DECEMBER - ROUNDING OUT THE YEAR

'THE SUN' 

Edvard Munch 1910

This painting depicts the early morning light that casts off the darkness of the night. The light of day brings a sense of renewal and refreshment, and how we needed that in this December month where the days grew shorter and shorter.  This art was featured on the first day of the Advent Devotionals which brought me so much joy each morning through this busy month.  Singing in a choir to bring cheer to residents in 12 care homes was a highlight of my Christmas experiences.  

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

Granddaughters Kyla and Avery perfecting a new skill learned last Christmas, making traditional Zweibach.
The Zweibach Nativity gave them some fun. Look closely to interpret the Holy family, a shepherd with his flock of sheep, an angel and a Magi with his camel.

Gramma made rice pudding and Plumi Moos, a tradition that has a love/distaste factor in our family of 20. 

So wonderful to gather our family of 20 around a long table, feasting and visiting.

After the meal we played table games and the grands opened little gifts and we did a puzzle exchange between the families.

These beautiful grandchildren make my heart glad.

AN OKANAGAN PETERS CLAN GATHERING AT GARDOM LAKE

As we drive into the camp the atmosphere becomes magical 
as though all that snow fell just for us.

With 31 of us filling all the corners of the lodge and scattering over the huge property it became hard to capture all the amazing moments, but here are a few.

This view of a puddly pile of boots etc changed many times a day as family came and  went walking, off to the gym to play basketball and soccer, off to the sledding hills and frozen lake, and snowshoeing through the forest. 

Breakfasts, lunch and supper saw many preparing yummy food in the kitchen (which will soon be replaced by a huge new one. maybe it will be off limits to us???

Building taco meals

Visiting

Crossword puzzles

A mother and daughter moment by the fire.
 Usually the couches were packed.

Endless ping pong enjoyed by many

Jigsaw puzzle mania.

Uncle Levi teaching cousins a new board game.

Creativity by the two youngest.

Two brothers and their Dad engrossed in their own space.

Creating a wicked sledding run. No trips to the ER this year.

Karl our avid hiker blazing trails on snow shoes through the silent forest.

The camps resident cougar stalking the forest for mice.

And so it was two days of memorable fun with many moments not captured on my camera.

Back home on this last day of the year. 

A fresh snow fall blanketed the trees with leaves that refused to drop in Autumn.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

"SOMETIMES I NEED ONLY TO STAND
WHEREVER I AM
TO BE
BLESSED"

Mary Oliver