Christmas with the Hess Family

We spent the last week and Christmas in Merced, California with Nathan's parents. It was great to spend time with Nathan's parents, with Nathan's brother Ryan, and Nathan's sister Shelley and her husband Alan. Tate could not get enough of his grandparents, aunt and uncles! It was a nice break for our backs because he often only wanted one of them to hold him. Tate often went for anyone who would take him outside. The weather was gorgeous and it was nice for him to get to play outside. Nathan's parents also have an outside cat (along with about 5 strays) and Tate loved getting to see and touch a cat for the first time. We ate a lot of great food and had a really nice Christmas. BUT, there was one major down side to the trip. Tate was very sick with some crazy 7 day stomach flu. He started throwing up the day before we left and stopped the day we came home. The whole time in Merced, poor little Tate threw up on everything (including one of Alan's Christmas presents). It felt like we were changing diapers, cleaning up throw up on Tate's clothes, our clothes and the carpet the entire trip. Marlean was busy doing laundry the whole time because of us!! It was hard for Tate to be away from home when he was sick, but it was great to have so much help and be around so many people who love him.

We had a great time in Merced and really love spending time with Nathan's family. We love them very much and are grateful for all they have done for us (you know who you are and what you have done to help!!). We are very blessed to have such wonderful family on both sides!

Here is a video of Tate with his Grandpa Hess:


Here is a video of Tate playing with his Aunt Shelley (or Shea Shea as Tate calls her):