Advent Activities

Kaleo working on our Jesse Tree ornaments

We love to gather with friends for any occasion.  Here, before Christmas, we had a couple of great things going on.  

Painting pots for our Jesse Trees

We made our first attempt at making a family Jesse Tree.  I have had this project in my back pocket for years. Somehow, we never got to it.  The Jesse Tree is a wonderful way to celebrate Advent.  This year I came across a beautiful version at www.aholyexperience.com.  There are many versions online.  I was inspired to carve out time for our family to make one this year.  

Koa on the shofar, announcing the beginning of the play

Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem

I think this is when they got the bad news about 'no vacancy'

Somehow Mary ended up in the manger

After lunch we had an impromptu Christmas play with lots of improvisation, several donkeys and camels, and an authentic shofar.  Then we headed off to the park!

 

Family Amusement

We don’t frequent amusement parks.  We’d rather head to the beach, or go for a hike.  

Pix we took in the parking lot - we'd know what they were wearing if anyone got lost!

This past December,  though, we surprised the kids by taking them to one...it was a combo family Christmas present, and an early birthday celebration for our 5 year old.

We decided to do it because 1) I got 1/2 price tix  2) this park has lots of animals – from tigers to sharks  3) we never normally do this.

On our way to the Tiger Show

We saw both Asian and African elephants

We like to do activities that can include the whole family.  This was something that all the kids enjoyed.  For some, it was their first time on a roller coaster.  Keith captured the faces of the little ones on the roller coaster, filming them on his phone, hoping he didn’t drop the phone!

The favorites were the dolphin and killer whale shows.  The place was decorated for Christmas, and even had a small sledding hill.  The one bummer was that the food in the park was outrageously expensive.  We survived on snacks, and the PB&J’s I had in my purse for this pregnant mama!

It was a little unnerving getting so close to this guy!

 



















It was challenging for me because the park is a bit hilly.  I was far enough along in my pregnancy that walking all day around the park just about did me in.  In the end, it was worth it to see the kids enjoy themselves so much.  All in all a fun family day!

Gingerbread houses

  
This past Advent season,  we gathered with friends to celebrate Advent (the waiting...the coming of our Savior).  

We sang some carols, read an Advent story, prayed, ate, and made Gingerbread houses.  The kids were incredibly creative with their gingerbread houses.  

 

I have since discovered the idea of making edible nativity scenes instead.  We’ll do that next year.  

Kainoa made a pinata for our gathering.  It got a little dark and a little chilly, but the kids were happy to brave the elements for a ‘swing’ and some treats!

Escape to the beach

I am 30 weeks along

We had been sick all week, and finally one morning at breakfast, Keith announced, 'We're heading out to the beach!'...our favorite place to escape to.  The kids ran around excitedly as we gathered coats, blankets, & sandwiches and headed out the door....

Kapena (6) and Koa (8)

I love what I see developing between these boys (...and our girls.)  Yes, they bicker and argue over toys and such...and it sometimes feels like only a glimmer...or a flicker.....but it is there.

Our adopted children have each come out of completely different situations.

All our children (both bio and adopted) are made in the image of the living God.  All were placed by Him into our family...our home...our hearts.  They are brothers...and they are sisters.  

Kawika (2)

Kaleo (16) and boys

It is easy to think ‘well, when they are grown, and we see how they turn out, hopefully it will have been a worthwhile thing....’

No, not ‘when the grow up’....Right now....

And its not just a worthwhile thing....wow, no.....it is an amazing thing....a true.....deep.......and  amazing miracle.  

Kili (4)

We get a front row seat to watch this miracle unfold....ever so slowly.....sometimes so painfully.

But ultimately...... so beautiful.  The love of God...his mercy and grace....reflected in the lives of these precious children...

These children that often drive us crazy....that often take us to the end of ourselves....these little lives that have helped to shape us...to expose us.....to break us....to hone us....to push us....beyond ourselves...to our knees....to our strength, our rock, our Father.

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing....
Isaiah 55:12