Steve created waffles - something we don't usually enjoy. The beginnings of a tasty adventure!
The boys finally got up, and the day took off.
It was well after 11am when we finally endulged ourselves in this birthday breakfast. By the way, did I mention it was Jesus' birthday?
Okay, after we got all cleaned up, it was pressie time!
Grandma & Jasen so patiently waiting... 
The presents were stacked in piles in front of each of us, just ready for the signal to start opening them. 
Prestin actually looks excited!!!
Purlie was right in the middle of EVERYTHING!!! The fire definitely burns in her eyes!
All of us would open a gift simultaneously and then share what we got!
And did I mention that Purlie was right in the middle of it all?
The boys each got one special gift which was opened at the end, slowly one at a time. Jasen opening his gift... Doesn't he match his package?
Did I introduce Purlie?
Deron and his big gift.
Purlie can't wait to borrow Deron's new iPod.
Prestin's big gift...
The bike wasn't actually in the box. Sorry if we misled you in anyway!
Purlie looked on knowing she isn't big enough to ride Prestin's bike.
Shellie's unwrapping her robe.
We had movies playing in the background throughout this adventure. As Shellie carefully packs up the wrappings, It's A Wonderful Life blares onward.
And don't forget Purlie!
Okay, this was one picture Purlie actually tried to escape from!
Stocking time... Grandma had accidentially given away the stocking that Shellie made, so she got her's in a quite little box.
Prestin at one time many years ago actually thought his stocking was cute.
Jasen is always a happy camper! Deron is ready to watch one of many DVD's we got.
Yes, we are truly happily married!!!
One of LaVona's special friends (Cathy) came over and watched a movie in the afternoon.
Happy with how the day had gone, we settled back and began to work on this blog. It was a very cosy afternoon. It was actually cold out and the rain was falling pretty heavily. Then suddenly something we hadn't even considered a possibility became a reality. A door to a room that had been hidden for many years was flung open. With the door bell ringing, we saw a couple of people standing out in the rain. Because rain is such a rare thing in Southern California there are no gutters on our roof. As we opened the door there was a vague semblance of familiarity racing through our mind as we stared at each other. There, standing in the pouring rain, was Shellie's dad and his wife, Lisa. A miracle in the making. Of course we invited them in and spent the next several hours reconnecting and introducing them to his grand kids!!! This was a most beautiful present to us from God!!! As mentioned, it has opened a room which holds a whole new adventure and we are going to have fun exploring this newly found lost relationship!
From the manger.... to the cross... Jesus Christ... Saviour of our souls!!!
Our guitar... I thought it looked really cool on the stand with all the lights... classy shot!
Jasen and Steve... excited for the night to begin.
Grandma, Shellie and Jasen... patiently waiting and snugged up warmly too!
Abbey & Sue Williams... these are Jenny's (our niece) mom and little sis.
A cool shot of the instruments in the background.
Jeff... the community life & groups guy...
Some of the musos... Matt on electric, Mark on bass, Deron on acoustic guitar, Aaron on keyboard... not in this pic... Terry on drums, Travis on drums and Dane on drums... yes, we had three drummer boys and they were incredible playing "the little drummer boy"... WOW!!!
Kev... the lead Flipside guy.
Abbey as Mary, Prestin as Joseph... the story begins!
John... singing over the new born KING... "what child is this?"
A quiet, holy moment...
Joseph holding baby Jesus...
Abbey & Alisha (a classy angel) singing..."The First Noel-Mary, Mary" ... stunning!!!
Okay, another cool shot of Deron.
Rejoicing together...
The dancers...
The candles were a stunning way to close the service.
The Grand Finale..."Silent Night, Holy Night..."
