New Year's Fun

My brother and sister in-law are an ocean away, and I don't know when we will get to see them next. So these pictures are extra special. We so enjoyed the extra time we got to spend with them over the holidays.

I think I was rather tired at the end of the holidays, so I don't have as many pictures. But sometimes it's a blessing to have shared memories that our just ours.

Hekel Family Christmas

 It's February, so we're going to speed through the rest of Christmas photos...

We had a lovely time with my parents, but as I type those words, I'm remembering that we were exhausted, and I was a little bit grumpy. Okay, I was a LOT grumpy. Traveling with four kids is hard when you're up all night. And like I've said before, one of the reasons I like taking pictures is that it highlights the joyful, happy memories. 

So here are some joyful memories.

 I think this silly picture is hilarious. First off - Camus is FINALLY perfectly calm and posed for the picture. My dad is pretending to give a "Classic Hannah" grumpy face. Pretty good, dad, pretty good. Dave is pretending to sleep. And the rest of us could catch a fly with our wide open mouths....

 We hadn't all been together since 2011, before Dan and Helen were even engaged. And since Camus is my mother's fourth child, it was only fitting that he join in the sibling photos too.

It was so good to get to see Dan and Helen again this year. Two years in a row was a particular blessing, one that we definitely don't take for granted.

And for good measure, I'll include some of my favorites from the time we spent with my parents.

 

Helen helped Abgail with her first cross-stitch project.

Harms Family Christmas 2014

 We literally took these family photos right before our final farewells.

...and yes, we're a little bit crazy! 

Six grandchildren are a busy blessing!