December 26, 2011

The Jackson's of Albuquerque

Stacie and Kevin are enjoying Christmas in Provo, UT with the Jackson family. They flew in very early on Friday morning. They have enjoyed playing lots of games, going out to eat, and just enjoying each others' company. Today they especially enjoyed the opportunity to talk to Kevin's brother, Chris, who is serving his mission in Mexico. He is currently located right across the border in Nogales. Kevin's sister, Carolyn, is due within the next few weeks with her daughter Claire. Stacie and Carolyn enjoyed lots of baby bump moments where they bump each others' bellies sumo-wrestler-style. Everyone is encouraging little Claire to come out and play. Stacie and Kevin look forward to having so many cousins to play with little Henry.


The Haws Family of Colorado

This week was a bitter sweet week for us. On Monday Vanesa and her family left to Utah for the Holiday season. On Tuesday we took the girls to Chili’s thinking that it was going to be our last dinner with Andy for the next six months, when to our surprise we looked at his itinerary and realized that he did not have to leave until Thursday instead of Wednesday! Needless to say we were all very, very excited for the extra day with him. On Wednesday night into Thursday we had a very icy snow storm and were hoping that his plane was going to be delayed, unfortunately it was not and I had my first real experience driving on complete ice coming back from the airport. Obviously we made it back okay. After taking him to the airport I took the girls sledding to try and get our minds off of Andy having to go back. They loved sledding and our little neighbor Logan seemed to enjoy it also. On Saturday I took the girls sledding again and Haley thought it was fun to run and do a belly flop onto the sled to make her go faster. Sunday the girls opened up their presents from grandparents, and then we went to church and to Brother and Sister Stewarts house for dinner. Andy made it back safely and is staying busy with work.

The Wisconsin Haws Family

We had a wonderful but relatively snowless Christmas here in Wisconsin. Mom and I had a wonderful time distributing fruit baskets in people in our circle of friends. Our wish was that we could have had more baskets to distribute. The faces of the reciepents was wonderful. One person came to us the next day and told us that they rarely received anything from anyone. That made it very special. We also spent a delightful evening with a widow that lives out by the Eau Pleine flowage. Mom gave her a beautiful pink robe that was perfect.

We enjoyed church as a family. It was really good. Afterwards we opened presents. Some of the wonderful presents included a cooking skillet from Logan to Mom that he purchased with his egg money, a didgeridoo that Mom gave to Grant (for info on what a didgeridoo is please click the link provided).

http://www.chacha.com/askChaCha/What+is+didgeridoo%3F

I received a new subscription to ancestry.com while Emily received a ukelele and Lanette received disaster documentaries from Grant. It was lots of fun.

I have enjoyed the days off from work and time with our family. Today we went see "We bought a zoo". Except for some swearing it was a fun movie that I can recommend to all of you.

As the end of the year 2011 approaches I want to let each of you know how much we love you. Things that Mom and I are praying for this year include the safe arrival home of Andy. The move of Renata, Felipe, Lucas and Derick from Brazil to permanently join Jeff. That Grant will have a wonderful year as he continues to brighten our home. We pray that Julie & Jeff and Stacie & Kevin will be able to welcome healthy boys. That Emily will find a college that will bring her joy. That Lanette will be able to enjoy the transition into job opportunities while Logan will continue to grow up in light and truth. Mom and I love you each deeply and wish heavens greatest blessings on you.

Love,
Dad