Christmas Day we met up with JK & Christina and my mom for a picnic tea in the woods.
There was something for everyone to carry. We made an interesting sight going through the woods. The other trail users couldn't figure out what to make of us, especially when we wished them a "Merry Christmas!". I think they thought we were a little too merry.
Our destination was a lovely old log cabin in the woods. Much to our horror, we arrived to find it had been burned by a bad fire and cordoned off so we couldn't go inside!
The day was saved by a picnic table around back and the fact that there was no wind.
We set up camp with my wonderful "airpot" full of boiling hot water, hot cocoa, tea, homemade marshmallows, gingerbread men and mince pies, and, the piece de resistance: sausage rolls! (regular and gluten free!).
The boys rushed down the hill to play in the frozen streams while the rest of us fixed our drinks.
We used my vintage enamel mugs that I found this fall (they are getting lots of use!!!).
And we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly! (especially happy while eating sausage rolls)
The men assumed interesting conversation, including how Amazon could link Michael's published thesis on Old Testament Law with the suggestion to buy a book about prime numbers illustrated by monsters. The men were hard core too, being sure to request tea over hot cocoa.
Laura stayed close to Grandma, who always makes sure the little ones are cared for.
Did I say those sausage rolls were delicious?!
And here are the happy hosts of our Christmas afternoon and evening (we headed to their house after the walk).
Had to have plaid in the picture somewhere!!! I love using this huge blanket as a tablecloth.
And here is Grandma sporting her wonderful "new to her" coat that dropped in her lap the week before and fits her perfectly. (We always marvel at God's provision for us in many different ways).
We even managed a family photo!
And a group shot!! (children bribed with candy canes)
I think we all enjoyed the picnic so much that we will need to continue this new tradition, weather willing. And now we are all getting ready for the "Big Storm" to bring us loads and loads of snow. Walmart at 9 a.m. was already packed but now we have enough milk and eggs, fruit and veg to last into next week. And now for the Saturday chores......
