Jason and Katie get Married

Yesterday was Jason and Katie's wedding day. Even though they are from St.Louis, MO they came out to Logan, Utah to be married in the temple out here! We were so excited to have everyone come and visit us. We had 20 people at our house one night, and we LOVED IT!
Ryan's family is spread across the country, from Washington to Missouri, from California to Georgia. We do not get to spend enough time together. This week was precious. (And BUSY!)

Ryan is Jason's twin brother, so does that make Katie my TWIN SISTER-IN-LAW? :)

The boys were so excited to see the temple. Joshy was disappointed however, that HE wasn't the one getting married.

Could this be a vision of the future? Boys, boys, boys...

Between the wedding and the reception we decided to "chill" out at Jamba Juice.

Happy boys ready for reception food. Can we say "yum"? There were Italian Sodas and a Crepe Bar!

Boys, being boys...

Boys, being CUTE boys.

Boys being REALLY tired boys.

Ryan lookin' fine in his tuxedo.

There was dancing,
(Danny with Great Grandma Mahoney)

And more dancing!

It was a long day, but the boys were very charming.

... most of the time.

All the boy cousins (except for Weston who stayed home with Daddy in Georgia).

Cousins Daysha and Jayla joinin' the mix.

Jordan, Jason, Keenan and Ryan.

Sisters!

We are so excited to get to know Katie more. She is off celebrating in Hawaii now, so that will have to wait for now.

The original "Team Hochstrasser". Ryan, Jordan, Jason, (Katie), Angela and Mikaela.


That evening we were able to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. Tomorrow he will be 67. We are so happy we could be together with him!

It's a lot of work to be a family. It's a lot of work to be together. It's all worth it though!
Thanks for coming to visit us family! ( Even if it was really for Jason's wedding!)
Come back soon!

Surgery for Josh

Josh had surgery recently. Hoping to work out some feeding issues, the ENT clipped the frenulom under his tongue. While he was under he also removed the tubes in his ears and patched the ear drums. They also drew blood for allergy testing, along with prick tests up and down his legs. We were hoping he would not have to have his tonsils and adanoids removed, and the doctor didn't plan on removing them, but we all new it was a possibility. In the end, he decided to take them out after seeing them.

The day started so happy! He loved his new book and "Brown Bear" from Grandma. He couldn't have been cuter in his little baby scrubs. But, this happy day would not have such a happy end.

He headed back to surgery, and Ryan and I waited. I tried to take a nap. (It looks like I actually did based on this picture!)

Then Joshy came back to us. We were so happy to get to hold him again! I was surprised they didn't let one of us go back in to the OR until he was asleep, but they didn't and we said good bye in the hall. This picture is a half and hour after they brought him back and the screaming and thrashing was finally under control. Poor little boy. Coming off of those drugs can be really hard on these little bodies.

We brought him home that afternoon. Not the same happy little boy from this morning... but hopefully a healthier one. And so I tell myself it was worth it.

We eventually got him to eat. (He still insists on chocolate pudding for breakfast!)

After a little over a week at home, and some more tears...

He is back to his "normal" self! (what-ever that means at this age!)
p.s
We go to the allergist tomorrow to get more details about the many food allergies he appears to have!?! None too serious though, I think!

Christmas 2011 ( I know, I know, we just had Easter...)

Well, Christmas has come and gone (over 3 months past!!) but I suppose I had better document the occasion any way, even if I'm late. It was, after all, a "Merry" & "Jolly" Christmas.

There were new pajamas on Christmas Eve,

And treats for Santa, including a model reindeer made out of Scotch tape. (Courtesy of Danny and Dah-Dee-Doh.)

Joshy really enjoyed the magic of Santa!

Hopefully everyone enjoyed my Christmas Dinner... it was my first time hosting Christmas.

We made it to Temple Square to see the lights.

The boys got to touch the temple.

It really was quite the sight! (By the way, this picture was taken about the time Jared got a black eye by falling on the corner of one of the iron gates.)

It was so fun to have Mom and Dad and Lynda come visit too!

It was back into p.j's for the kids after church. Best to be comfy for Christmas Dinner! Did I mention church was at 9:00am? Ryan and I also sang a little duet of Silent Night.

Hopefully I won't let next Christmas "SLIP" by without a post!