Christmas Is Family, Friends and Fun

Because Adam and Nat were going to be in AK for Christmas, Scott and I went up in early December to have "Christmas" with them. We enjoyed attending Providence Baptist Church's Christmas program on Friday night. That has become one of our favorite Christmas activities. Daniel sang a beautiful solo at the beginning of the program and Adam and Nat were part of a "commercial" that was inserted in the video footage of the program. Adam was at the drive-through at Caribou Coffee and Nat played the part of the lady named "Larry" who took his order - his usual "boo."

Scott and I are here with Bennett and Greta. Greta is hanging on to Poppy's hoodie string because she doesn't want him to leave (either that or she liked sucking on it.) We had a little time with all the kids on Saturday morning before heading back to Charlotte.

Mom and Dad came in for a few days in early December. They love to get together with the "Village People" for breakfast on Saturday mornings. Here's a shot of the gang all gathered around - the men sit on one end (they call themselves The Liar's Club) and the ladies all sit together on the other end. They've been doing this for so long that the waitress knows everyone's order.
Another tradition - for years Mom and Jean Raborn have had a Christmas party for their Sunday School class on a Saturday afternoon in December. This year it was my joy to host their party. About 15 ladies gathered for lunch, gift exchanges, and lots of laughs and fun. These ladies have such a special relationship of loving and caring for each other. It was a privilege to have them in our home. Merry Christmas, Joy Class!

Christmas 2007

Just a few pictures to post of our Christmas this year. Adam and Natalie and little Greta were in Alaska with her family, so they're missing in these pictures. Our pictures mostly show Bennett enjoying her gifts on Christmas morning. She's 15 months and so much fun. We loved watching her open presents and enjoy each one.

Mama and Pap Ward sent this cute knit cap with some money tucked inside. Bennett's already a good Tide fan.

One of the gifts Scott and I gave Bennett was a drum with rhythm instruments inside. It's a wonderful gift for her to take home and play with - one of those noisy ones!Daniel and Danielle left yesterday (Friday, 12/28) to go back to Raleigh. We had a wonderful week with them here.
A special treat - Wednesday afternoon we had a visit from Carol Wray Moore and her husband Byron, their son Byron, Jr., their new baby (1 week old) Bryson, Carol's mom from Cleveland and her twin brother Carl from Baltimore. Carol and her husband live here in Charlotte. Carl and Carol were students at Cedar Hill Christian when I taught there. They attended for about 5 years and were in my plays and music classes. We had so much fun remembering people and songs and programs. They are such a wonderful family, and I feel so honored that they would want to stay in touch. Having them come by for a visit was a highlight of my Christmas!