New Years Eve

We decided to once again have a Mexican Fiesta for New Year's Eve.  Last year Papa Von went all out and bought the Mexican food and Pinata.  This year we replicated everything but moved the party to the Given's



Uncle Rod rigged up some apparatus on his ceiling to accommodate the pinata in their house

The kids were thrilled to attempt staying up till midnight.  Around 10:30 we busted out noise makers and party supplies

Allie was having quite the time with the assortment of party supplies

Happy New Year to the Hansens

Happy 2013 to Dad and Will

All the mom's decided we better fancy up and get ready to party ourselves

After a major meltdown  from Allie at 11:30 pm, we packed up all the girl cousins for a sleepover at our house.  Allie wasn't so sure about the party and distanced herself by sleeping on the couch.  Me and the girls stayed up till midnight and went out banging pots and pans to celebrate.
Welcome 2013!!!

Will's Blessing

Since the family was all in town for the Christmas break, we ended up blessing Will on December 30th.  It was a good thing this happened sooner rather than later because I could barely button up Will's blessing outfit.



Family Photo

All of the family who came to support

I found a cute little cable knit romper for Will's blessing outfit; he stayed nice and cozy warm

Knit shoes to match

I'm so grateful for this beautiful day, the Priesthood, and the chance Blake has had  to bless each one of our children.  

Cabin Retreat

The Hansen gang from Utah headed to town during the Christmas break and we were able to head up to the cabin for a few days to relax and play in the snow



The kids were eager to go out and dig with the ice auger

Allie and Jane enjoyed collecting icicles

The girls also headed out for a few cross country ski trips out on the lake

Sophie enjoyed all the fun there was to be had on the sled even if it consisted of us pushing her back and forth on the lake

I love Lucy

Allie and Jane being a little daring while sledding



How many Hansen cousins fit on 1 sled?

Saturday afternoon we traveled into some natural the hot springs.  Jane and Warren were sporting a great look in swim suits and snow shoes

We all safely made it into the hot springs

Even Will enjoyed being bundled up in his car seat while we enjoyed the warm water

After enjoying the hot springs we headed out for a family cross country ski trip across the lake

Blake was brave and included all the children in his cookie making

We sledded behind the snow mobiles without any major injuries

We soaked in the hot tub until we were prunes

We also found time to be bums on the couch and watch a couple of movies while we were up at the cabin.  Yeah for all the fun we get to enjoy while being up at the cabin

Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning....Santa had arrived!



Will got diapers, Sophie got a baby stroller, and Allie a skateboard

The stockings were all hung

Everyone enjoying the present opening

Family pic

Allie enjoying some gifts; bow and arrow from Sophie, a robe from mom and dad

My cute kiddos in their Christmas PJ's....Merry Christmas!

Xmas Eve

Christmas Eve had arrived and we continued our tradition of going out for Chinese dinner.  We met up with some of Blake's family at a China Buffet; last time we attempt the buffet for Christmas Eve.



The kid table

Aunt Vanae going a little Chinese on us



Grandma Barb joined us for the evening and loved her job of holding baby Will

After dinner we headed to Grandma and Papa's to act out the nativity and sing some Christmas carols

Blake and Rod attempting a duet on the violin

Mary and Joseph-a.k.a.-Allie and Cam getting ready for their grand debut in the Christmas story



The little lambs

Grandma Julia gets the kids jammies every year; a picture of all the cousins and their jam's before we headed off to bead to await the arrival of Santa!