Christmas morning 2012

We had the whole Lemon clan at our house for Christmas this year, and it was so fun! Everyone seemed very happy and thrilled that Santa came.  The only downer was the part where we all got sick.

Every present Mac opened he wanted to play with, so it took him a while to go through all his gifts

Hafen PARTY why? cuz it is Christmas

I loves s good party, and Brad and Miya pulled off the best one yet! Complete with music, laughter and love.  Oh, and did I mention the hot chocolate bar?? 

Aunts and Uncles sang Dearest Children, God is Near You

This the is first time playing together, and I must say I was very impressed

Why we Love Grandpa poster

Great Grandpa Hersch

At the last momnet, I decided to make a super fast trip to Vegas for the Hafen Chrismas Party.  On the way, Maissie and I stopped to see GGPA Hersch like we always do.  He was extremely frail, and uncomfortable.  We chatted for a short while, but I could tell he was tired.  He said he had a bad night the night before. We hugged him and kissed him on the cheek and left.  When I left, I remmeber praying that he would be taken peacfully and soon.  He passed away the next day.  

When I heard the news, I was surrounded by all of my brothers and parents. It was a tender mercy moment for me.  My grandpa had a very special place in my heart. I would call him almost weekly the last year or so of his life.  He was an extremely strong, smart, quiet person, and I loved him to pieces.

Surprise!

My Aunt Kirsten and Uncle Mick were doing a mad dash to Vegas for the Hafen party.  And I thought, well I don't want to be the one not to go.  So Maissie and I jumped in the car and went.  Only we surprised everyone.  I called my Mom and told her there would be a package coming for my Dad, and she had to be home.  Ta-Da!  It was us. On the way down we stopped to see Gpa Hersch, which turned out to be monumental.

the after party

After Maissie's baptism we had a little dinner. And then we headed out to Temple Square to see the lights!

Mac had a busy day, and crashed out

Maissie Jane's Baptism

Maissie was able to get baptized the day after her birthday! It happened to be on Thanksgiving weekend, and almost everyone on both sides of the immediate family were there (We missed auntie Em's fam).  I am sorry we did not get a big group picture. It was a wonderful occasion and she was very happy, as were her parents :)