Holiday Visitors

Over the holidays we like to have family and friends visit. This time we had Jared and Chrissy, Josh and Kate and Doug and Lynne. We had a blast. Bethie made yummy food and we played games.

A New Look

Bethie and I got Dad some new clothes for Christmas. He also receieved some new glasses. Doesn't he look sharp!

Visit from the Olones

Our friends the Olones came to visit yesterday. They are our dear friends from New Hampshire. We always have such good fellowship with them. They have goats too, as a matter of fact Janet is the one that got us interested. Thanks Janet :)

Merry Christmas 2007

We were up bright and early Christmas morning. As usual, Dad read the Christmas story. This year he sang a few hymns in between, just for fun! After that Dad told me to open the card on the tree which read, "...have the kids look out back." Well they did and were surprised to see a four wheeler. They have always wanted one and were thrilled! After a few rides, Jake, Lauren and Miss Grace arrived. We opened presents, had our special "Christmas Brunch" and opened stockings together. The rest of the day was relaxing and fun. We played games, colored with Gracie, took naps (I got to rock Grace asleep :) ) and of course, rode the four wheeler. A big thank you to Jerid and Michelle and Grammie and Grampie for their part in the gift. Christmas was a special day and we thank God for it. It was the birthday of a KING.

Christmas Party for the Boys!

Today the boys had a Christmas Party with a few of their friends. Dave, Nathan, Josh, Matt and Dan came over at 3:00. They went sledding, had snow ball fights, played games and ATE! At 5:00 we had pizza and snacks. After dinner Dad read the Christmas story and they went sledding again. They all had fun. It is great to see them have so much fun!

Date with Gracie

It is a tradition in our family for Dad to take each of our children on a "Christmas date" to buy presents for the rest of the family. This year, since we have grandchildren now, we wanted to expand the tradition to include the grandchildren. When possible, Nana and Grampa want to take them out for a "Christmas date". We had a date with Gracie and we were thrilled to have her for ourselves. Lauren took Josiah and Jeremiah in one direction and we went in another with Gracie. Santa saw her coming and came out to see her. She shook his hand and said hello. We met Lauren and the boys for lunch.

Lauren has a birthday!

We celebrated Lauren's birthday today. Noni and Jidoo came and we all had a great time. Elisabeth made the cake. It was beautiful and yummy. Jidoo and Josiah put together the model car and Gracie had fun riding in it.

Winter Fun has Begun!

Today we got our first, big snow storm. The boys love it, of course. After school, they went out to play. They pulled sleds with the tractor and went sledding. I'm sure that a snow ball fight happened, too :)

Nursing Home Ministry

About once a month we are allowed to visit Orchard Grove Nursing Home and hold a service there. The kids sing, play instruments, have a drama program and visit with the people there. Mike sings and preaches. He gets to tell these dear folks that God loves them and sent His Son to die for them. We enjoy this ministry.

Getting our Christmas Tree

We went to a Christmas Tree farm today to get our tree. We had hot cider and cut our own tree. We had such a nice time!

Miss Grace comes to visit.

Grace, Jake and Lauren came to visit recently. We always have a great time with them. Gracie is alot of fun to play with. She is beginning to talk and can say "Nana and Grampa" : )

Black Friday

The Friday after Thanksgiving, Mom, Bet and Candace all went shopping. We got alot of good deals and some of our Christmas shopping done. It was fun, but exhausting. Candace was pooped out and in the last store she decided to ride instead of walk. One little boy yelled, "Look Dad, there's a Mom in the cart".

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving we spent with Josh, Can and Cole. We had a wonderful time. We had a delicious meal with our fresh turkey. We also, opened Christmas presents together. Cole really enjoyed his gifts. It is such a blessing for us see our children with their children. We love you all.

Mini-Vacation with Noni

A couple of weeks ago we went on a mini-vacation with Noni, to celebrate her 70th birthday. We went to visit Josh, Can and Cole for a couple of days. We had a great time with them. Cole is a sweetheart. We then went on to Lancaster, PA. We stayed in a hotel for two more nights. We shopped, swam, ate out and laughed alot! We had a BLAST.

Apple Picking and Pumpkin Picking

Today we went apple picking. We also, got a pumpkin. We love fall. Today the weather was chilly and the leaves are beautiful. We are going to make an apple pie today, too.