The Hansen "Vacation"

Eric and I had decided that we wanted to do separate special trips with each of our parents and siblings. We went to Oklahoma with my mom and siblings.. A trip with my dad and siblings was in the works.. and a trip to Utah, first part of July, was scheduled to be Eric's parents and siblings "vacation." Lance and Becky had been working non-stop getting things planned and organized ie: a carnival, a Hansen Pincwood Derby, a train ride, just to name a few. Lance had even made a "brochure" and mailed it to us- it was going to be really fun... Obviously lasts weeks events changed things. 

Truth of the matter is, we don't know how much time we have. All we know is it's not much. So,  his family came here. It's not what we planned. Last minute things are always a bit tricky. Family is unable to stay as long as we all would have liked (work schedules... unfortunately not all bosses have been as amazing as Eric's), BUT they are all here and that's what matters. We are able to spend time together. All of us. Even if it is just for a few days.

Atticus was beyond excited to see everyone and the Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. We wasted no time and got  straight to playing....

FRIDAY May 18th

Races down the ally...

 

Our "line up!"

 

I LOVE Atticus' face in this one. Go Atti Go!

 

 

Playing outside

 

 

 Zach and Dustin drove through the night to get here so they were super tired. Atticus was a sweetheart and gave him a massage!

Some serious discussions going on!

 

Love him!!
 

Building towers with Emmie and Parker. Cute little Lexie is in the background!

 

 

These kiddo's have their Aunts and Uncles wrapped around their fingers!


He's amazing. He has taken all these changes in stride. I know without a doubt in my mind that Heavenly Father is sending him extra comfort and strength, helping him get through it.

 

Snack & Movie time

 

"HANSEN FAMILY PINEWOOD DERBY"

 

Lance had been in contact with one of my best friends, Tori (she is over the scouts in our ward/church) and she helped him arrange for a derby track to be set up at the church for us. Friday morning Pop-Pop and the daddy's worked hard at making the cars then the kiddo's worked even harder at decorating them!

Everything was set up and ready to go for us... award ribbons, a trophy for the BIG winner, and a darling banner (Jocelyn and Tori your amazing... love you both). It was really fun to have fun, despite our current situation. My heart did hurt a little, some basketball was being played and my eyes watered a bit watching my son watch the others play ball while he sat in his chair. A mothers pain for her child is brutal. Thankfully we got straight to racing and the fun began for all of us. Atticus could not wait to race his BYU car made specially by daddy!!

 

 

I think it's pretty safe to say he had a good time!

 

 

Brett made my "Honda Odyssey" and it was awesome!

Uncle Chris

Atticus loves little Lexie.

 

Two pretty incredible people we are lucky enough to call Grandpa and Grandma.
We love you lots and lots.

 

Zachy-Boy and Uncle Dustin

Brett and Bethy

 

 

The award ceremony was awesome. I love my in-laws. We did about a million goofy scout cheers then patiently waited each one of our awards! Brett, who made my racer my van, purposely made it go slow, (Actually Brett, my van ROCKS so back off buddy!!);  So I got the, "She finally made it" award!" Uncle Dustin got the, "I drove 21 hours for this?" award! (He and Zach drove straight through the night to get here)!

Doing our goofy scout cheers!

  

 

 

 

This boy is amazing. I am so proud of him.

Atticus was the BIG winner and got an awesome trophy (again, arranged by Tori--xo) and was so excited. He turned to me and said, "I told you I'd win Mom!" with the biggest smile on his face.

 

 

 

 

It was really fun day!

Friday afternoon someone "ding and ditched" us. We opened the door and found this on our front porch...

 

Inside the card reads... Horseback Adventure!

At The Sleepy Sheep Ranch in Whitewright, TX

Tuesday May 22nd

"Come dressed in your cowboy gear and be ready to ride horses! A photographer will meet you there.

This amazing adventure is being provided to us by our Waco Family and David Mitchell at Sleepy Sheep Ranch. Waco is where we lived while Eric was in law school (Baylor Law) and where we made some amazing friends. My aunt told me, before we moved away for grad. school, that we would meet some of our most treasured friends during  grad school and she was right. We were all in the same boat together. Hubby's hard at work putting in long hours at the school. Us momma's having our first or second babies, (my sweet friend Steph had her little guy literally as Eric and I were leaving with our little guy- Atticus). We were all super poor, and away from family, so we did everything together. Everything. There were 6 of us that lived within steps of each other and we would walk almost every morning. It was quite a sight! At times there would be 7 moms and 12 kids. We took up the entire road! 

Isaac loooooves his boots. 

Thank you Wacky Waco Friends! We LOVE you!

Saturday May 19th 


We went to Shenanagons, for a little mini golf and arcades....


