Advent 2013 Day 24 & 25

Day 24 -

• Bible Story: The Light of the Whole World & The King of all Kings

• Activity: Christmas Eve Service

Day 24 was a low key day and we took it easy with the activities on the eve of Christmas. Henry opened the last Lego panel and finished putting together Santa Jango Fett and then spent some time playing with his Christmas Star Wars Lego set now that it was complete. In the evening, we attended Christmas eve service at PBCC to sing Christmas carols and watch both a traditional and a modern reenactment of the birth narrative. Henry got a kick out of the children performing in the play and sang along to Noel, the only song he recognized from the carols. The Jesus story for the day was "The Light of the Whole World," a story of Christ's birth as shared with the shepherds and "The Kind of All Kings," the journey of the three wise men to give praise to the birth of the King.

Day 25 -

• Activity: Sharing presents with family

Christmas day is here! We wake up excited and ready dive into the mountain of presents underneath the tree. We open some at home and marvel and delight at our friends and families generosity and thoughtfulness. Henry gets a big surprise outside when he discovers his very own electric car hidden outside in the side yard. He'd been saving his dojo points for a while but couldn't get enough. But because he spent a lot of his own "money" to buy things for kids in need, Mama and Dada Claus decided to gift him with the car he wanted afterall. After breakfast, we head over to Aidan's house to see Uncle Juan, Auntie Veronica, Gung Gung and Pau Pau. We gather to open gifts, hang out and cook a delicious Tan holiday treat: Amoy pancakes (and some dumplings as appetizers and egg custards for dessert). It's a relaxing day of just enjoying one another's company and the togetherness it brings as we share the day as family. Aidan and Henry have lots of silly fun with their new toys and each other.

MORE Pictures and video clips form Day 24 & 25
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Advent 2013 Day 22 & 23

Day 22 -

• Bible Story: He's here!

• Activity: Holiday Lights at Gilroy Gardens

For the Sunday before Christmas (Day 22), Henry woke and opened up his advent mitten to find that the activity for the day was to go see the Holiday Lights at Gilroy Gardens. Last year when we went, it was raining so we spent most of the time huddled under umbrellas trying to stay dry. This year, the weather looked fantastic and Henry was very excited to see the lights and go on some rides. After Sunday school and church time, followed by some lunch, we wrapped a few Christmas gifts and then headed down to Gilroy in the evening. It was chilly but not too cold and the various lighted displays around the park were amazing. From giant candy canes at candy cane lane by the park entrance, to the dancing musical lights at Bonfante falls, to the huge lighted billboards of cupcakes and gingerbread men near the arboretum, the lights definitely did not disappoint. We even caught the showing of the Charlie Brown Christmas play. We had some time riding the lighted train, playing at the Oak Park playground at night and topped off the evening with a ride on the panoramic wheel. The Jesus story for the day was "He's here!" but because we were so exhausted from the day's fun, we didn't get a chance to read it. The Lego activity for the day was to build Boba Fett (as a kid). Henry's Q&A question was "What did the wise men follow?" Answer: "The star!"

Day 23 -

• Activity: Letter and care package for our troops

Day 23 was a relaxing day for us as we needed some extra rest from last night's fun. For today's advent activity, we were going to write a letter and send a care package to our troops (Uncle Geoff!). Because of the limitations of sending food, we weren't able to send Henry's favorite food (choccolate) to Uncle Geoff but we did head over to Mitsuwa to buy a variety of different Japanese snacks to send to him instead. Henry wrote the letter with Mama's help and we packed up all the food to send. Day 23 was also gymnastics day and both Mama and Dada, along with Auntie Veronica and Uncle Juan, were able to see both Henry and Aidan tumble and roll. Henry also spent some dojo points to open up his December Kiwi Crate and made the first craft (a pair of polar bear mittens, ears and a snowball to play catch). The Lego advent activity for the day was a jetpack-powered sleigh.

MORE Pictures and video clips form Day 22 & 23
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Advent 2013 Day 20 & 21

Day 20 -

• Bible Story: God's messenger

• Activity: Dance Studio Potluck

Day 20 was the last day of school for everybody but Henry started off his day building the Lego advent activity, Obi-wan's Jedi Starfighter. He then stayed in his jammies to head to school for PJ day and to snack on popcorn and watch some Veggie Tales movies. The advent activity for the day was to head over to Nick's Dance Studio for their annual Christmas potluck. Henry got to see some friends we hadn't seen in a while and we got a chance to catch up with our friends there. We didn't stay long enough to dance but we did have some delicious food and listened to some festive Christmas music. The Jesus story for the day was "God's messenger," a story about Jonah. Henry's Q&A question for the day was "Why did Jesus come to us and die?" Answer: "He came to forgive our sins!"

Day 21 -

• Bible Story: Get ready!

