December was a month full of fun, festive activities. We packed in a wide variety of things to do. Here is a look at our life lately.
We began the month with two Christmas parades. The first one was in Brookhaven, which is the city where we stay while on Stateside Assignment.
the boys with my mom at the Brookhaven Christmas Parade
"Look! It's Buddy the Elf!", squealed my two excited boys.
The next day we went to the Wesson Christmas Parade. My dad was driving his Jeep in that one.
We visited with Mrs. Ann while there. She is a precious lady.
Our niece, Larsen, was also in the parade. She is on the Wesson cheer squad.
We attended a few Christmas parties. This one was with our homeschool fellowship group. We met at a local church for finger foods, crafts, and games. They had a table for cookie decorating.
Ben decorating Christmas cookies.
David preached a funeral for an old friend. It was the first time the boys had seen him in a suit. They loved seeing him all dressed up. They could not believe when we told them that prior to moving to Guatemala he used to dress like that every week because he was on staff at the church. They love it and now want a suit of their own.
We had several speaking engagements. We drove back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to share at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Mrs. Ann is a gracious host to us when we visit the coast! She loves missions and encourages us well.
The boys pointing to Guatemala on the map.
Mrs. Ann set up this display in her church foyer.
We had a fiesta themed luncheon with a senior adult group at Stronghope Baptist Church.
The meal was scrumptious.
I got to see my dear Aunt Joyce while we were there.
We spoke at Gillsburg Baptist for their missions emphasis week and also Easthaven Baptist and Central Baptist. Lastly, we shared at the Franklin County associational staff and spouse banquet at FBC Bude, MS. We love speaking engagements and were a little sad when we completed our last one for this Stateside Assignment.
The boys always love opportunities to visit my uncle's house and ride through his pasture.
We have all enjoyed time in the great outdoors. The December weather was great.
They each got an electric scooter from my brother and have spent much time riding them.
I took this photo of Cruz and my mom before we headed out one evening to go look at Christmas lights. That is always a favorite activity of mine at Christmas time.
Ben got his braces off. He now has a retainer to hold his teeth in place while we wait for the others to come in. Our plan will be for both boys to get braces on our next Stateside Assignment.
Cruz bought himself a new football.
And a new pair of boots.
Do you think he likes them??
They were invited for an afternoon of play at a homeschool friend's house. They had Nerf wars, built forts, and rode the go cart. On another day, he came to our house for a time of play.
Cruz had lunch with friends at the Waffle House.
We visited a trampoline park for an afternoon of play with the Sojourner boys.
We visited Columbia, MS to see their Christmas display with the Johnson family.
ready to ice skate
We were given passes for the skating. That was a blessing.
making S'mores
Experience Columbia was amazing!
sweet friends making memories together
They had a fun lunch date with Mrs. Rene. She took them to the local Mexican restaurant. I love when others love on our boys. It brings me great joy!
We were gifted a few sleeping bags and the boys spent a few nights "camping out" in the living room with them.
We have also spent time with family. Here we are having lunch at David's sister's house after church one Sunday.
We have enjoyed all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the season. It has been wonderful to be home for the holidays this year. We are thankful and feel blessed for the time and memories we have made.
Here is a look at few more posts from this past month.
Finishing the first semester of school
