Christmas Festivities (Part 4)

Christmas Day – Most of us got up late, because we were too busy snuggling in our warm beds on such cold, blistery, wet day. *sheepish grin* The day was fairly quiet, though some of us played games (Farcle, Uno, ping-pong, etc.). :)

This was our breakfast: Quiche, Scottish oat scones, Cherry/Pistachio scones and eggnog (made by Phoebe).

Singing carols

♪♫ “Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes…” ♪♫

It starting snowing in the early afternoon, and as of now we have at least 2 inches accumulation.

Christmas Festivities (Part 3)

Christmas Eve - All of us kids (except Joel) went to Ultimate Frisbee in the late afternoon. We got to see several friends we hadn't seen in some time (wish we would've taken some photos :P). Later on, Dad’s sister and her family came over for evening/night. We ate a special dinner together, played musical instruments and sang, read the Bible/did Bible trivia, opened presents, etc.

Mom, opening some presents from Grandma

My beautiful cousin (Rowena) and me

Mom, Jaden and Aunt Becky during the Bible trivia

Visiting

Answering the trivia questions

Jaden thinks he has the answer!

Abby, Rowena and me

haha, Rowena’s expression is so funny!

Grandma bought this dog tag necklace for Caleb! :)

Phoebe, and the skateboard Grandma bought for her. Phoebe has wanted a skateboard for years (no kidding)! 

Christmas Festivities (Part 1)

Caleb spent Thursday night with us. So Friday night, he graciously took Abby, Phoebe, Jaden and I to a Christmas Orchestral Concert that my best friend invited us to. :) 

The orchestra played several movements by Corelli, as well as several Christmas carols, Pachelbel’s “Canon for Strings”, and William Selby’s “English Fugue”. It was lovely!! =)

My bestfriend's brothers (Jonathan and Benjamin) are playing double bass and violin in this photo. 

The blonde young lady in the foreground is Kathleen B. (my best friend), playing violin.

Rebekah B. and Mr. B. (Kathleen’s sister and Dad). Rebekah is playing viola, and Mr. B. and playing cello.

Mirren M., Clare J., and Elisabeth B. (Elisabeth is Kathleen’s younger sister– she’s playing violin).

After the concert, there were refreshments and of course there was visiting too. Our family was one of the last to leave, mainly because the last time we saw the B. family was about 6 months ago and we had a lot to catch up on.

Theological discussion

Phoebe, yours-truly, Kathleen B. and Rebekah B.

angle

Rebekah makes an interesting observation

With my best friend, Kathleen. Love you, dear! <3 p="p">

If only my eyes weren’t half-closed….

Phoebe says something profound

Two of the sweetest sisters I know (besides my sisters *wink*).

We had an absolutely fantastic time! Hopefully we can make it to their spring concert.

Jaden's Birthday

Caleb, came down on Thursday to help us celebrate Jaden’s Birthday. Jaden was super excited about that! ;)

We chicken and cheese quesadillas for supper, with chips and salsa. Mmm…

My gift to Jaden— Rittersport (German) chocolate. He love’s chocolate!

Mom reads a letter to Jaden about his birth, etc.

Jaden’s ice-cream cake– Phoebe, Jaden and I made it.

Let’s blow out the candles!

The cake had a graham cracker “crust” with layers of blackberry and vanilla ice-cream. Mmm….

Wonder where the other half is?;)

I want to close out this post with a word about Jaden (from some of his siblings).

Abby says: "Happy Birthday Jaden! I love you and I was so happy to get to talk with you not once, not twice, but three times yesterday. Thank you for being such a kind and caring little brother. I am blessed indeed! ♥ ♥ ♥" 

Caleb says: "Happy Birthday to the best younger brother a guy could ask for!!! I love you, Jaden! May God continue to help you grow into a mighty, humble, wise, man of God.¡Feliz cumpleaños! Hasta manaña..."

Phoebe says: "Today is Jaden's 10th birthday, (everyone gathers, and prepares to sing): 'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Jaden, happy birthday to you!' Love you Jaden! ♥"