Church Christmas Concert

Tonight we had our all-church Christmas program. It was a collection of different ministries from the church coming together, which was neat.

The kids all decked out in Christmas red.

Kamryn saying her part.

Troy saying his part.

All the K-5 kids.

The men's group that Scott is a part of.

The River staff performing the "Twelve months of Christmas". Very cute!

P.S. The banners in the back go along with the advent sermons. They are back-lit and were designed and made by members of the church. Very cool!

Soccer Party

Kamryn had a fun AYSO soccer season this year. She played with a great group of girls. We offered to host the end of season soccer party at our house. Thankfully everyone brought food, so it was easy. :) The girls get along so well. It was really neat to see. Many parents and siblings came, so we had a house-full. Thankfully we could be outside, so there was plenty of room.

The girls chatting.

Working on a craft.

Listening to the coach hand out awards.

Coaches Ben and Eric talking about Kamryn. :)

Colonial Days

Kamryn's fifth grade class took a really neat field trip up to the hills to a place where they recreate a colonial village. The kids came dressed in period costumes and took part in different activities throughout the day. It was a really neat experience.

The groups lining up.

Kamryn and Mia learning to weave.

Kamryn and Tommy acting out a play.

One of the buildings.

Kamryn got to borrow a really neat costume that a friend made.

Happy Birthday...to me!

Yes, I survived a major birthday this year...the big 4-0! My family made my day special. It was busy with soccer, field trips, and school, but still lots of fun. I feel very blessed and loved!

The "birthday table" in the morning

The kids made a special sign for me.

Scott and I drove out to Oak Glen to meet up with Kam's class and have lunch.

My humongous birthday pie that we had on Sunday with In't Houts. (This pie looks a little sketchy, but it is from Oak Glen and one of the best I've ever tasted!)

Scott go creative with the candles-"39 plus 1". Nice!

Christmas Tree-2010

So, for different reasons it took us a while longer to get our Christmas tree up this year. The main issue was finding a time where we would all be home. Well, Tuesday night was the night. We double checked the calendar and were amazed to find it clear! After dinner, we loaded up the minivan and headed out to our local big-box home center store to find the perfect tree. We were blessed to find a great one quickly and for a great deal! Our kids have become quite the traditionalists (no idea where they get that from!) and so they are very relieved to have a REAL tree in the house and decorated.

The crew. Love being able to hunt for a tree in shorts!

Troy was a great helper again this year.

Kam helped too.

The finished product.

First Concert of the Season

Tonight we participated in the Christmas party at the "Village" here in Redlands. Scott sang in a men's group and Kamryn and Troy were part of the children's choir from church. It was a nice start to the Christmas concert season. Everyone did a great job!

Scott and the guys singing beforehand in the courtyard.

Their performance for the residents.

The kids' choir.

Kamryn saying her part: "He wanted to have a relationship with us so much that he reached down to us and was born on earth in a manger."

Troy said: "Who wouldn't want to make room for Jesus?"

Everyone was treated to olie bollen afterward. You gotta love it!

The Unexpected Guest

Katie has enjoyed being a part of the drama programs during her time in high school. She was blessed with making the play again here at her new school. Last night we were able to attend the second performance of the murder mystery, "The Unexpected Guest", put on by ACA. This was a very different experience than we were used to in GR, but it was a nice intimate setting. The audience sits VERY close to the actors and you really feel like you are a part of the play. The kids all did so well. They have some really talented performers. Katie plays nurse, Angel, and we get to see her evil side. It was fun to see so many friends from church who came out to support her and enjoy an evening out. Troy even made it through to the end which was about 10pm!

Before the play began.

The actors walking off the set.

Proud siblings

Katie's friends, Libby and Erin.