An update on the Hionis Family

Hello All,

2009 was sure a learning year for Chris and I. We started by me going to work 5 days a week (toward the end of 08). That meant Chris had to get up early every morning to get the kids ready for school since he works 2nd shift that is not easy. It was something necessary in our quest to try to get our finances in order and work our way out of debt before it is to late. We are continually working on it but we have become closer the more we rely on each other. Also my work started a wellness program and last year I lost a total of 25lbs. Am hoping for about 30 more this year. I didn't try to hard last year so this year is going to be a year of change in our house and eating healthier and living a better lifestyle. We are excited to start this new adventure.

Also we took a family trip to the Dells last winter/spring (it was April), with a couple other families we are good friends with. It was a great time and for once Naomi had girls to hang out with instead of the boys all the time. Naarah loved it. Once she got used to the water she was unstoppable. Then we went to our annual Tony Stewart Race at Madison International Speedway. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!! This was I believe our 4th year going and we really enjoy that time as family. This year was the first year that It was not like 90 degrees. It was a great summer. Then we also took a family trip to Great America in which it was cool enough this year that we didn't get to go to the water park part and cool off. That was ok w/ me a lot less hassle but the kids were a little disappointed. Then for my birthday Chris and I decided that I could get a plane ticket to visit my sister and nephew in Texas at the beg. of August for his first birthday. It was really amazing. I loved every minute, didn't even mind Texas in August. Just sad that it was only 5 days.

Chris is still working at TDS telecom which we are thankful for him still having a job in this market, I celebrated my 10 yr anniversary at the dental office in March. Naomi was invited to be part of the dance line this year for her dance academy in which she will get to go to competition this year (it is being held at the Kalahari in Wisc. Dells) which we are excited about another water park trip. She is very excited. Noah has been playing soccer now for a few years and this year is on the U10 league where they have refs and play real games which he is very excited about. He really enjoys it. Also he is going to be starting basketball for the first time next week which should be interesting and exciting. Nathanael is playing soccer again this year and started kindergarten. He loves both very much. He is really enjoying kindergarten just not getting up in the morning. Naarah I think enjoys her personal time with mom and dad very much. She has an amazing vocabulary and is still a stinker. All the kids took swimming lessons in Oregon in Nov/Dec. they learned way more than I thought possible. It was great and when it was cold outside they were indoors swimming.

We survived our Christmas and New Years even though we were all sick at one point or another over the 2 weeks. The kids enjoyed their time off school and Naomi and Nathanael decided to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for a couple extra days after Christmas in which one of those days Grandma was lucky enough to get sick.

Right before Christmas our van decided to take a nose dive and we had to replace the alternator-AGAIN- we just put on in June of 08. Thankfully now we have a friend who works at a car part store and could get us one cheaper. Mom and dad came to help us out for a couple of days while we had no van. Chris and my dad got the van put back together just in time to head north for xmas.

The kids are now back in school and trying to get back in the swing of things.

It has been a pretty sad week for Naomi and I this week as one of her best friends she has know since kindergarten (her mom who I am friends with) Their family moved to Reno Nevada. Actually they were to fly out today in this beautiful snowy weather. We are praying they made it safely. Naomi cried a lot yesterday and I just hugged her and cried with her. Let her know it would be ok. So she asked if Naarah could sleep in her room with her last night so I let her.

Tomorrow Chris and I will be attending my Christmas party for work and the kids will be staying at our friends house overnight. We decided to do our grocery shopping after the party. Should be lots of fun. That should sum up our lives for a year. =) now enjoy the pictures below.