Daddy daughter date

To keep with tradition, all our children get a date with Daddy for Christmas. This year Audrey went to Disney on Ice. Mom and Natatlia got to tag along too last Saturday.

El Dia De Reyes

We started a new tradition this year. To remember our Latino heritage, we have decided to start celebrating El Dia De Reyes or Three Kings Day.

On January 6, most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, remembering the day when the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Baby Jesus. It is the 12th and last day of Christmas.

On the night, of January 5, the figurines of the Three Wise Men are added to the nativity scene. Before going to bed the children place their shoes under their bed or in the living room, where the Wise Men will leave them their presents. Some also place outside the house, some hay and a bucket with water for the camels, and even some cookies and milk for Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar.

Relunctantly the children go off to bed. As soon as they wake up, they run to see the gifts the the Three Magi left for them.

(Celeste and Sophia thought if they put out their biggest shoes (their snowboots) maybe the wiseman would put more inside.)

(Straw left from the camels' midnight snack.)

HAPPY THREE KINGS DAY!!!

Elder and Sister Stilson

Meet Elder and Sister Stilson, our missionary couple from Ferrin, UT. When they came to Pennsylvania over a year ago, we were fortunate to have them stay with us for a week or so while they looked for an apartment. We have been great friends every since. They will be going back to Utah this May, but I wanted to make sure I include them in our family blog, because to us they are like family. I think our favorite memory with them was in December when we all got together and watched the Las Vegas bowl game, BYU v. UCLA. That was an incredible game! We were hoopin' and hollerin' together.
We have 3 sets of missionaries in our ward right now. Our ward has grown so much thanks to their hard work. We love them all, but have a special place in our hearts for the Stilsons.

Our other grandma

Let us tell you about Jeanne (aka Sister Garcia). She is from Canada and is fluent in Spanish. She has a permanent smile and when she laughs her eyebrows move up and down. She has a quick sense of humor and she is loves to tease Tim about everything. She enjoys singing with and listening to the little girls' primary songs. She is such a joy to be with. We met Jeanne a couple years ago and visit her as often as we can at the nursing home. The Sunday before Christmas this year our church Ward went to her nursing home and sang for the residents there. We brought Jeanne in and sat with her during the singing. We are so glad you are part of our family, Jeanne!Honesdale Ward