Sunday, December 23, 2012

Make a Joyful Noise

What better way to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus than in song? From Christmas Sings to Spanish Pastorelas, we rang in the holiday season with as much music as possible. 

It all started at Katelin and Ryan's house. They host an annual Christmas Sing and we were included this year. We were invited to bring our unique style and funk and gather around the piano for a good time with the Church for All People congregation. 


On December 22 we were invited to the Golden Paper Semi Bi Annual Locally International Christmas Caroling Extravaganza in Woodland. Bigger and better than ever, Tom and Peg hosted the celebration with an overflowing pot of confidence-building Glugg, instruments and snacks. It was a great kickoff to our California Christmas.




On Sunday after church Nate, Finn and Selah performed in their parish Pastorela. In Mexico, these theatrical works were first developed to teach the Christmas story. Traditionally the show begins with an angel telling the shepherds the birth of Christ, but this particular performance started with the creation of the world.


You don't have to be fluent in Spanish to understand that the little angel on the right is the cutest ever.


Sunday evening the cousins gathered for another competitive round of karaoke. Although John and Colin tried to win with a beautiful rendition of little drummer boy Dominic pulled out the win with a score of 97 at the end. Lesson learned.



Happy holidays, from our musical family to yours!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Barnstormer Birthday

We celebrated Grandpa Hoffer's 86th birthday in style at Barnstormers Grill. Located at the Ohio State University airport, this cosy cafe gave us the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch of chicken salad wraps and a cheeseburger for the birthday boy. 



It has been a rainy Christmas season, so after lunch we took a stroll around Tuttle Mall. We were quite entertained by the 4-ft remote helicopter...


May this be the best year yet Grandpa! I love you so much I could squeeze the puddin' outta you.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Gather Around 3

Look how much fun Katelin and Ryan had listening to one of Dominic's stories this evening:

Katelin and Ryan are our new friends from Church for All People.
You should come visit too!

Sunday, December 09, 2012

A Few of Our Favorite Things



Today I was invited to a Favorite Things gift exchange. It was a fun idea my friend Jill had for a holiday party that pulled together four friends who have stayed close since high school. 

Rachel hosted brunch and we were each told to bring four copies of a favorite thing. It could be anything with a maximum of $10/item. Think Oprah's tradition on a miniature scale. 

We each had an opportunity to go around and present our favorite thing to the group. Thanks to my friend's impeccable taste and generosity, I have a minty eucalyptus smelling bedroom, shiny cherry tasting lips and warm (or cold) beverages to sip on during my commute. Each of these items spoke to our desire to look good, feel good and smell good this season. It was a fun event and a nice way to exchange gifts. 

What would you take to a Favorite Things party this year?
Any guesses on what I took?

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Gather Around 2

Come gather around our table for a meal and a good time. Uncle Tom, Aunt Lisa and the Zaengers did:


Sarah's parents and godfather