It has been almost 4 years since all eight of the Hassman kids and Mom have been together. The last time was Thanksgiving of 2006, when we made the trek to Gram's when I was 9 mos pregnant with Max. This time we were short only one in-law, Ashley's husband, Justin. We wish he could have come, but were so grateful that she and her 3 kids were able to come up this time! Gram was even able to come. Since most of us now live up north, we don't often get to be with Ashley's and Cory's families. While the rest of us get to see each other throughout the year, there always seems to be a hole, like we aren't complete. Granted, it was a madhouse of kids, crying, laughing, screaming, more laughing, and more crying...but we were all together. We were whole and it felt so good. It makes you realize what you are missing. After a few days in Utah we all went up to Mom's and spent a few days in Idaho. Because Jolea, Ashley, Carrie, and I were all up there sans husbands, it was a little more difficult to rest and relax, but Cory's family sure did get to enjoy the Idaho outdoor adventure that lies just beyond Mom's property. I am really glad that they did too. It was just fun to sit around and observe all our kids, how they've grown, their different personalities, and our different personalities as well! I am glad that Gram was there and that somehow she was able to survive the craziness. Mom was a good sport to put all 20+ of us up and surprisingly, her house was still standing when we all left. She is the grandma to 18 and one-on-the way, so she was equipped with all things needed. What a time it was!