Last year we went with the DeMordaunt family to Mexico to an Orphanage for several days, and then to Southern California for a few more days. It was a wonderful memory, and a very significant Christmas for our family as it was our first without Oakley. It was the most perfect Christmas we could have had considering the circumstances...and we have grown to love the DeMordaunts like our own family.
This year, once again, we joined their family on Christmas Eve. We began the evening at an Assisted living center where we provided some Christmas entertainment and cheer for the seniors who live there.
Justin played a song on the piano, and Geoff and Justin played a duet, then Geoff played a bit more until the 'Nativity Crew' were ready.Reed read the Christmas story while his children acted out the parts. They are all such good kids and have so much personality. They make everything fun!
After the nativity, the kids RANG a christmas song with bells, and we all sang some carols together.
This is something Geoff and I hope to arrange every year. These people are so happy to have the company and Christmas cheer! It feels so good to be able to give a little something. It was really a special part of our evening!
DeMordaunt Family:Reed, Becca, Ben, Olivia, GayAnn
NaeNae, Matthew, and Merideth
And to think...the night was just beginning!!!
Our next stop (with the DeMordants) was at Nathan and Janet Andrew's home. We stopped only long enough to bundle up for a little caroling, and a LOT of walking and exploring. The fun thing about this adventure on this night it that it was practically a blizzard outside...the coldest and snowiest evening of the season so far. I honestly couldn't believe we were actually going to brave the storm (especially with Max!) But we carried him with a coat and blanket to protect him from the cold and wind, and amazingly...he never complained once!
This is a picture of a snow cave that one of the neighbors made.
Caroling with this bunch was so fun! They have voices and they have spirit, and it was quite contagious! After hitting several homes in our old neighborhood (Island Woods), we headed off to the river and forged the trails for about 2 miles. This is one of Andrew's Christmas Eve traditions which we were totally unprepared for, but it was SO BEAUTIFUL and so ROmANTIC and honestly so FUN!
Then right on the trail, we ran into SANTA CLAUS and one of his elves who were searching for their reindeer. This kids all LOVED this surprize.
Here's the entire group!
We worked ourselves back to the Andrew home, and only suffered minor frozen body parts (Max's poor legs!) and managed to survive quite nicely.
We enjoyed some of the best hot chocolate I've ever tasted, and enjoyed the reading of the Christmas story (by a friend of the Andrew Family), and then an evening in the company of dear friends.
This is a picture of a snow cave that one of the neighbors made.Caroling with this bunch was so fun! They have voices and they have spirit, and it was quite contagious! After hitting several homes in our old neighborhood (Island Woods), we headed off to the river and forged the trails for about 2 miles. This is one of Andrew's Christmas Eve traditions which we were totally unprepared for, but it was SO BEAUTIFUL and so ROmANTIC and honestly so FUN!
Then right on the trail, we ran into SANTA CLAUS and one of his elves who were searching for their reindeer. This kids all LOVED this surprize.
Here's the entire group!We worked ourselves back to the Andrew home, and only suffered minor frozen body parts (Max's poor legs!) and managed to survive quite nicely.
We enjoyed some of the best hot chocolate I've ever tasted, and enjoyed the reading of the Christmas story (by a friend of the Andrew Family), and then an evening in the company of dear friends.
I didn't get a picture of the Andrew Family Together, but Janet and Nathan are in the pictures above, and they have 3 adorable children, Ellary, Olivia, and Peter. They are such a neat family!
Of course Max unmantled part of their Christmas tree, but no permanent damage done. All in all, an absolutely perfectly and wonderful Christmas Eve.We are so grateful for good friends that fill the void of family far away.
2 comments:
I wondered what you would do this year for Christmas. It was sooooo sad not to get to talk to you last week. I was a little worried about you but hoped you were still nauseated...hehehee.
Your Christmas Eve sounds WONDERFUL but what happened to the tradition of coming to California!???boohoo
Loved reading about all your new Christmas eve traditions and other holiday activities! Surely those senior citizens in the rest home really appreciated your program!
Is Max sending a Christmas kiss to us all?
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