Old Bethlehem

The church down the street from us had a live Nativity on Sunday.  It was amazing.  They had bales of hay to sit on outside as we watched and listened to the Christmas story being reinacted, complete with a live camel, sheep and a donkey. 

Inside they had recreated Old Bethlehem, complete with 8+ craft stations including candle making, carpentry (where the kids made a wooden angel), medal work, pottery, weaving, stiching, and more where everyone was in costume.  They also had a food station with foods from the time period to sample, like grapes, warm bread, dates and more.  The kids loved it all.

The next night we went to Tracy's house for a family Christmas party.  Tracy was telling us about their recent trip to Bethelem and Jake piped up, "I was there last night!".    I guess it made an impression.  It was a great. hands-on experience to help make Bethlehem come alive.

Scary Santa

Luke was excited to go see Santa at the party at church this year.  Until it was time to get close to Santa that is...

Even the bribe of candy couldn't stop the tears.

Much to the crowd's entertainment, Luke was able to escape and run away.

But eventually he enjoyed his candy.

Trevor was a great Santa's helper, handing out candy to all the kids.

Jake had a serious talk with Santa.

Luke had a lot of fun with the balloon tree once Santa had left the building.

Unfortunately, Santa Claus is now known as SCARY SANTA around these parts! 

The Best Christmas Pageant EVER!!

The youth group at church put on "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" earlier this month. 

Michael got to play the part of Leroy Herdman, aka the Wise Man who brought the ham as a gift to the Baby Jesus.  It was a lot of fun working with the youth and getting this all to come together in just 3 practices was an amazing feat. 

Hayley and her friends got to make a special appearance as the little angels in the last act.  They were so cute!

Trimming the Tree

It is always fun to decorate the tree the first of December.  Jake was really into making a special section of the tree for his special ornament's.

Michael took over putting the star on the tree this year.  It's hard to believe we only have a couple of years left before he is off to college.

Luke had a lot of fun decorating (and undecorating) the tree.  He particularly like the wooden sled and boat ornament's that doubled as toys, and had a hard time leaving them on the tree the first week.

Luke loved showing everyone his tree and ornaments, and wasn't going to take no for an answer!  It's going to be a fun Christmas!!

Bowman Family Pictures



The whole family, except for Don!



Siblings with Mom and Dad

All 14 grandkids with Grandmommie and Grandpa

My sweet parents

Bob and Cynthia, Ashlynn (almost 14), Alex (12), Abby (10), Anna (7)

Hayley (9), Luke (2), Michael (15), Trevor (11), Jake (7)

Beth and Curtis, Becca (6), Sam (8)

Scott and Jenny, Isaac (3), Elijah (5 mo.), Veronica (almost 6)

Ben and LeeAnna

Thanksgiving

The Bowman Gang

 For Thanksgiving all of the Bowman side of the family came to Texas to celebrate together. Unfortunately we threw a bit of a wrench in the reunion with car problems and finding out the day before we were supposed to leave that Don needed to stay in town to work on a project over the holiday week-end. But my big brother Bob came to the rescue and drove down from Dallas at 3:30 am to get me and the kids back there in time for the family photo shoot. He is a rock star :-)

 Bob holding his nephew Elijah

We missed Don tons, but had such a great time with all my siblings, parents and cousins. It has been a few years since we were all together and we had a bit of catching up to do. First order of business was meeting this new little guy, Elijah. We all had so much fun holding Scott and Jenny's newest addition. He is such a sweet baby!

Elijah, Jean and Luke

The days went by too fast, filled with good food, visits to parks, family pictures and so much fun with each other. I love my family!!


Ben and Michael catching up



Trevor and Alex




 

Luke, Isaac and Jean at the park

  

Anna, Jake and Veronica



Abby and Hayley at Cedar Hills State Park for Hayley's school project



Pretty Becca



Crazy cousins on Grandpa



Sleepover breakfast with Grandpa

 

Trev and Michael spinning at the park

 

Our models, Ashlynn and Trevor



Uncle Ben taking Jake for a spin

Hayley, Becca, Abby

Luke

Cousins!!







Don's Birthday

In November Don celebrated another birthday.  Jake woke up extra early to make sure Don was able to open the best present ever before he left for work.  Jake thought it was a perfect gift for those "family movie nights that Dad just loves!!"

Hayley was super cute and made a fun scavenger hunt up for Don to find his present.

We celebrated with cake balls, experimenting with German Chocolate Balls, Don's favorite type of cake. It was a great day. We love ya Don/Dad!!!

Catching Up

November was filled with with so many fun things, here are just a few of the going on's around here....

Jake made a floating replicia Mayflower ship for school, complete with popsicle stick pilgrims.

We had fun filling up our Gratitude Tree.

Speaking of the being grateful for things, Michael was able to add a big on November 18th - his Driving Learners Permit! 

When Michael isn't busy driving, playing ball, or doing homework, he can occasionally be found playing the piano.  This is a little jazz tune he played at his recital at school in November.  He did a great job!