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......
9 comments:
Marvelous tradition! I've always wanted to do a tea in the autumn woods with my clan (a tiny group of five of us for now...)and a cocoa party in the snow once the little ones are a bit older.
Watching this crazy cold storm; hoping it will be much less dire than being predicted.
What a wonderful start of a family tradition. Hardy souls :)
Your blog is wonderful and I am glad I found it though Susan Branch.
Happy New Year!! Mo'a
What a wonderful way to spend time with family. Sorry about the cabin, hope no one had been hurt. Love the blanket and your vintage mugs. Those really keep drinks warmer longer.
blessings, jill
What a wonderful tradition! I've been thinking of you in this bad storm and hope you are all doing just fine.
Happy New Year! Bliadhna Mhath Ur!
You are braver than I am!
I'm all ready (I think) in case we lose power. I just filled two Thermoses with water from the tea pot and covered them with a towel to have ready. I may brew another pot of coffee but I only drink it in the morning and by then it would be cold. :(
There is currently a yellow teapot filled with Candy Cane Lane decaf sitting under a tea cozy I found at thrift shop a few years ago. I'm heading for it as soon as I finishing sending out a hello to you!
Obviously that should be boiling water from the tea kettle is in the Thermoses. ;)
Oh, absolutely loving that book about yarn farming! You may want to see if you can get it through your library.
In Michigan we're getting pounded with snow today too. Lines at the grocery store yesterday were 20-30 carts long. I stood in line 50 minutes! Hope you and your are staying warm.
Your tea gathering in the woods sounds fun....... too cold and too much snow here for that.
What a great way to start the new year with a new tradition. I don't know that I would want to do it in the snow, but it looks like you had a lot of fun. It's way too cold to be outside here. Down to 0 degrees the other day. 12 degrees today. You can get frostbite in 10 minutes.
Saw this on Christina's blog - looks like a great time. My mom teaches in Edinburgh, so they've been on extended break with the cold temps. Schools were also off the past two days here in Cleveland, although I still had to go to work. My car said -8 this morning! DH hates traveling for work but he was a little happy to go to Houston this week.
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