Welcome 2012

Christmas season has come and gone, more like fly by... and now it's already the New Year. In one way, I am glad that the holiday season is over so we can get back to life as usual. But, I do enjoy the Christmas season, especially with kids.

We are starting school again tomorrow. We've been on break since Dec. 16th, so I'm ready to get back into a regular schedule again. The kids enjoyed their school break, but its time to get cracking again!

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed 2012!

Christmas season is here!

The Christmas season is here again! In Africa, it can be harder to get into the Christmas mood. There is no snow or cold weather, and family is thousands of miles away. So, it takes a little extra effort to get into the holiday spirit.
We start by putting up the Christmas tree in early December and playing Christmas music every day.
We also have an Advent Activity Calendar. Everyday we open a flap which reveals what Christmas activity we are going to do that day: bake cookies, do a craft, string popcorn for the tree, etc. It takes a little bit more effort, but before long I start to feel "Christmasy".
How do you get in the Christmas spirit?

Another craft

We did another craft today, out of the school curriculum.

Snowflakes

Today, we made paper

snowflakes for our activity.

Another 2 in 1...

Since we forgot to do a Christmas activity yesterday (again), we doubled up again today... Christmas crafts, and hot chocolate. Katrina made a Christmas tree card, and Heather made a nativity scene.

We also have guests tonight from Arusha! It's so good to see old friends! Glen, Ivy and Willie came up for business reasons but its so good to see them. Vino is coming to stay in our guest apartment for a few months. It's good to see some familiar faces.

Computer fun

On Saturday, we Skyped with Grandma and Grandpa Fischer for our activity. We also opened a package from Grandma and Grandpa DeLaughter with some Christmas activities, so lots of fun from both sides of the family.

Sunday, it was Independance Day in Kenya. We went out for lunch, and we saw an airshow flying over head while we were out-- jet planes and all! Very fun. There was even a bouncy house on our street. Very cool.

The kids spent e-cards to their cousins as part of their Christmas activities today. It's wonderful to have internet, and to be able to keep in touch with family and friends that way.

Thank God for the internet!

New book

Today, we read a new Christmas book with giant flaps from Grandma Fischer. Thanks, Grandma!

Stringing Popcorn

Today, we strung popcorn for the tree. Fun, and yummy too!

We went to the mall today, and so didn't have time for any activity since we got home late and kids were asleep... (isn't he cute?)

BUT, we got the kids all new shoes, and Bill bought me a new outfit including purse for Christmas...YEAH! We had alot of fun tonight, so I think it counts don't you?

Oh, and I just got word from my mom that Jonathan's new prosthetic is ready. They'll mail it to some friends who will be coming to Tanzania in January and Bill will pick it up a few weeks after that. Very exciting!

Christmas activity today

Today, we read a Christmas book that has little plush characters of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Very cute.

Nativity Set

Today's activity for Christmas is one of the kids' favorite-- we got out the Little People Nativity set. They love acting out the Christmas story. It was a Christmas present from Eastview last Christmas and we love it!

Days 4 and 5 Activities

Saturday our special holiday activity, we went to see "Entangled" in the theatres, and had pizza at the mall afterwards, very fun.

Sunday, we made Christmas cards. The Christmas fun is continuing!

Day 2 and 3 activities

Well, since the girls were asleep last night when we got home, we didn't get to bake cookies. So, today we did two things. We baked cookies, and we watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Two traditions that are a must for the season!

Merry Christmas!

We opened our gifts on Christmas Eve morning, because we were going to church on Christmas morning early and didn't want to be rushed. We enjoyed a quiet day at home on Christmas Eve, opening gifts and having a big breakfast.
On Christmas, we went to church in the morning. The service was really nice, mostly singing carols and a short message. Afterwards, we had two friends, Charnelle and Vino over for lunch. We made mousaka, a Greek dish similar to lasanga, for lunch. We had chocolate pie and apple pie for dessert afterwards.
We had a really nice, and quiet Christmas.
Merry Christmas all!

Christmas cookies

Today we baked Christmas cookies and then had an "icing party".

Roasting marshmellows

One of our family traditions is to roast marshmellows at Christmastime. We had to borrow the BBQ pit, but it was worth it. We had alot of fun having a marshmellow roast.

Family Pictures

Today we took family pictures! It's so nice having family at Christmas time.

Cupcakes

Grandma DeLaughter made cupcakes with the girls today.

Skype Time

Today, we talked with my Dad on Skype. I miss my parents this Christmas, but am happy to know that I'll be seeing them in January.

movie

Today, Bill is taking me out, so the girls will be watching a movie with Grandma and Grandpa.