Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas in Florida


Right after our Christmas in Texas, we took off for another Christmas in Florida. Joni's kids were spending Christmas at their dad's house in Boca and we decided to leave Texas a week early so that we could also see them.

We had a great time... beaching, kayaking, playing tennis and just being together.
One day was spent at our RV park, Ocean Resorts. Joni borrowed a few kayaks from friends and we spent a few hours out on the intercoastal. There are many dolphin and manatee out in the intercoastal waters and usually many are spotted. We looked hard, but were disappointed that we did not spot any. I guess everyone will have to just come back and try in again.

We also spent some time on the tennis courts for a family round robin. We rotated in and out after each game and played for about an hour. It was a lot of fun. Jim and Barbara did not bring any tennis shoes with them so they played barefoot. Our court surface is artifical turf with a layer of sand over it, tons of sand. It's a great surface and easy on the joints (for old people!!!!) See Delton playing on the sandy court (picture taken on another day). Unfortunately we forgot the camera and don't have any pictures to show.

Another day was spent at the Fort Lauderdale beach. Joni has been to that beach many many times, as her parents have lived in Coral Springs (about 35 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale) since about 1982 and her grandparents retired there when she was a little girl. It was very crowded, but good for people watching. As you can see, there was hardly a spot to put your blanket down. See the "Where's Ken???" picture? Remember - Where's Waldo? Well, Ken is hidden in this picture. Can you find him?
The boys and Barbara were all staying at Joni's ex-husband's, (Ron), house in Boca Raton. There's no room in a motorhome for overnight guests! (See us all sitting in the den. Delton and Ron were sitting off to the side and didn't get into the group picture). Ron was kind enough to invite us to his house for diner one night. We had a very nice time. Ron and his girlfriend, Lynn, cooked a gourmet meal for all of us. Lynn's son was also there.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Christmas in Texas

We had an early Christmas with the Delton's half of the family this year, celebrating on 12/20 and 12/21. Christmas was held at Steve and Christie's home in Lake Kiowa.


Most were able to come, but we were missing Larry and Linda this year and some of the grandchildren. As you can see, we are a large family family and we all enjoy being together.



Pictured are: Delton and his brothers (Larry missing), our family with the Ken Bradley family and Chris Wells, all the sisters-in-law (Linda missing), and all the grandchildren. Delton's Mom Josie, is included in all the pictures.


We had a great time. Christie was most gracious as she opened her house to all of us, even after having had surgery the week before. Thanks Christie!
And now it's on to Florida for Christmas with Joni's half of the family. Good bye Texas!



Friday, December 05, 2008

Journey to Bethehem 2008

Another Christmas Season! We participated in our annual Christmas presentation of "Journey to Bethlehem" at our church in Grapevine. Again we played the part of beggers, loitering outside the village, begging for food as people entered the gates.

See Joni and Toni loitering outside the village with the camels.

It's an actual journey where the people who come to see the presentation join a biblical family and take the journey with them. They come along many encounters on their way. The journey, which takes about 45 minutes, starts inside the church and then goes outside onto the church grounds.

An Angel appears (Jeff plays the angel). All those entering the village must pay their taxes and be counted in the census. They see the 3 Kings along the journey. They try to spend the night at the Inn, but there is no room.

Inside the village, merchants try to sell products to those who enter. Meat is cooked over a fire for sale in the village. There are many animals involved, camels, donkeys, sheep, lamas, alpackas, goats, horses, and more.

If you haven't taken the Journey yet, make plans now for next year. It's something you don't want to miss!