Olive's Birthday Week

Olive's Birthday week started off a week before her birthday on Sunday. She had sugar birthday cereal, and a birthday party with us and Lindsay, so that Talmage could celebrate with us before he left.
Monday she had a small party with her friend.
Sunday we had birthday dinner again this time with Angel and Lindsay.
She got lots of presents that are routinely in Heber and Hannah seem to take possession of often. She is a happy spoil girl.
Both her grandmas and Talmage called her. She sweetly told Talmage that he forgot her birthday. I think it broke his heart more than here's.

Halloween

We went trick-or-treating with our friends. 

Here is the line up: Princess, Shark, Dragon, Princess, Princess and Pirate.

Talmage Goes to Officer Training School

Talmage left for Air Force Officer Training school. It sounds intense. He says that a day feels like a week. But his spirits are high and he is enjoying the challenge.
I have been feeling pretty positive about having Talmage gone. I see this as such an amazing growing opportunity for him. I feel supported, Lindsay's new apartment is literally in the building next to ours (the twins go over there by themselves, I don't think is old enough to walk over there without supervision). I have a super supportive ward as well. And my sister Angel is staying with us.
Angel flew in from Arizona the same morning he flew out. She will be here until around March 4th. Leaving her enough time to give a farwell talk and see the family, especially mom, before she leaves. It has been a joy to have her here, staying up late talking about the gospel and swapping and sharing our pateriartical blessings.
I feel like I have been able to run so many set aside errends. After four attempts at changing over my driver's license from Arizona to Texas I finally succeeded. I am so grateful she watched the kids. DMV (or whatever they call them here in Texas) don't mix well with kids.

Heber and Hannah Birthday Week

We went all out for Hebs and Hans Birthday this year. Grandma Susan, Grandpa Larry and Aunt Susan were all here with us to celebrate.
On their birthday we gave them cereal and their favorite meals for dinner. Heber chose cheese crisps. Hannah chose strawberry and watermelon. We set up the Christmas tree the night before their birthday and put up streamers.
Hannah and Heber had a Super Silly Birthday Party with their friend. They wanted to do one together. It frosted over the night before. Talmage had to defrost our steps. They seem to have a good time.

Christmas Trip

This year we went to Arizona for Christmas. We pulled all nighters to get there and back. It wasn't that bad though because we have audio books to listen to and Talmage took longer turns at the wheel, despite my insistences.
The Hansen Family Get-Together was complete with songs, Nativity scriptures, testimonies, white elephant (we got the best white elephant off all time, thanks to Lincoln), yummy food/treats and hanging out.

I got to go mountain biking with my younger siblings. Despite running out of water, Angel wrecking, two rough stretches where we had to walk our bikes (which made it take way longer than anticipated), it was a fun challenge. I loved hearing my siblings thoughts on life and the gospel. I am so proud of them and the people they have grown to be.
After our first rocky stretch of walking I got super worried thinking it would take longer to get back to feed Dewey. Talmage and I talked about feeding him a banana if I didn't get back in time. He has eaten solids before but not much. This worry really motivated me to push through faster to get back to him. In the end Talmage and Dewey did great and he ate his first banana.
We had francesinhas, our family Christmas tradition, thanks to Jana and Susan. We hoped to treat them but that took a 180 and they ended up treating his.

We hiked round mountain, fun for the whole family.

The Grandy Family Get-Together was graciously hosted by at Aunt Lois and Uncle Leon. Our first Christmas all together on Christmas day in eight years. It was complete with Nativity scriptures, individual and group songs, testimonies, dance offs, family games, a sleep over, yummy food and treats, presents, seeing the farm and cattle, a tour of Duncan (don't blink you might miss it), playing at the park, ultimate frisbee (yipee!), introducing a two month family health challenge, sharing memories, and hanging out.

It was a lot of fun. But all that fun wore the kids (Olive got sick) and me out. I am convinced that nothing can wear Talmage out, he is like the Energizer Bunny.
It was a great trip. I enjoyed it. It makes me miss being with our families more.

Family Pictures

Blessing Baby Dewey

It was great to have Talmage's parents in town. We love our little Dewey and the blessing he recieved was full of light just like him. He is a happy little soul. I love how his whole face lights up when he sees me and others.
His baby blessing outfit was made by best friend's grandma. She's the sweetest and kindest grandma. You know the kind that make homemade pies and showers you with gifts and kindness the first time you meet. She made this outfit before she knew if I was having a girl or a boy. I love it. The pearl necklace I'm wearing its from her as well.