Christmas '08

After a few days rest it was time for Christmas. On Christmas Eve we spent the evening with Ben's extended family, most of whom we were meeting for the first time. We had such a good time and darn it if I didn't forget my camera. Ben's cousins, most in their 20s also, are absolutely hilarious and his aunts made comments about how nice it was to have little kids in the house as all the kids in Ben's family are at least teenagers. We played the present raffle game where you could pick a wrapped present or steal someone else's and it was so fun. The kids had never played it and I hadn't for years. They all made us feel so welcome and we are definitely looking forward to sharing Christmas Eve with them all again.

We woke up Christmas morning and Santa had come! The kids tore through their presents and loved everything. They are so funny. Just the way they interact with eachother even in the midst of the craziness of Christmas morning. They show each other what they got before they even show us and they get excited to play with each other's toys. They love between them is so special. After we got everything cleaned up and Grammy, Auntie Pooh, Uncle Curtis, and Grandpa Jeff came over (Nana was already here). And I started cooking. I was really excited to do this since I had never hosted a holiday dinner for my family before. I cooked a pot roast and a corned beef . Since my Grammy is famous for her corned beef I was a little scared but it turned out AMAZING! I made the most delicious corned beef ever (I think). We exchanged our gifts and YAY! we got season passes to Disneyland. I knew the kids were getting them but had no idea I would get one too. We have already been once since Christmas and we are going back in a few weeks. Well after we ate and visited for a little while it was time to say goodbye and rush to my brother Aaron's house to spend some time with them and Dad and Lisa. My nephew Troy has gotten so big and gorgeous. Plus we played trains and that made him like me. We hadn't seen them in so long and it was the perfect end to Christmas day.

After another days rest we headed to Vegas to spend some time with the rest of our family. Grandpa Larry had been battling cancer for the last year and the doctors had said he wasn't going to make it much longer. We wanted to make sure that while he and Grandma Debbie were visiting from Colorado we got to see them. On the way up our Explorer died and so we called mom to come pick us us, drove back home, put everything in the VW, and hit the road again. After a very long 12 hours in the car (for a trip that should have taken 5 hours) we made it to Henderson. We spent the next day with everyone and it was great. Christopher, my nephew, is just the cutest thing. Everything is "Auntie" and "Uncle Ben". He melted both our hearts every time he talked to us.

The next day was not so great though. I got a call from my mom on the morning of the 29th, while we were still in Vegas, that my Uncle Curtis had died. We knew he was sick but he hid so much of it from us all. I am so glad that we got to have one last Christmas with him. And on Christmas day him and I shared a special moment. I'm choosing to keep that moment private and in my heart always as my last memory of him. Never was there someone so full of love, acceptance, and a willingness to help someone in need. I will miss my "Uncle Cursis" dearly.

We decided to drive home that night instead of staying as originally planned but before we did Uncle Steve got off of work early and took us to the snow. Ivy had only been as a baby and Luke had never been in it. They both had been bugging Ben and me to take them since last year. When we got to where there was snow on the ground they could hardly contain themselves. They were practically screaming and couldn't wait to get out. Uncle Steve found the perfect spot and we pulled over. The kids were in awe. And while I hate the snow, it was so beautiful out, and seeing my kids could be so happy on such a sad day reminded me again that life goes on and it's alright. They all made snowballs and Chris kept throwing them at Uncle Ben. It was so great. Ivy even got me really good in the head. It was a good way to finish the day. Thank you Mindy and Steve for that memory. After that we made the drive home so I could be with my family but we will never forget our time there that weekend. I am so glad we went and got to love on our family a bit and see grandpa one last time. A few days after we got home I received a call from Mindy saying Grandpa wasn't going to make it much longer. And a few days after that, on the 4th, Grandma called to tell us he passed away. I will miss him too. He was such a strong man yet still tender. You felt his presence as soon as he walked in a room. He loved his family more than anything.

RIP Grandpa and Uncle Curtis. I know Chris greeted you both with open arms!

Snowball Express '08

Since I haven't posted in so long I have been debating on wether to start with December and catch everyone up or to start with right now. Well December was such a happy and sad month for us so I will update you all in a few installments. From Dec 16 to the 20th we went to the 3rd annual Snowball Express. It was so much fun and it was so special for Ivy and Luke to spend time with other children of fallen soldiers. It was especially good for Ivy. She was making new friends and realizing she wasn't alone. Luke still thinks it's just fun. First they put us up in the Clarion Anaheim. The first night they held a huge banquet across the street at the Hilton where we were entertained by America's Got Talent winner and ventriloquist Terry Fator. He was amazing and the kids loved it. Also we got to see Lis and Providence again and Mel and James were there too. By the end of the night we were exhausted but so excited we could hardly sleep. The next day we were treated to a free day at Universal Studios and the kids had never been before so we couldn't wait. Unfortunately it rained the ENTIRE time we were there. And it was REALLY cold. The kids were great sports though and we stayed all day until it closed. We couldn't wait to get back to our nice warm hotel room and thaw out though. Day 3 was Disneyland day! Again we were treated to a free day at Disneyland and what kid doesn't love that. It was especially fun since Luke is finally tall enough to ride everything (almost). Space Mountain was up first and since it was Luke's first time we sat up front. He kept his hands up the whole time. By the end of the day we rode Space Mountain twice, the Matterhorn twice, Big Thunder Mountain, and a bunch of others. Luke is just like Ben, Ivy, and me and LOVES rollercoasters. In fact we went to Fantasyland and rode Snow White and afterward Luke looked at Ben and said "Can we ride another rollercoaster?" No more kiddie rides for him, and I can't say I'm sad about that. Day 4 was a day of fun at the Anaheim Convention Center sponsored by Oakley. They had so much for the kids to do and see. Face painting, a petting zoo, reptiles to touch and hold, parrots to hold, Aquarium of the Pacific even brought a portable touch tank. They gave out free Roxy and Quicksilver stuff to us as well as free Oakleys and jewelry by a hollywood designer. There were tons of cool cars and motorcycles which totally made Luke's day. There were bounce houses, cotton candy, baloon animals, a dj and a dance floor, even a whole section with couches and a Wii and PS3 and Xbox360 to play. We had so much fun! That night there was a farewell banquet and Gary Sinese mast a surprise appearance to donate $10,000 for next year's event. It is so overwhelming to see so many children who have lost a parent in war in one room but it is so special to see them all happy. After the dinner we drove home exhausted but happy, ready to sleep in our own beds and gear up for Christmas. Next year will be held in Texas and we sure hope we can make it.

For my Sister

While it is late and I have no time now to blog today, my wonderful sister mentioned today that I haven't blogged in 3 months so for her I wanted to post some pictures. We have had a crazy holiday season full of ups and downs and I will share soon but until then...Enjoy!

P.S. We love and miss you Auntie Shell