The MOST Wonderful Time!

Christmas has officially kicked off at our house! The tree is up, the kitchen has turned into a candy factory, and holiday tunes blare from every room (usually different tunes, which makes for an interesting aesthetic experience).



Goodies for the bake sale

Our kids are at the age where they fully enjoy the Christmas festivities, and it is so much fun to watch them be giddy with excitement. 

Definitely a work in progress  :-)

We can't wait to take in all the beauty that December will hold!  Trusting for a safe, happy, peaceful season for all!

November Birthdays...

After the last of our company left last weekend, my siblings and their families rolled in the door for a celebration of the three upcoming birthdays. It was quick and cakeless, but it was fun to have a half an hour or so to sing the birthday song and share some gifts.

He's soooo almost 13.  :-)

Almost 5!

Alli and Eric, November 13
Ryan, November 19

Big girl wheels for the big girl!  We live 2 blocks from the
bike path now, so she'll get lots of use out this - once daddy
removes the training wheels!

Decor Update...

If you want to see how things are looking at our new place, head on over here!

Wedding Bells!

Last weekend, our friend (and my former student) Maria Hunsaker was married to her sweetheart, Andrew Smith.  Some of you may know Maria from her service in Guatemala as a missionary for the last several years.  Our weekend was super busy, but super fun as we were able to connect with old friends and be a part of this beautiful wedding.  I didn't get too many pictures because I was busy with the music, but I have a few to share.

Maria, Andrew, and I after rehearsal

The happy couple with her maternal grandparents,
who also happen to own the company Greg works for.

 

 

Always love to watch the bride and groom.  :-)

 

Maria's little brother, Zachary, is one of my students and one of
Ryan's good friends.  I think he's a pretty big fan of his sister.  :-)

Wedding party

My parents with Mildred and Mae Hamilton.  They were spiritual
"cheerleaders" for my dad as he was growing up, and it was pretty
special to get to meet them.  They are precious!

Jamie (Bishop) Spivey went to school with Greg at
Pilgrim Bible Academy, and then college with me at GBS.
She and her husband, along with their four adorable kids
stayed with us.  We stayed up waaay too late talking and laughing.
Good times.  :-)  Their kids were 4 of the 8 children in the wedding!

My baby girl...three days from turning 5 years old.

There was plenty of knockin' on the tables at that reception! 
Maria and Andrew shared their first kiss during the ceremony,
and his brothers had fun making a huge deal out of that!  :-)

My little (ha) sister and me.  She made a beautiful bridesmaid.

Emilee is the bride's niece and one of Kaitlynn's best friends. 

Adorable.  Best wishes, Maria and Andrew!

First Snow!

Posts have been few and far between lately, and I have photos here and there that I would like to share when I have some time! Here are a few pics of the first snow that came in the middle of the night a couple of weeks ago. The kids were so excited when they awoke!
 

Halie and Allison played in the snow before we had to leave for school!

This was the first time that I really
missed our other house.  Our neighborhood
was so pretty when it snowed - especially all
the pines and fields.

Didn't mean to snap this in B&W,
but the snow really accumulated on the
deck!  Allison thought it was awesome!

Ryan's Mission Trip Day 6 Part 1

The day after the leadership conference was over, Ryan and his grandparents had the opportunity to tour a remote part of the island. Here are a few photos from that part of the trip:

 

DJ and Dennison had the day off of school, and Ryan enjoyed
doing a little sightseeing with them.

Can you spot the cute little guy?

A better look

Trail through the rain forest

And then up the side of the mountain!

He's not used to this.  :-)

Yeah, it gets really hot in Dominica.  :-)

Cool ride

 

No lunch is complete without Coke - even in Dominica!