Christmas Days, 2013

The Christmas season started early this year, when we took the four children to Delta to see the lights and to visit Santa. A snow-storm was in the fore-cast, but it was calm when we left the house. Not so when we arrived about 15 minutes later! It became quite blustery as we waited for the wagon rides to begin! The lights in the park were fun to look at, and the hot chocolate and doughnuts before the visit to Santa and Mrs.Claus were quite welcome. When the ride was over, we enjoyed the Festival of Carols in the church. It warmed my heart to hear all four sing along. 

Next day, Sunday, we were snowed in! Church at Dixon's was cancelled, so Naomi was off the hook to be there for her practice. So we played and coloured and did all kinds of stuff, and Elijah didn't miss the opportunity to help Opa towards the end of a session of snow-clearing!

The following days were filled with the usual December activities, but this year, we added choir practice - we sang a cantata on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Day was a quieter day than usual; I made fondue for the two of us (cheese, broth, and chocolate!) and we started working on a 1000-piece puzzle - which didn't get done until well after New Year's. It was a challenge! 

Boxing Day was spent in preparation for the arrival of our family. Cleaning and wrapping and baking and ...... while gazing out the kitchen window at one point, I saw this cardinal and snapped his picture. I did wish for a better zoom lens, but his spot of red is still a good shot.

 John decided that a skating rink would be a good idea, so he spent many hours preparing a surface, and even put up lights on a near-by tree!

Unfortunately, the weather was either too cold or too wet to do much skating. No fun.

Michael arrived on Friday, as well as David and Stephanie and their girls.

Saturday, we went to Chesterville for an afternoon with the Geertsema Family. This was the first time in many years that we were ALL there!

Stevin and Katrina and their kids came on Sunday afternoon, and we played games. Ticket to Ride has become a favourite.... 

In the next photos, Anneke and Kaelyn are showing off their new Sunday dresses. Pretty!

 

 Martin and Emily and their girls arrived on Monday afternoon just in time for tea and birthday #4 cake for Nicole, followed by our annual sjoelbak tournament, followed by our family dinner with gingerbread-boy biscuits made by Rachel!

Just a word about our sjoelbak tournament: we've been doing this every Christmas for the last few years, whether we're together or by Skype. David is our current champion.

Pandemonium followed dinner with gift sharing. I just love the photo of Moraine Lake from Michael! I had been planning to make an enlarged photo after my trip, but had not done it yet. Thank you - I am looking forward to next summer's trip!

Tuesday (New Year's Eve), was spent playing and making olieballen and playing some more.

Below is a photo of Nicole and her special vehicle - looks like a Dr. Zeus-mobile!

 Lauren and Oma ...

 Maria ...

That evening we had a really early supper so that we could attend a children's concert as part of the New Year's Gala Night in Brockville. The girls had so much fun!

And after a game of Ticket to Ride, we hugged in the new year - at midnight Nova Scotia time. ;)

Every day life calls towards the end of holidays, so David and Stephanie left Wednesday, Martin and Emily on Friday, and Michael on Saturday. The house became quiet gradually, but still felt empty without the extra people around.

In between departures, there was more time with games and play, but we had to do most inside as it became very cold! Wood did get cut, laundry done, and the guys attended a good Sens game while we girls, and one little boy, enjoyed pancakes with fruit and chocolate and bananas and syrup and whipping cream. :)

All in all, it was a good time - I feel blessed to have had everyone home this year. The family is growing - we're at 18 now! - and it's not easy to get everyone home at the same time.

We would like to wish each and all of you a very blessed new year. May God grace you with peace and contentment in all that you are and in all that you do.