Monday, December 23, 2013

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Our clan gathered and celebrated Christmas together this past weekend at a Bible camp lodge 1 1/2 hours away, located in a magically snowy forest. We came together with boxes loaded with food, games, bedding, nativity play props, sleds, decorations, and a ten foot Christmas tree hanging over the tailgate of our truck. Yes, even though it took a lot of lists, planning and food preparation it was worth every minute of the two days we spent eating, laughing and playing - all of this repeated over and over. The children were excited beyond reason as they roared around the lodge the first evening, practicing Christmas songs on the piano, planning and executing pranks in each others bedrooms till their parents sent them to bed and finally enjoyed time relaxing in front of a toasty warm wood fire and cracked open table games and goodies to snack on.  I could not believe that I had not checked my 2 camera batteries at home which were almost dead, and so the photos were few, and a few I borrowed.





Gathered around the large table to feast on the five delicious meals prepared by each family.



A mountain of snow just outside the lodge became a favourite place to play besides the sledding hill.






A peaceful moment.



Santa and his elf came with a bag loaded with gifts.



The children all received cosy, fleece lined wool hats from Manali India, in the Himalayan mountains.



The annual family nativity pageant.


A little lamb was added to the cast this year and she played her role perfectly.

Mary arrives on the back of our first ever casted donkey.



Joseph and Mary share a lighthearted moment as their new baby says 'mama,'
and the donkey is only interested in some food!



O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord.



After the best ever production, best ever because they all participated, they were treated with a candy cane and story, "The Legend of the Candy Cane"


We wish you all a very
 MERRY CHRISTMAS and  HAPPY NEW YEAR



















Our clan this past summer.






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