I know, I am a little late in wishing Happy New Year this year, but for a good reason. We just returned from our trip to Washington State visiting family over the holidays. It is the first Christmas that we have spent with our family since Hazel was a baby (she'll be 8 this year). It was really nice to be at home and enjoy time with everyone. We were there about 3 1/2 weeks, we had no snow the entire time and it was nice and sunny. The day after we left, they got snow. LOL the kids were bummed, but I was honestly fine with it. I do not like driving in the snow if I don't have to. My brother picked up up from the airport in Seattle and we were able to go to his house for the weekend. Elyse was especailly thrilled to see her favorite cousin Baden, it was sweet to watch them be together. Their new house is really neat, I loved seeing it and being able to be with all of them. We even went to a Girl Scout event for my niece Irish and the kids got to sit on Santa's lap. My parents, grandparents and sister and family came to join us at his house on Saturday. There were 19 of us there, 2 dogs and a cat. It was cozy, but lots of fun. We chatted, ate lots of good food and had our family Christmas together there. We draw new letters every year to be the "theme" for our Christmas gifts, this year was D, so it ws fun to see what everyone came up with to go with the letter D. On Sunday morning we did family pictures ( it was cold, but I am a pansy). After pictures we headed to Yakima. Highlights of our time there, we were able to go to Leavenworth with Tom's brother Chuck, his wife Diana and their cutie Aynslee to see the Christmas lights and shop around a bit. (no it is not a prison, it is a cute little Bavarian Town in the mountians of Washington). We were able to go see my nephew Jaxon play basketball for the Junior High, we went on a tour of Christmas lights and sang Christmas carols as we went, went to my home wards Christmas party where Santa Claus was none other than my own Dad (the kids had fun keeping the secret that their Grandpa was Santa Claus, and the suit my Mom made for his was amazing) We had family Candy night (a tradition in our family when we all get together, everyone making something different and then making plates to take home with us and to share with others), We of course had Christmas, the kids were happy the Santa found them in Washington since our home is in Okinawa, had Christmas dinner at my Grandma's house with everyone, then played the Left and Right game for out gift exchange and got to also visit with Tom's brother again that evening. We went to see the 2nd Hobitt Movie with my parents, I got to do some quilting and had tons of help from my mom who is amazing at anything quilt related, I got to go on a girls day with my Mom, Sister and Grandma, we did a little shopping, had lunch and went to see a movie. (Philomenia, it was really good). We were able to go shooting on the last day we were there (all 6 of us went, even the girls got to shoot.) Tom and I were able to take Xanen to the temple to do baptisms, which was a lovely experience to share with him. We did some shopping, but it was here and there and crazy for all of it. I would have loved an entire day to myself to do just that with nothing else to do, but that time will come soon enough when we move back to the states. We were able to eat good Hamburgers at Minors and Majors, had pizza at Abbey's Pizza as well as Papa Murphy's and Papa John's, ate at Olive Garden, had some Panera Bread, DQ, Mongolian Grill. And did I mention the kids and I really enjoyed going in the hot tub with my parents in the freezing cold and looking up at the stars?? We were able to spend a few nights at my Grandparents house, and even though it tired my Grandpa out, I think they really enjoyed it. My Aunt and Uncle took the kids a few times, their boys are the same age as my boys and they get along really well. And New Years Eve?? My brother and family were able to come and celebrate with us. We played spoons, did a gift finding game with the kids, ate lots of yummy food and the kids had to rotate turns in the hot tub, we also got to watch all the fireworks being set off around the city (my parents have a great view). I am so thankful that we were able to go and spend time with everyone. 2 years is a very long time to be away. At least now we know that we will see them again in 10 months when we move back to the states.
I have to admit it was nice to be away from all the lessons and things that we have going on here, to be Unplugged from Facebook and email and just relax. Now I get to jump right back into the fun with Girl Scout cookie sales. I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year!!!
