Finally, January Vacation Pics

Dad and Mom at sunset

Dad enjoying the BBQ

Ella on the beach

Ella’s sparkler and New Year’s wishes

Evan’s sparkler and New Year’s wishes

Our attempt at a group shot, tough to get everyone inspired about pictures when you have a very chilled, very hungry crowd

My sisters Michelle and Amy on a walk

Michelle and Amy still on a walk

The food

Darren did the grilling (Phil helped get the grill going, thanks Phil!)

The kids did the swinging

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Finally, here are some photos of our one week vacation in Baja California, Mexico around New Year’s. We had some awesome days. Jogs, walks and play time with the kids on the beach. Grandma and Grandpa (Claire’s mom and dad) were with us. Every single last member of our happy Home (and a few great extras, or should we call them *pluses* were all there so we got to see each other in rare form -relaxing and taking time off from work, meetings, and busy service.
We visited the beach daily, the ice-cream store, the taco stands, and Ensenada, -where we took a walk-about the main streets of the city. There was a lovely park for the kids there right by the harbor. And as some like Sonia have blogged, the highlight of the harbor was that the “Black Pearl” pirate ship from the film Pirates of the Caribbean, was docked there and we got fairly close to it and a good look.
Mexico -as it does so well- supplied the good food and drink and ambiance. The Lord supplied the beach air, some awesomely perfect sunsets, safe-keeping and good health. (Well, Emmer was a little sick, but he did ok and was a generally a happy fellow).
We decided to have our New Year’s traditional candlelight ceremony there on the balcony of the house with sparkler. For those of you who would know the tradition (and if you don’t), it’s where everyone gets to say what they are most grateful for from the past year and what their prayer/wish/hope is for the new year, all while lighting a candle from the main candle (which represents Jesus).
Well, we copied Stephanie’s Home in Africa, cuz they did it with sparklers and everyone got just until their sparkler ran out to say what they wanted to say. She said it hopped along fast enough and kept all the kids attention, so we liked the idea. It worked so well for us and was a lot of fun. The kids just loved it, and afterwards got several more sparklers to do as they wished with.
Everyone had such beautiful prayers and things to say. It’s gonna be a good year J