A Call to Dunkirk. . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRGZLSVph3A

So much. . .

So much has transpired since we "welcomed winter" earlier this December. Unfortunately, I can't find the adapter to post any photos. . . I'm sure it's right where I left it - if I can remember where that might be!

So, I'll type a bit about our month and special happenings and hope to add pictures in later. (January 3rd. . .finally getting to the blog. . .)

We were blessed to have Gray-Gray and Papa spend a few days with us and we enjoyed our time together. The children especially loved having some empty and available laps to snuggle in, as Mom's lap tends to get filled quickly with the smaller ones.Bekah enjoys Papa's lap! The older five snuggle up to Gray-Gray for a little reading time together. With the fireplace not working, you really did have to snuggle!One of our favorite memories was years ago when Papa and Gray-Gray were visiting. We were having polish dogs for lunch and Papa decided to add a little mustard to his. He soon discovered it wasn't ordinary mustard, but baby food!! We still enjoy a good belly laugh at that one! So, the kids wanted to make another memory and Sarah made a delicious "late birthday" cake for Papa.They were quite tickled with their faux cake - meatloaf covered with mashed potatoes! I think Papa enjoyed the fun, too.
We also enjoyed a short trip up to the snow and a favorite little museum for children. . .Playing in the snow was a highlight for the kids . . . little did we know how much more snow Gray-Gray and Papa were to enjoy!Out in our PJs to view the Christmas lights (from the car windows), we came across Santa! Out we jumped for a quick shot. . .

Christmas always brings special times and joys as we remember our Savior's birth, perfect life, death and resurrection and enjoy sharing blessings with one another. We were able to host the Micu family at the church and that was full of laughter and good times. It's also a tradition to carol through the hospital together as a family. I am thankful for the opportunity to join with such beautiful voices to share the good news of Emmanuel.

JAEL is now one! On December 29th our baby hit numero uno. She also decided that it's time to walk and threw caution to the wind. She's enjoying toddling through the house and loving her special birthday balloon purchased for her by her brothers and sisters.
Our little birthday girl! Give $1 on her first birthday from Auntie Mini. . .

And a celebration lunch with Chuck E. Cheese. . .
And Miss Linell. . .
Having fun while Jonathan supplies the family with tokens. . .

Welcoming Winter. . .

We were able to welcome in December with a wonderful field trip over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a home school day (free admission for students and teachers!).
Enjoying activities. . .

The aquarium had a special room set up with school activities and centers.
Baby J loved the experience.
The Five Sisters!




Funny face time. . .



A special stop at Ghiradelli's for ice cream. . .it's amazing how quick one sundae disappears these days. I think it was gone before I finished snapping the shots! A little smaller than the SOS we enjoyed in Hanford years ago. It was fun to observe the beach happenings below and we watched a little boy lose his Crocs in the surf and his dad jump in to retrieve it! We all applauded his effort. It was all very entertaining.

Our 2008 Christmas Photo
We had some fun on the beach looking at tide pools and running from waves. . .fortunately no casualties. . .

Finishing Fall. . .

Men in the kitchen. . . now that's what I'm talking about! (Paul, Bates, and Curtis cook up some grub!) I absolutely love that about my hubby's family. . . I also love the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes that this white girl brings, but I also very much enjoy the range of delicacies. Pancit, ox-tail, dungeness crab. . .not quite the kind of Thanksgiving dinner I grew up with, but perhaps resembling the original one a bit more!
It's hard to explain an event like this. . .you've either lived it or you haven't. Words just don't do justice in describing a large Filipino family gathering for the holidays. My accolades to Bates and Dee (Paul's brother and sister-in-love) who hosted this years special Turkey Day. It takes special people to host 32 house guests. . . this number is actually down due to some of the grandkids being away at school, married, etc.

Above, Naomi enjoys our favorite breakfast, Arrozcaldo, with Lolo. He makes incredible arrozcaldo.
Late night hours were filled with karaoke. And more karaoke. And lots of laughter. We also enjoy laughing and nominating one another for the annual "Turkey Award." It goes for whomever has done the dumbest thing that year. There have been some real winners!
There were lots of cousins around and Bekah enjoys a board game with her "big" cousins. The older kids are so sweet and love our little ones. Our Bekah, Hannah, Naomi, and Jael are the "babies."
Sarah and Bekah take a shot at the Wii. Very fun. Unfortunately I was sore the next day after bowling. . .pitiful.
Joshua and Jonathan enjoy watching cousin Dean on the the laptop.
Baby Jael always had a nice comfy place to sleep! Lolo and Lola don't need an excuse to catch some zzz's. They had just arrived from the Philippines on Wednesday and were adjusting to the the time change. Not bad for a couple in their 80's.
Hannah and Naomi tucker out on Auntie Marian who doesn't seem to mind since her three boys have gotten big! (She always did want a little girl.)
Cousin Mariah, now 12, enjoyed cuddling up with sweet baby Jael.
Jonathan and Bekah find a vacant corner and collapse! People literally sleep everywhere and anywhere. . .
Back home that weekend we played our annual game of Thanksgiving Charades. It has become a fun tradition and we love to tease Sarah because she inevitably draws the "cranberry" card!
Can you tell what I am? Of course, a cornucopia! Jael seems a bit concerned.
Paul "helps" Hannah act out her part. . .

We enjoyed a full and blessed Thanksgiving, surrounded by friends and family. God has showered us with abundance and we give Him thanks.