Hanks Christmas Family Reunion 2012

Our family get-together this year was held in Junction, Utah. I've never been there before. We rented out a whole historic courthouse, which did a fabulous job in accommodating our large group. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. The place was comfortable, and creative. Not all the family was able to make the miles this year. Bryan, was one of those who stayed home to work. He had bighorn sheep commitments with NDOW that weekend. Maybe we'll have more of the family next year..........

Outside, there was a basketball court, volleyball net, and horse shoe grounds. The inside had a pool, foosball, and ice hockey tables! There was a piano and other misc musical instruments. In the corner of the lounge room there was a large box of various toys for the kids. This place had it all!  Plus, many family members accessed the wireless internet :)

Rendezvousing in the spacious kitchen to satisfy our taste buds............

LOVE this man!

Group Photo

On the way home, we got caught in a Great Basin traffic jam: 

Lookin' a lot like Christmas

The Christmas season is here. Parties, misc programs & events, music, and decorations. Now we just need the weather. More specifically, measurable snow. I know some of you cringe reading that statement; however, I don't want to spend another winter season dragging a hose around my yard watering the trees in hopes of keeping them alive. We've had a nice grace period. Anyway, it is Christmas and I can't help but think about walking in a winter wonderland this time of year :)

According to the forecast, it just may be a white weekend.

Here's a glimpse of the holiday decor in the Hamilton house........

We have got to be one of the few families that have reptiles hanging from our Christmas tree (a tradition that started in 2004, I believe).....  ;) 

lol 

Speaking of a tree, Ava picked it out all herself one chilly day in Lexington Canyon. Not too big and not too small ...........

I decided to go ahead and get a wreath that I can use more than one time...........

My Christmas cacti were right on cue:

Stockings all in a row, uh hum, I mean line...........

 The holidays are so much more fun through the eyes of kids. Ava and Isaac love helping; their enthusiasm and energy make me happy. They add more Christmas cheer day by day...........

Ava & Isaac are counting the days and nights, until Christmas day :)

My, How the Years Do Pass.........

I've been taking a photo of Isaac with a plush bighorn sheep over the last 3 years. I decided to do it until the age of three ~ just for the fun of it :)
You may recognize many of these photos from previous posts. This does a really great job in showing the incredible growth of a child in just 3 years! The only thing that hasn't changed too much over the years are those blue eyes and orange hair :)

One year old: 

Two years old:

3 years old: 

This has been fun :)