With help, Atticus can stand up for a minute or two before getting tired. We are so proud of him. I can only imagine how hard and frustrating it must be for him. To once hit a great shot all on his own to be dependent on others. I can't think about it too much. It's too hard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I LOVE how tender these tough boys are. All the "men" are so loving and gentle with Atticus. All of them cheering him on and praying for his comfort.
 

 

 

 


Playing skeet ball was heart breaking. He really wanted to play but couldn't throw the ball hard enough for it to go very far. We tried a few time but he broke down in tears. I scooped him up in my arms and wanted to run. I wanted to take him and get out of there as fast as I could. I wanted to be somewhere else. Somewhere that didnt' make my little boy sad and frustrated. I have never wanted to protect and rescue more. I hate seeing him upset. I breaks my heart and gives me the biggest pit in my stomach.

 


I calmed him down, gave him some loves, and got him to smile again...

 


I can't look at this sweet boy without crying. I'm so sorry Atticus. So so sorry. Sweet boy I would do anything to take this pain away from you. I love you with all my heart and am so honored to be you mommy. Stay strong baby!!

 


I'm not a "karma" person but this was just plain awesome... right after Atticus was in tears, we went to a "wheel of fortune" game. All you do is pull the lever and you get the number of tickets the marker lands on.... Atticus landed on 250!! No joke!

 

 

 

 


These bands NEVER come off our wrists. Even Isaac keeps his on.

 


I love this. I love them. I love Michelle for taking this.

 

 

We stopped at Bahama Bucks on our way home!

Who doesn't like a little dessert before dinner?!

 

 

Saturday night we had a hot dog roast at Bishop Larsen's house!

 

His property is so beautiful

 

Two handsome boys!

 

 

LOVE

 

LOVE him too!

 

 

 

I owe my sweet and super cute sister in law for the AMAZING pictures. She took all the pictures throughout the trip! Thanks Michelle! You captured some great moments.

 

The ones responsible for the Hansen Madness!!

 

 

Atticus wasn't feeling up for the camp fire and wanted to hang out in the car..

You might think that sounds boring, but when you have Hansen's around, anything boring turns in to super fun. See for yourself...

 

Atticus and Emmie were singing their hearts out...

 

Making silly faces...

 

Having staring contests...

 

Giggling...

 

And loving. Emmie sat on Atticus' lap and when Atticus wrapped his arms around her he said, "Emmie am I like an octopus?!"

 

XOXOXO

 

Aunt Bethy was there to referee the craziness!

 

We ended the night watching part of Kung Foo Panda in the Larsen's movie theater! 


While tucking Atticus in bed he said, "I know! Tomorrow can be a family day!" And that's exactly what we have planned. A low key, stay at home family day!


Atticus said our family prayer that night. It was the first night he really focused on him. He asked Heavenly Father to "please let nothing happen to him at night" and to "please help him be brave and not cry." I think everyone said "amen" with tears. He is the sweetest thing and always blesses "everyone in the world to continue to feel better." I hate cancer. But I am so incredibly proud of my four year old warrior. Sweet boy, we pray every night that nothing will happen. And you are ALWAYS brave. Even brave boys cry! You are the BRAVEST BOY I KNOW!


Sunday May 20th


Sunday was pretty much a meat fest! The boys had bought a whole bunch of meat (tri-tip, sausage, turkey, ribs...) and Eric worked his magic on the grill. The man can smoke some mean meat! It was a very relaxing day. The kids played. The men manned the grill and listed to sports on the radio and then we ate and ate and ate. 

 

Atticus the sous chef assisting Grandma with the potato salad!

 

Chunk and his cute squishy nose smile!

 

King Atticus... Royalty always gets personal shade right?!

 

More Candy Land!

Pop pop set up a fishing pond for everyone!

Becky arranged for a photographer to meet us that evening, so we all got in our BYU gear and had pictures taken. Kristi, the awesome photographer showed me one shot, and it was absolutely perfect. 


Thursday the mayor of Sunnyvale declared May 20-27 "Atticus Eric Hansen Week." We have been working hard to put a few things put together for it. My sweet friend Angie designed posters and Sunday night we drove around Sunnyvale hammering in posters and tying ribbons around trees and stop signs!

 

 

 

 

 

We put a total of 10 signs up!

"Atticus Eric Hansen Week" may only be recognized by the town of Sunnyvale this year, but May 20-27th  will FOREVER be Atticus' week for us!


SO.... if you feel so inclined, please where a ribbon pinned to your shirt in honor of Atticus this week!


Grey= Brain Tumor awareness
Gold= Pediatric Cancer awareness


Atticus, this week is for you buddy! You deserve it! xoxoxo