The Pace's Came to Town

Lisa had to work at Marriot in Park City during the holidays to get her maternity leave so 5 days before Christmas we picked them up at the airport. It was so fun to see Benjamin. He has grown so much and is such a cute baby. Jessica, Alyna and I stayed at the hotel with them and while Lisa went to work, the rest of us went Christmas shopping and out to lunch.

Benjamin wasn't so sure he liked the snow falling on his face.

That evening, we all met at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a yummy dinner and a gift exchange. Benjamin got lots of hugs and kisses from all the grown-ups.

Benjamin was the best show in town........

.....or maybe not.

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.

What a Year it Has Been

A year ago yesterday, Dennis and I had all our belongings in Holland packed up and loaded on a truck. That began our exodus back to our home and family. It has been a busy year since then.

I've been writing a review of the year and am amazed at all the work we've gotten done and all the fun experiences we've had, as well as some challenges. Here are the things that have come to mind:

We worked hard and remodeled the 3rd apartment and moved the sewing room upstairs

Got all new furniture for the living room. I love it!

Our shipment from Europe arrived safely and we got all our furniture and belongings put in place

Mindy came to visit for a week and got all our old family photos scanned and saved. She makes us laugh and do crazy things. It was so fun.

I went back to work at Nibley Elementary, with very mixed feelings.

Dennis officially became President of Wescor. Wayne and Paul retired.

We got new windows. Yeah!! What a big improvement.

Dad Briscoe burns a large portion of his back in a accident while working in the yard.

Our friend, Lydia, came from Holland. We went to Women's Conference, Yellowstone, & Las Vegas.

My good friend, Carol, is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She has 2 surgeries and starts chemo. We make a care quilt for her with squares from 100 friends.

Cameron graduated from BYU. He decides to continue his education at Univ. of Indiana

Alyna graduated from Mountain Crest. Gets a scholarship to USU.

Jessica drove to Virginia (with some help from Dennis) to work for the summer.

Dennis and I went to Europe separately and then met in Holland and traveled to Spain.

The whole family went to Lake Powell for a memorable vacation with the Pace family.

Mindy had her thyroid removed and was treated for thyroid cancer.

Andrew got a lot of amazing work around the house and yard this summer.

Marga and Suzanna came from Holland. We traveled to California and Yellowstone.

Our first grandchild was born. Benjamin Ralph Pace has been a fun addition to the family.

Lisa, Cameron and Benjamin moved to Indiana.

Dennis and I vacationed for a week in Hawaii.

My dad had open heart surgery and has had lots of challenges in recovering since then.

Dennis made it to the Delta airline Diamond Medallion status. That means he's traveled A LOT this year! He mostly went to Europe but also finally made it to South America - Columbia.

Mandy and Dan had baby Kara.

Zeke leaves to serve a mission in Oklahoma.

There are several more fun things we are looking forward to before the year is over: family get-togethers, the Pace family coming for the holidays and Kara will be here for Christmas.