Christmas 2011

One of our traditions is that the kids draw names among themselves each year.  They always try to keep the secret of whose names they drew until a few days before Christmas when they wrap the gifts and put them under the tree.  Of course, there is always the trying to figure it out or trying to get one of the others to spill the beans on whose name they got.  We have had some episodes where not only the name has been given, but also what the gift was.  However, usually they do fairly well.  Then, on Christmas Eve they get to open them.

Sibling gifts from this year

Everyone seemed happy with their gift and there have been several games of Battala Naval (Battle Ship) and Dawgopoly played.  

The calm before the storm.

Christmas Morning

Sarah and Elizabeth were pretty excited about their Bulldog Pillow Pets!

Sarah had a "Bulldog" Christmas.

Elizabeth with her new bag and some money to buy things to put in it.

Along with the always asked for Legos and Nerf guns, Caleb also got a remote controlled helicopter.  So far only one crash.  Hopefully it will survive!

Rebekah with her guitar and soft, fuzzy bathrobe.

No surprises here - Legos and Nerf.

Christmas Dinner

Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.  The kids were excited that we were able to have all their favorites even here in Honduras.

Like father......

Like son. 

We had a great Christmas day.  It was nice to spend a relaxing day enjoying the new things and spending time together.  Then, that evening we ended our day in the perfect way.  More to come in the next blog update.

Macaw Mountain (Copan Day 2)

On our second day in Copan we visited Macaw Mountain.  We got to see and learn about lots of amazing birds.

 Our transportaion. Yep, we fit four plus a driver in each.

 Rebekah wasn't to sure about being the first to hold the birds.

Caleb's friend was getting a close on his shoulder. 

 Elizabeth and the blue macaw seemed to get along quite well.

 "It was this tall."

 Sarah using her jacket as armor.

Jesse keeping an eye on Mr. Green Macaw

"What's that in your pocket?"

As the macaws get older their feathers become brighter.  This young lady is 80 years old.

The whole gang

We had a great day at Macaw Mountain.  The birds were beautiful, as well as, the scenery.  Our guide did a great job teaching us many interesting facts about the various birds.  We also got to enjoy some yummy food at the cafe that was over the river.  

After leaving we headed to the town square for some shopping and that evening we got very brave and tried some of the food from the street vendors.

 Checking out the options.

 Cooking our food.

 Caleb is pretty excited about his food.  Of course,  that is pretty normal these days.  He is definitely hitting that "teenage boy who never stops eating" stage.  

 Chicken, salad, beans, and tortillas.  Yummy!

Jesse may have been a bit uncertain, but was willing to give it a try.  Turned out to be very delicious and no one was sick on the trip home the next day.  

Copan is a neat little town and we definitely enjoyed our couple of days exploring it.

Copan Ruinas

On December 9th Elizabeth and her friend, Jesse, arrived in Honduras.  Before heading to Balfate, we spent a couple of days exploring Copan.  The first day we went to see the ruins.

 On the way we found this family making cotton candy.  We passed by them on three different occasions and yes, we bought cotton candy each time.  

Exploring the town. Then, off to the Mayan ruins.

A huge Ceiba tree.

The Mayan history book.  This is a staircase that has hieroglyphics on each level that tell much of the history.

We had a wonderful guide that explained all the history of what we were seeing.  Another great day in the Pirkle School!

Packages!!!!!!!!!

We have been loved on by a couple of small groups and family throughout the last month.  What fun it is to receive treats from home.  

 The Freeman CP group sent us Itune gift cards and collected money for us.  The kids enjoyed buying games and songs with the gift cards and we used the money to help the kids at the Children's Center celebrate Christmas. Stay tuned for another update about the fun we had with them. Thank you so much!

 These goodies came in a package from the Welborn CP group.  They asked for a list of suggestions and I think they sent everything on that list.  There were lots of goodies for us and lots of fun things to share with kids at the children's center and dump. What a blessing!

 These are the contents of two packages from Granny and Grandpa.  They have sent us several and they are always full of many yummy things.  We love you, Granny and Grandpa!

Last, but definitely not least, Sarah received this birthday package from her friend, Olivia Roberson.  Olivia,  you did a great job.  Sarah loved the shirt.  Of course, who wouldn't!

Sarah's 15th Birthday Party

On November 25th/26th Sarah celebrated her 15th birthday.   The festivities began down on the beach with a friendly game of tackle football among the girls. 

 Team 1

 Team 2

 The game got very serious until...

 Rebekah got a "jellybean" sting.  Yes, she actually said jellybean when she meant to say jellyfish. 

So, we moved the party to the house for more games and food.

Fun times playing "Pin the Tail on the Maronkey" 

 At the end of the game, the birthday girl got a ride on the Maronkey.

 For her cake Sarah choose homemade cheesecake by Rebekah, chocolate and regular. 

All the party attendees waiting to taste the cheesecake.  In case you were wondering, it was yummy!  We are hoping to find another reason for Rebekah to make them again soon.

The party continued throughout the night, but the photographer needed her beauty sleep, so the pictures end here. 

Thanks everyone for helping us celebrate another year with our "party girl", Sarah.