Feliz Navidad!

Christmas morning dawned hot and sunny in Santa Cruz!  A little different that what we experienced here in Saskatchewan.  I have to admit that I enjoyed having snow for Christmas.  It's the one thing I miss.  And it was pretty warm out (for Saskatchewan) so that was fun too.

But Christmas in Bolivia seemed fun as well.  I didn't get to enjoy it with the guys this year, but we did Skype and I went around the house with my laptop so my family could all say hi to the guys!  Technology is a good thing.  =)

Here are some of the pictures that Maribel took of the festivities....

 

Setting off fireworks at midnight!

 

 

I may have enjoyed the snow in Canada but I missed the fireworks in Bolivia.

 

 

The fireworks were followed by the traditional Christmas meal of roast pork.

 

 

Christmas morning brunch!

 

 

That was my tradition!  =)

 

 

Opening presents!

 

 

Soccer jerseys for all!  (And money to buy a pair of jeans).

 

 

Getting ready for Canadian Christmas supper.

 

 

Maribel took over this year.

 

 

I sent her a long message on how to cook a turkey along with this helpful picture...

 

 

 

 

But all too soon (for the turkeys) it was into the pans...

 

 

Looks pretty good! 

The Santa Claus on the table is a new addition.  It sings and dances...

 

 

Everyone was gracious and told me my cooking skills were missed.  =) 

Bolivians are nice people.

 

Once again a huge thank you to all of you who gave a little extra to make sure that Christmas happened for the guys!  We really appreciate it.  And a big thank you to Maribel and Andres for all their work and to the guys for stepping up and helping Maribel make it happen!  =)

 

Feliz Navidad everyone!

 

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Merry Christmas from Bolivia!

Maribel and Roberto sent me some pictures of decorating the house for Christmas.  Roberto's pictures were accompanied by the message, "We don't remember where everything goes!"  =)  He also wrote, "When are you buying pizza?" 

I usually have to bribe the guys with pizza...

But they did a good job! 

Getting everything out of storage and organized.

 

 

Putting greenery and lights up around the doors.

 

 

Yimy always finds something special to hang over his door.

 

 

When I first saw these pictures I wasn't entire sure what was happening...

 

 

Still not sure....

 

  

Ah...Bolivian ingenuity....

 

 

More greenery. 

 

Thanks Mom and Dad for all the greenery you bought us on your first trip to Bolivia...

 

 

And...more greenery and lights....

 

 

Somewhere along the way since last year our Christmas tree grew arms...

 

 

Maribel making Christmas-y things....

 

 

All done for another year...

 

 

It looks pretty Winter Wonderlandish....as much as something

can look Winter Wonderlandish when it's 40 C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone who gave a little extra this Christmas to make sure this all happened.  Maribel tells me that the presents are purchased and the guys have convinced her to cook a turkey on Christmas day in my absence.  I'm sending her notes.  =)  They're also cooking Christmas dinner for the little shoe shiner family we know.  Well...not so little since there are ten kids.

An extra special thank you to those of you who prayed for and supported us this past year!  On behalf of myself, Maribel and all the guys, we greatly appreciate it!

Merry Christmas!

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