This new year I tried to squeeze in as much time with my Albuquerque kids and grandkids as I could, especially since I no longer have my Seminary Administrative Assistant job. I babysat Sofia a couple of times, and I treated my kids to lunch. Also took the grandkids to a couple of movies this year.
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| Sofia making green chili cheddar cornbread muffins with me |
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| And honey butter |
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| A lunch outing at Olive Garden with Jess and Jacob (and Sofia) |
January 10th: I was so excited when I learned that Johnny and his new wife, Claudia Barnett would be visiting family in Albuquerque!
I invited them over to have dinner with us their first or second day in town. They met up with all of Johnny's relatives one on one that week, and then we all had dinner together at El Pinto on Saturday January 14th. I was happy to meet Johnny's cousin Dave Pitcher and his wife Zita. And I was happy to sit by Jacquie and Terry Babbitt.
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| Me and Claudia Pitcher |
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| Me and Mike |
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| Johnny and Claudia |
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| A group shot of the four of us after dinner |
January 7th: I hosted a baby shower for Denise Browley this morning and provided the food. She requested egg rolls and fried rice! I added chicken salad croissants and fresh fruit to the spread. I also made a hot wassail.
Mike and I are called ministers to Denise and her husband Michael and their young family. We've really enjoyed getting to know them--such a sweet and loving couple, and their kids are great.
Amy Brown and Kara Eastham did all the decorating for the shower, and Erica Garcia was in charge of the games. We had about 25 guests show up and enjoy the food, games, and festivities.
Jonny and Emily Hatch and their three young children drove through town on their way to Texas from Arizona and stayed overnight with us! They did the same thing last year during New Year's Eve.
We visit with them while the older kids play, and then we have dinner together and visit until bedtime. They are such an amazing couple and are so good at parenting. Emily is now expecting baby number 4 this spring! This time around, we invited Jess and her family to join us. The kids loved meeting the Hatch kids, and Jess loved seeing her cousin Jonny and his wife Emily.
