Here are the cutest faces in the whole world. Can you believe this picture? We have never taken such an effortless photo of our kids . . . EVER! We had gone to the church Christmas party and they had their picture taken with Santa. Karina was crying and had to sit on my lap and Camden had a goofy expression on his face. I looked at Eric and told him we'd try to get a good one at home since they were already wearing coordinating clothes and Karina's hair was brushed and cute. I just love this picture. It will be mailed out to our friends and family in the next few days.
I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. Eric and I have been married for 8 years today. It is crazy to think so much time has gone by. We've had 3 children together and happy and sad times. We've been sick and we've gotten better. We have so much to be thankful for and I feel guilty sometimes that I actually have to remind myself of that fact. It's so funny that after 8 years, we know what the other one is going to say before they say it. Marriage is hard, but rewarding. Eric brought me home Bailey's flavored chocolates and yellow roses last night -- just after midnight. Now anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE chocolate and yellow roses. With Christmas and the birthday approaching, I knew I didn't need a gift but was hoping he'd bring me flowers . . . and he did. He's always been very good with gifts. Sometimes he forgets about the flowers, though, but last night he didn't disappoint. We are going out tomorrow night to celebrate. We're hoping to go to a show -- I'll let you know what happens with that.
I haven't posted anything about my dad's 60th birthday bash. It was a blast and unbelievably calm considering how many of us were in his house. 5 of the 6 kids in the family were there. Jim was the only one lacking. He was in Iraq at the time and has now safely returned to his family. (Welcome back Jim!) When the birthday party was about to begin, Dad wanted to read a "Roses are red" poem he had written FOR HIMSELF! We all started laughing so hard at his need to always write a poem for every life event -- including one for his 60th birthday. We kids had all gone in on a special photo album I created through Apple's iphoto program. It was really something and on the first page, I wrote a "Roses are red" poem with the help of my sisters.
It was funny that Dad trumped a few of my lines with his poem. Not so crazy considering it was about the same subject! He loved the album and loved having his grandkids around. He doesn't seem to mind the screaming and fighting and mess that goes along with them all being in his place. The kids love the jumping bed he puts up for them in the basement. We had a jumping bed as small kids in Utah and our friends loved coming over to jump on it!
On Thanksgiving morning, Karina got sick. She woke up around 4 or 5 a.m. throwing up and crying. She hadn't been sick like that before and I thought she handled it pretty well. She was clingy, but stayed near me so I could take care of her. She loved being around her girl cousins and had a lot of fun with Bellah. Bellah is only 6 months older than Karina and we've visited my sister Julie's family in Texas enough that they have a good comfort level with each other. After Thanksgiving we all enjoyed a relaxing day on Friday until we were ready to head home to Vegas. Camden was complaining about a stomachache and sure enough he got sick in the jetway as we were boarding our flight home. We were kicked off the flight after that and headed back to Dad's house with only our carry-ons in tow. Thankfully, I had packed a few extra clothing items in my bag. We all got sick that night and so did half the household. It was crazy. There were people in and out of the bathroom all night long. We are so glad to be home and well now. Every day that you don't feel like that is a real blessing!
Well, the kids are sleeping soundly after kind of a hectic night, so I am going to fold some laundry and head off to bed. Here's to a lucky 8th anniversary -- we're now past the "seven year itch." I'm so thankful to have a husband who is handsome, funny, charming, skilled in everything he does, an amazing people person, smart, and an amazing father. I'm sure I left a few things out. He loves our kids so much (and they love him back). He comes from a wonderful family and I'm grateful to be part of that Hanlon crew! Speaking of family, my newest sister-in-law's birthday was today. Happy Birthday Vanessa! (See pic below.) She fits in so well with our family and we all just love her to pieces (especially Camden and Gage). Vanessa figured out how to get Jonathan to settle down and she makes him really smile! She gets lots of respect from the former Wells girls! :)
If I won't be talking to you in the next few weeks -- Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
This is just a quick blog to show you how cute the kiddies were at church today. I always love the Christmas program at church. Today was slightly less enjoyable because Karina was a little pill. She didn't have her binky and just couldn't sit still. I'll be happy when that phase is over. Most Sundays I'm there alone and don't enjoy that struggle. Camden was so handsome in his suit from Uncle Jonathan & Aunt Vanessa's wedding. He's outgrown the pants (they were replaced), but the vest, shirt and jacket looked fantastic. The red tie looked so dashing on him! Karina looked so cute, too. I love when she lets me do her hair. Now I understand why my dad always liked our hair pulled back. :)
