CHRISTMAS

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
                                                                                                                Psalm 127:3-5a

During the Christmas holiday our family flew in from Georgia and California. Our household quickly went from two to eight, which means there was a lot of activity with all beds taken plus an air mattress on the floor. As we looked forward to this time with great anticipation we planned several activities in which everyone could participate. All the family was here by the Saturday morning before Christmas, which included Christiane, Roger, Rick and Rebecca, and our grandsons, Darien and Logan. As soon as the last one arrived we were off to Pokagon State Park in Indiana to experience the challenging toboggan run. Even there was no snow at the park, the run is refrigerated and a sheet of ice. When we arrived we rented two toboggans and were ready to fly down the course.
Darien (age 12) and Logan (age 8) were extremely excited whereas Gail was dragging her feet. After going down once, the boys wanted to do it again and again. All total, they slid down the run seven or eight times whereas Gail and Paul worked up enough courage to do it twice. Our top speed was 36 miles per hour which was plenty fast enough when you are that close to the ground.

Pokagan toboggan run

Logan, Darien, Christiane and Roger flying down the course.

Christiane, Rick, Logan Darien, Rebecca and Roger after a run.

On Sunday we went to church as a family and then were joined by Gail's sister Jill's family for dinner and some fun activities. With six children here that afternoon Patsy and Penny received lots of attention. One of the fun activities was putting together a three-dimensional puzzle of the earth. Monday held many more activities for the family. For a fun competition we divided into two teams of four and were given forty-five minutes to put a ginger bread house together with decorations and all. This really challenged our creativity. That afternoon was spent swimming at the Christian Family Centre and followed with a pizza party. If that wasn't enough activity, the men went to see The Hobbit.

The result of the ginger bread competition

Emma, Lyndsey and Carlie with Penny and Patsy

 

Before Rick, Rebecca, and the boys left on Tuesday, Helene Bleecker joined us for a country breakfast. She had been very eager to meet Darien and Logan. Helene is a cousin and sister to Paul (too long to explain) and her daughter, Deb Kaylor, published a book on the French heritage of the Palpant family. This is a very treasured gift from our children. The book contains many stories and pictures that go back as far as Paul's great grandfather.

During the entire Christmas celebration we were surrounded by children which made it a delightful, joyous time. It was such a special treat to be together as a family, but the time went by way too quickly. We always need to relish those special moments.

Paul, Gail Roger, Darien, Rick, Logan, Rebecca and Christiane enjoying a wonderful Christmas.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny