After a year of our family being scattered around the world (China, Australia, and a couple of States), we were blessed at the end of 2012 to have our entire family all together for a belated Christmas celebration. During our evening devotionals, we kept our focus on the greatest Gift of all. We also traded gifts with each other:
In keeping with tradition, the kids unwrapped an unusual present that sent them hunting for their gifts. This time, it was a puzzle with a riddle written on the back:
They followed the clues to a cemetery, a geocache, and then to this covered bridge:
They proceeded to a lakeshore, to a gazebo in the town park, and finally, to a hatbox back at Laurie’s house. Along the way, Elijah got to swing with Nai Nai in the park while the big kids goofed around:
We had a beautiful snowfall on our belated Christmas day:
Somehow, the “snowperson” ended up bearing some resemblance to Laurie: 
Of course, we enjoyed eating some delicious food together, like this Chinese food cooked by our resident Asian chefs:
And as usual, we played a number of board games, including this Asian edition of “Ticket to Ride” gifted to us by Stephen and Jessica (who also won the overall competition this year):
We are truly blessed to have a family that enjoys spending time together!
I love that picture on the covered bridge. Haha, too bad Eli face is covered by his bottle as usual!
Awesome to spend such wonderful and beautiful time outdoors together. You’ll remember that day for years, I’m sure! Love your traditions, too. Happy traveling before too long. What date are y’all leaving for China? Will remember you then especially. Enjoy the newest grand!