Chase's main present from Santa was this little push toy (that I bought for 8 dollars second hand a few months ago). He also got some fun little cars I brought back from Utah last October. This kid always plays with the little cars at other kids houses, now he finally has his own! We got him a few new books, he got some darling blocks from my parents and an Elmo movie from Ben's parents. He had a ball all day playing with the new toys!
Since we obviously don't have a lot of extra money these days with no income and paying for medical school, Ben and I decided not to give each other anything under the tree this year (although right now a new apartment and finishing the first year of medical school is much better than any present we could buy each other) but it really didn't matter because it was so fun to watch our baby have his first Christmas! We did have some gifts to unwrap from my mom- which we loved- Ben has been really missing beef down here and my mom and dad sent him some beef rolls (is that what they are called? They come in those gift baskets people get at Christmas time)- which we got a kick out of. We also owe a BIG THANK-YOU to my mom and dad for our big Christmas gift this year, my new laptop! My old one died back in November, which was so frustrating down here with no way to replace or fix it, so my parents bought us a new one and sent it down with Will. We have been very blessed this year!
Since we obviously don't have a lot of extra money these days with no income and paying for medical school, Ben and I decided not to give each other anything under the tree this year (although right now a new apartment and finishing the first year of medical school is much better than any present we could buy each other) but it really didn't matter because it was so fun to watch our baby have his first Christmas! We did have some gifts to unwrap from my mom- which we loved- Ben has been really missing beef down here and my mom and dad sent him some beef rolls (is that what they are called? They come in those gift baskets people get at Christmas time)- which we got a kick out of. We also owe a BIG THANK-YOU to my mom and dad for our big Christmas gift this year, my new laptop! My old one died back in November, which was so frustrating down here with no way to replace or fix it, so my parents bought us a new one and sent it down with Will. We have been very blessed this year!We had one hour of church on Christmas morning with a really nice program. Our primary kids sang so sweetly- I was so proud of them! We came home and got working on our Christmas dinner. We bought a turkey and cooked it in our oven (for the first time ever) and I made rolls. We made a black forest cake on Christmas Eve together, which tasted even better than it looked. We invited a cute family from our branch, the van Ormans over with their three kids and the missionaries. Van Ormans brought the potatoes, carrots, salad and drinks. It was a fabulous feast!
Chase was pretty ornery and would only eat rolls. Ben said it was Christmas and we should let him have what he wanted, so we fed him like 2 1/2 rolls and then let him go play. He found his way over to the missionaries and started begging for their food- mostly their rolls. They got such a kick out of him. They wanted him to eat more than just rolls, so they'd lure him in with a bite of a roll, the give him huge bites of turkey, carrots and potatoes. I think Chase ended up eating 4 rolls, along with a whole bunch of other food. The kid was STUFFED. His little tummy was a little distended. Once all that food was done and we served up dessert he went right over and started begging more. He did get a few bites of cake out of Elder Stout before we had to call it a night. Chase threw up a little and went to bed!
We had a very Merry Christmas here in Dominica! It was a more simple Christmas, but it was our first together as a family and it was wonderful. We are counting our blessings this year and are so grateful for our Savior. Christmas is such a wonderful time to appreciate the life of Christ, and we found we didn't need snow, hot chocolate or Christmas lights to make it Christmas. I love this quote from Elder Uchtdorf from the Christmas devotional-
Chase was pretty ornery and would only eat rolls. Ben said it was Christmas and we should let him have what he wanted, so we fed him like 2 1/2 rolls and then let him go play. He found his way over to the missionaries and started begging for their food- mostly their rolls. They got such a kick out of him. They wanted him to eat more than just rolls, so they'd lure him in with a bite of a roll, the give him huge bites of turkey, carrots and potatoes. I think Chase ended up eating 4 rolls, along with a whole bunch of other food. The kid was STUFFED. His little tummy was a little distended. Once all that food was done and we served up dessert he went right over and started begging more. He did get a few bites of cake out of Elder Stout before we had to call it a night. Chase threw up a little and went to bed!
We had a very Merry Christmas here in Dominica! It was a more simple Christmas, but it was our first together as a family and it was wonderful. We are counting our blessings this year and are so grateful for our Savior. Christmas is such a wonderful time to appreciate the life of Christ, and we found we didn't need snow, hot chocolate or Christmas lights to make it Christmas. I love this quote from Elder Uchtdorf from the Christmas devotional-If we are only willing to open our hearts and minds to the spirit of Christmas, we will recognize wonderful things happening around us that will direct or redirect our attention to the sublime. It is usually something small—we read a verse of scripture; we hear a sacred carol and really listen, perhaps for the first time, to its words; or we witness a sincere expression of love. In one way or another, the Spirit touches our hearts, and we see that Christmas, in its essence, is much more sturdy and enduring than the many minor things of life we too often use to adorn it.
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
The Hugo Family
Your turkey looks amazing, good work! As does the cake of course :). That cracks me up about Chase's eating - I guess food looks better off other people's plates sometimes? And Chase's presents sound way fun! Also, his little striped jammies are darling.
ReplyDeleteI just got caught up on your blog. I didn't know you moved! I'm so glad you guys have a nice apartment. How's sharing a room with Chase going? And, I'm SO glad Ben has passed and you can enjoy your break :) Miss you guys and Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteCole got the same present as Chase in the first 2 pictures. He doesn't know you can ride it though. haha. Look like you guys had a fun Christmas. I loved getting caught up on your blog. Ps. You look so skinny and tan! Jealous!
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