Visit to Pennsylvania and Carter's Baptism!

  We were able to fly to Pennsylvania this weekend for Carter's special day.  We brought Grandma and Grandpa Hamblin with us and arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 2nd.  Tanessa and her girls, Brielle and Addisyn flew in from Orlando and joined us there.  We rented a couple of cars and drove into Catawissa to Jaron's house.  There they were all waiting for us!  It was great to be there and see all the kids and get hugs from all of them.  It's been a long time!  We just got reaquainted that night and everyone lined up with sleeping arrangements.  Jaron's heating was out and we were all wrapped up in coats and blankets trying to keep warm...it was about 55 degrees in the house!!  But they got it fixed by about 11:00 that night, and the heat started pouring out!  By morning we were all toasty warm again!

 On Friday, Jaron wanted to take us to Ichiban, a Japanese grill for an afternoon dinner.  So we all set off to Williamsport for food!  It was snowing light flakes when we got there...Addi was way excited to see SNOW!

 Jaron was excited to get his sushi!

  

 The kids loved watching the chefs toss the food around and seeing the flames come up from the grill!  It was nice and warm in there, and the hot food tasted so good!

 All of us know that Ashton is one that speaks what he's thinking...so we all laughed when Heather told us the story of Ashton visiting Ichiban for the first time.  He had asked if it was Chinese food, to which the chef told him, "No.... Japanese!" (In his VERY Japanese accent!)  to which Ashton looked him straight in the face and replied, "I can't understand a WORD you're saying!"  haha

 Friday night, we gave Carter his Birthday/Baptism present.  He was pretty proud of his new Scriptures and his carrying case, and excited to try them out!

 Saturday morning everyone was on the move to get ready for the Baptism.  Grandma and Jaron were busy making Texas Sheet Cakes for the refreshments...Tess, Heather, and I were trying to help all the kids get their baths and their clothes on, hair done...and Carter looked so handsome in his new suit!

 The little girls were all so cute in their red Christmas dresses...Brielle did not want to be in the beautiful picture, however!

 Jaron and Heather's darling family!

 Our handsome Carter...ready for the baptism by his dad.

Carter Jaron Simonson...December 4th

 We were so very proud of Carter that day.  He not only looked handsome...he was just so sweet and pure!  At the baptism, Emmy and Carter sang the special number about the Holy Ghost...they did such a great job!  We were very priveledged to be there!

 Saturday night, Grandpa and Grandma Hamblin wanted to pass out their Christmas presents to the little kids so they could be there when they opened them.  The kids got so excited to get to open presents early!!

 

Lilly

 Carter

 Emmy

 Addi

 

Ashton

  Of course, Tess' girls got presents too, since they won't be here for Christmas either.

Little Brielle

 Tanessa had presents of her own to give to Jaron's family.  She had drawn his name for Christmas, so they got to open their presents early also.  

Here is Jaron opening his new Temple picture from Tanessa and Jake.

 Sunday...the Simonson family after church.  They all look so cute!

 Carter's family with the Grandparents and Great-Grandparents!

 Little Brielle is growing up...she is so adorable, and we just love her to death!

 Miss Lilly!  She loved to have her picture taken!  She is getting so big!

 Emmy has grown into quite the young woman...she is such a special girl!

 Last but not least...Carter.  What a sweet, tender spirit he is!  He has grown up so much and is so caring and kind.  There wasn't a day go by that he wouldn't come up to you to give you a couple of hugs or so throughout the day.  He is a great young man, and is happy to be the newest Simonson member of the church!  We love you Carter!

We set out for our journey home on Monday morning with hugs all around for the kids.  We drove down to Amish Country in Lancaster County.  It was fun to see all the farms and green rolling hills (and yes, they were still green!)  Tanessa and Brent really enjoyed seeing everything.  We spent a couple of hours at the Kitchen Kettle Market, tasting the food, admiring the Amish handicrafts and such.  Then it was back to Philly for some last minute Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches and then on the plane for home!  It was a very fast trip, but wonderful to see everyone and Jaron's and Heather's 'new' surroundings...their three story 'mansion' house was so big and interesting!  Thanks to them for their hospitality, and we had a wonderful time....congratulations Carter!!  Love you all...