It's Almost Christmas!

This has been a rough week. Before we get to that, however, when last we wrote, we were headed to Lyn's final Christmas concert for her bell choir.  It was a fun evening, and the kids did a great job.  It wasn't just the bell choir--there were many other musical numbers as well, including an audience sing-along of the Messiah Hallelujah Chorus.  That was Margie's favorite part!  (Besides watching her daughter perform, of course.)

Again, we just love how much Lyn loves to be up there!

On Monday morning, we received the sad news that one of Dan's closest aunts, his father's oldest sister, Betty, had passed away.  She had struggled with Alzheimers for many years, and her daughter had told us that they had put her hospice, so Dan had already planned to begin the long drive to Nebraska that afternoon.  The timing worked out extraordinarily well for him.  His sister missed her connecting flight to Lincoln and was rerouted to Omaha, and since Dan was driving instead of flying, he was able to alter course and pick her up. They arrived at around 2am Wednesday morning, and there was a family visitation that evening.  Thursday was the funeral.  Dan began the long drive back on Friday and finally arrived earlier this evening.  We missed him!

Betty and Gene, circa 1937

Betty and Gene, circa 2007

While in Nebraska, Dan and his siblings, Deb and Tom, decided to visit the site of the old farm.

While Dan was away, Margie and the kids survived, barely.  Margie came down with a wicked cold, but she couldn't slow down because she didn't have anyone to pick up the slack.  She powered through her new job with the high school drama department, her entrepreneurship class, Cub Scouts, her organizing business, kid chauffeuring, and her still-hurting ankle, with the help of lots of over-the-counter medication.

Lyn continued her challenging school work load, as well her rehearsals for the One Acts, and, of course, the Young Women's program at church.

John, meanwhile, was super busy, not only with school, scouts, and piano, but with running sound for A Christmas Carol.  He had a performance on Friday night and one on Saturday afternoon.  Then Saturday night was the closing night party.  He was a busy boy!

On Saturday morning, we awoke to an ice storm.  John carefully took out the recycling and thought the bin looked really cool coated with ice.  He came back in to get the camera and take pictures.

On Saturday night, Lyn made some vegan fondue. She had been eyeing the recipe since Thanksgiving.  For dippers we had roasted cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and broccoli, as well as tofu chunks, celery, and french bread.  It was super yummy and we plan to make it again!

On Sunday, we had our church Christmas program.  Lyn and Margie sang in the choir.  We were sad Dad missed it.  Luckily, he got back in time to take a picture of us still in our new Christmas duds.

I can't believe Christmas is only a week away.  Ack!  We're not ready!!!

Hope you are enjoying the season...