confusing time keeping straight which home we were talking about as we talked to people. Both places now seem almost equally homey to us and although it is much more natural and easy to get around, shop and eat while in Utah, it doesn't seem quite as strange here now. The first five days that we were home, it snowed some everyday. Our icicles that usually grow over a matter of weeks formed a complete column in just over a week. When we returned to Holland it was also snowy and cold and the canals are starting to freeze over.


The holiday fun started as soon as we landed in Salt Lake. Jessica said she would come pick us up at the airport and take us home. We got to the luggage claim area and were looking around to find Jessica when we spotted Andrew and Lindsay. Jessica soon arrived and not many minutes later, Lisa and Cameron walked found us. What a wonderful surprise!! It was a great welcome home.



It was fun to be able to get together with most of our kids to celebrate Christmas, although we missed Mindy and Jeran . We were able to do some of the family traditions that we've had since the kids were little, like the Bethlehem dinner and the kids Christmas eve party, but it feels a lot different now that the kids are all most all grown ups and with the additions to the family. Regardless of the activities, it was just nice to be able to be together and play games and have fun. It was nice to be able to spend a little more time getting to know Cameron when we weren't all stressed out about the move. It was also nice to have Lindsay around again and see her and Andrew together. Lisa made us all tie-dyed Christmas shirts which she and Jessica wrapped very creatively.




We enjoyed being around extended families. We were able to attend Christmas parties for both the Hatch's and Briscoe's as well Trevor and Sam's missionary showers, Trevor's sacrament meeting talk, and Annie's birthday party. We were able to see Michael when he stopped in on his way to BYU-I. Everyone fed us and took good care of us while there so that was very much appreciated.




I had a great time seeing friends and coworkers again. Lunches, breakfasts, and dinners were so much fun. Bumping into a few of you as we finished up our Christmas shopping or looking for those after Christmas bargains was just an added bonus. What a special blessing you all are in my life! Thanks!!

Alyna had a great time being home again and we rarely saw her without Tina or bunches of friends. She and Jessica also had fun being together and staying up talking till the wee hours of the morning. Lisa crashed with them while she was home and it sounded like they all had a lot of fun.





We were able to get quite a bit of wedding stuff planned for both weddings. It was lots of fun getting Cameron, Andrew and Dennis in to choose and try on tuxes. Jessica was a good sport and went with Lisa and me to try on bridesmaid dresses and although there were some that we almost liked, in the end we decided to make them ourselves. We met with caterers, florists, the reception center coordinator and discussed invitation designs and lists and a dozen other little things. I think most of the things that had to be done at this stage we were able to do and the rest I will take care of with emails or phone calls till we get back. (50 days till Andrew's wedding and 106 till Lisa's - if I remember what I heard or read earlier today correctly.)