Grandparents are here!!!!

Aaron has been one tired little boy these last few days. He has been entertained almost every moment since Betsy's parents arrived on the 23rd. We have been playing with balls, reading stories, and tickling left and right. He even had some sips from a grown-up cup. Gigi has been capturing most of this on film, so we included some of her pictures on our blog.

Papa and Gigi also accompanied Aaron and Betsy to the English as a Second Language (ESL) class. We also included a picture of Betsy helping her students.

As you can imagine, Papa and Gigi were totally wiped out with all the heat and humidity. They are "recuperating" today. We took it easy and just played at home. Ahhh, vacation!

Fun can be tiring!!

Hey everybody!



Water please!



ESL class

Eleven Months!

Wow, it is amazing how quickly the year has past. Hard to believe it is already 2007. Here are our pictures celebrating 11 months for our little guy. He sure does some crazy things with his mouth!

Sunset

Thought we'd share a picture from our deck of the sunset. The sun is setting from behind the camera, but the lighting on the harbor cranes was amazing, sorry the camera doesn't quite do it justice!

Getting so TALL!

As always, December has been a crazy, busy time, sorry it has been so long since we've posted, but here are a bunch of pictures for you.

This first set was taken in mid-December.

Church Camp 2006

December 18-21 we had the opportunity to go to Church Camp for the first time here in Singapore. About 90 of us took the six hour drive up to Port Dickson, Malaysia. It was a fun time of fellowship with our church family.

We shared a suite with this family. The boys loved playing with Aaron (and 'Uncle Danny')!

Exploring the lobby, Mancala anyone?

Aaron and one of his fans: Erin!

The resort had a great pool, if only it was dry!
Dancing with auntie.

Heading home. Betsy, Aaron, and his bump!

Yes, on the last day of camp Aaron got his first major boo-boo. Daddy was carrying him down the concrete stairs and hit a slippery spot. Daddy fell down (no tumbling though). Two major body parts hit the edge of a stair, Daddy's elbow and Aaron's forehead. Both are fine now. We were able to get frozen squash on the forehead very quickly and had a couple nurses look at it as well. By now the bump and bruise are basically gone!

Aaron's First Christmas

On the phone with Gigi. Notice the bump is almost gone!

Playing with all his new toys, Aaron didn't quite figure out the opening of presents, but he sure enjoys all the toys and books!

Aaron is such a smart kid! Not only in order, but color coordinated as well!

Good morning Daddy, look I started undressing myself! See, I got an arm and a leg out!

PARTY!!

We had a lot of fun this past weekend. ICS had our Christmas program on Friday night. It was a fun program with a lot of improvement over the past things we have done. Afterwards we went to "Cold Stone Creamery" with some friends for some great ice cream!

On Saturday we had our annual community Christmas party. It was a lot of fun to talk to people that we met last year and for them to see Aaron. There were lots of games and prizes, we even won the "Most Colorful Family" prize, a new iron! Of course the highlight was the ability to sing Christmas Carols. Betsy and I joined another man to lead in the singing of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful", and "Silent Night", we sang all verses to them as well, so the story of Christmas was told to many.

Today we also received word that my (Danny) cousin Holly has finally arrived at the most wonderful party. She has been battling disease and weakness here on earth for most of her life. On Sunday night her Savior welcomed Holly into His arms in heaven where she will never suffer again. Please pray for the family that is left here without her, especially for her Mom & Dad and her little brother and sister.

Enjoy the pictures.

Exploring Mount Faber Lodge

Daddy took Aaron on a little exploration of our place here.

Here he is at the barbeque area.



What is this stuff?



It feels funny Daddy, help me!



Aah, back home, what is that smell?

 

Christmas Season is Upon Us!

Waiting for the bus to take us to the ICS Christmas Program.



At IBC



Nap time!



Just hanging around.

 

10 months old!

Our little boy is a month older today!



And enjoying every minute!



Even upside-down.

 

Christmas break is quickly approaching, we are surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. Yes, we get to listen to Christmas music in the malls and enjoy frosted Christmas trees along the busy streets. All we are missing is a little snow!

Of course, what would December be without parties? Saturday we had our staff Christmas party at the Singapore American Club; it was a lot of fun! Next week we are looking forward to our community Christmas party, please pray that through this season we will be able to share Christ's love with our neighbors!

 

Aaron the Climber

Aaron found that he can make it onto the couch without Daddy as stairs, he just needs a few pillows! He has also figured out that he can get down without hurting himself if the pillow is there. Hopefully he won't try getting down directly onto the tile!




 

Thanksgiving

It is still hard for us to recognize the holiday season as the weather doesn't change much. But this past Thursday we gathered with about 50 others at the school for a staff Thanksgiving potluck. It was great fun and included lots of good food, all the usual Thanksgiving dishes. To top off the day, we even had a huge downpour to make us feel like we were home in the northwest!

On the other hand, it is easy to know that the holiday season is upon us, everything is getting busier! We are looking forward to Christmas parties on each of the next two Saturdays and to family camp with our church the third week of December.

During this holiday time we want to thank you all for your continued support for us, both by prayers and finances. We couldn't do what we are doing without your help!

Please pray with us that we might be a light during this holiday season as many of the people here have no idea what Christmas is really for, but are willing to listen and ask questions about it. Pray also for these last three weeks at ICS before Christmas break. Many students will be leaving at the end of the semester, so these last weeks are the last chance we have to show them God's love.

Aaron has been a little sick the last few days (a runny nose). He is getting better, but please pray for continued healing for him.

A new trick

Aaron has enjoyed climbing and getting as high as possible for a long time. He also likes to do things on his own. But he doesn't seem to mind using Daddy for a stair!

The picture is a little chopped off, but you can see his pure joy at successfully reaching the back of the couch!