Danville

We spent yesterday and today in Danville with the wrestling team for a dual meet tournament.  

Caeden wrestled well, and won a few, lost a few.  Jeremy, of course, coached and kept the boys in line--even at the hotel overnight.  Sylvia did a great job keeping stats for the team.  Annah and I watched from the stands, moving spots to see the action as close as possible.

There's a pin for the win!

Good job, team!

Hand raised again!

Friday night, the wrestlers didn't eat much, since they had to weigh in again this morning.  The girls and I ran to pick up Burger King for Jeremy in the late afternoon because he was very hangry and wanted something as quick as possible.  Then we 3 ladies went to La Potosina for some of the best Mexican food I've had!

Saturday started out well, despite the fact that Caeden said he didn't sleep at all last night in the hotel. He was pretty excited that his dad let him have an energy drink this morning though, woo!

Coach talking to the team.  He was a little frustrated after having lost a few of the duals 

by just 2-3 points.

Everyone had wins and losses this weekend, and hopefully everyone learned and grew.  It's really a good tournament, because it's about the TEAM and everyone gets to wrestle several matches.

Driving

I needed to renew our license plate sticker for the Prius today, so Caeden went along and took his test for his driving permit.  He passed quickly and easily and even got to drive part of the way home--his first time behind the wheel!  He did surprisingly well, but only had to make 2 turns.  He will need those 50 required hours of driving, but I'm sure he will be a good driver.  Cannot believe our baby, our youngest, is driving now.  

Christmas Day

We had a very relaxed Christmas Day.  

Well, some of us were more relaxed than others...

I was up around 6:30 because I am old and apparently cannot stay asleep past 4am.  I got the wassail going and everyone was up and around by 8:30.  Jeremy read the Christmas story from Luke 2.  When I consider the real gift of Christmas that Jesus is, it makes every other gift seem so pointless.  Maybe I am getting old or even cynical, but this year I just feel kind of annoyed at the extra "hype" about Christmas and presents that really has nothing to do with Jesus. 

We had a few gifts to open, but not a lot this year.  We reminded the kids many times that our biggest material gifts this year are having heat and hot water in our home. We are all grateful that our needs are met and we have so much beyond our needs as well.

Sylvia thought this stack of new kitchen cups looked like a carrot when it was wrapped!

Annah gave such thoughtful gifts--like these socks for Caeden.

Jeremy and Caeden played a little more Fortnite together.

We broiled some wonderful steaks and also enjoyed some Beef House rolls. Sylvia was excited about the steak.  Caeden and Annah were excited about the rolls.

Ryan came over this evening so he and Annah exchanged gifts.  

We enjoyed relaxing at home together for the whole day, which honestly is something we rarely ever get to do anymore.  It is a blessing and fills my heart.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Eve service at PoC was lovely tonight.

Annah sang on the worship team.

Sylvia played the part of the Angel Gabriel.

Jeremy played the part of King Herod.

The service closed with communion while Annah sang Silent Night.  It was beautiful.

VIDEO:

(Sylvia recorded this during rehearsal, so other people are talking and laughing in the room.)

Merry Christmas!

Fortnite together

Jeremy enjoys watching Caeden play Fortnite, but hadn't tried it due to not being familiar with all the [many!] buttons/joysticks/motions on the Xbox controller.  Caeden found a photo explaining all the different parts of the controller and printed it out for him to learn, and they sat down today to play together.  It was fun to watch them have that time together.

Sylvia's Holiday "Baking" Challenge

Sylvia organized and hosted a Holiday Baking Challenge for her friends today!  

There were 3 teams:

Hunter, Will, and Aiden

Alexis, Isabella, and Sylvia

and RJ, Ryan, and Annah.

It was great chaotic fun while they all mixed things up!

The RJ/Annah/Ryan team made hot cocoa cookies.

The Sylvia/Isabella/Alexis team made Oreo balls.

These guys mixed up their peanut butter fudge and played some Xbox 

while they waited for it to set up.

It was such a beautiful day outside, they all took a walk down to the park for a while.  

Caeden and I were the judges.

Most Creative: Hot Cocoa Cookies

Prettiest: Oreo Balls

Best Tasting: Peanut Butter Fudge

Here is the recipe of the winner:

The crew decided to play a game of monopoly while watching The Lorax.

What a great group of kids!