• Activity: Charles Schulz Museum and Ice Skating

The third Saturday before advent and the beginning of vacation for all of us. We took the opportunity to drive all the way to Santa Rosa for today's advent activity, Ice skating at the Snoopy Home Ice. We drove up with the Gerards and all the kids were very excited to go. This is the second time we've been here with Henry skating (3rd time skating overall) and it was another chance for Henry to brush up on his ice skating skills. Henry was more comfortable getting started but seemed more hesitant on the ice. He loved getting rides on the chair with Dada and doing the hokey pokey around the Christmas tree in the middle. Afterwards, we had lunch at the Warm Puppy Cafe and then explored the Charles Schultz Museum labyrinth and the gift shop. Afterwards, we went to visit Auntie Sim's parents store in Santa Rosa where the kids got to play hide and seek among the racks of clothes and creatively play soccer with some pomelos. The Jesus story for the day was "Get ready!" Henry's Q&A question was "How should we get ready for Christmas?" Answer: "We can read Jesus stories."

MORE Pictures and video clips form Day 20 & 21
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Advent 2013 Day 18 & 19

Day 18 -

• Bible Story: Operation "No More Tears!"

• Activity: Christmas Pajama Party/ Christmas Music & Dance Party

Day 18 is one of the yearly traditions that Henry's just absolutely loves, Christmas Pajama Party/ Christmas Music and Dance Party! Henry's Lego advent activity was to build a Scout Trooper and add to his Lego star wars figurine collection. Mama bought Henry a new pair of warm fleece PJs with a snowman on them. Henry loved it and not only wanted to wear them for the pajama party but for PJ day at school the next day as well. As our friends and family dropped by in their PJs, we stuffed Evan, Jensen and Henry into the same box Henry played in yesterday for fun. Uncle Eddie, Auntie Andreana and Pierce dropped by as did Auntie Veronica, Uncle Juan and Aidan so we had a full house. At one point, we looked around and realized that all the kids (Henry, Evan, Jensen, Pierce) were boys. No girls as far as the eye could see. We ordered pizzas from Premier Pizza and made salad from ingredients from Safeway. Auntie Marilyn baked some jam cookies to share and Henry reminded Dada to turn up the Christmas music. After some impromptu gifts from Auntie Marilyn, Uncle Andrew and Evan, the kids and Dada had a wrapping paper fight before calling it a night. The Jesus story for today was, "Operation 'No More Tears!'" Henry's Q&A question for the day was, "How else can we celebrate Christmas?" Answer: "We can talk about Jesus!"

Day 19 -

• Bible Story: Daniel and the scary sleepover

• Activity: New App - Virgin Birth (& Christmas Songs @ Preschool)

Day 19 was a very special day. It was Henry's Christmas program at preschool and he'd been practicing for weeks for today. Mama took the day off as did Dada and we joined Henry at preschool to hear him sing joyous carols for all the parents to hear. Henry did a fantastic job following the hand motions and singing along. He seemed a bit nervous in front of the crowd and tried really hard to do it right. Mama and Dada are so proud of our little guy! Afterwards, we joined him for a potluck lunch with tons of food, pastas, veggies and fruit along with a cookie or two for dessert. It was a great school event for the whole family. The rest of the day was a bit business as we took Henry for his yearly dental exam and his 5 year checkup and vaccinations. Henry did a fabulous job in both appointments and received many compliments and praises from Dr. Goel for doing such a good job following directions and not complaining. He continued to do well answering Dr. Look's questions at his yearly checkup but balked a bit at the vaccinations (as can be expected when you get poked with needles). A chocolate peanut butter cupcake from Kara's cupcake helped ease the pain. But before we forget, the advent activity for the day was a new iPad app called "Virgin Birth." The Jesus story for tonight was, "Daniel and the scary sleepover." Herny's Q&A question was, "Who will be a good rescuer that will come on Christmas?" Answer: "It will be Jesus!"

MORE Pictures and video clips form Day 18 & 19
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Advent 2013 Day 16 & 17

Day 16 -

• Bible Story: The good shepherd

• Activity: Make Christmas treats and gifts for teachers

Day 16 in our advent season and we're looking to make some nice Christmas gifts for Henry's teachers. Henry ran out of time for his Lego advent activity and actually finished it the following day, a different weapons rack for his Lego characters. The craft project for his teachers was a cool hot chocolate pop. It involved melting chocolate, dipping a marshmallow with a wooden craft stick, and immersing the marshmallow in the chocolate. A few minutes in the fridge and voila, a frozen treat is made. All a person would have to do to taste this treat is dip the pop in some warmed milk, stir and then. Henry was excited to make this for his teachers because he loves hot chocolate and kept wanting to make sure he would have a sample at the end. The Jesus story for today was "The good shepherd." Henry's Christmas Q&A question was, "Did only the shepherds come to see Jesus?" Answer: "No! The shepherds and the wise men came to see Jesus."

Day 17 -

• Bible Story: A little servant girl and the proud general

• Activity: Christmas board games and puzzle night

On Day 17, Henry awoke to discover that tonight was Christmas games and puzzle night! It would be especially fun with Auntie Aifen coming by to play with Henry while Mama and Dada head to a fellowship group meeting. Henry's Lego activity for the day is Padme's Naboo Star Skiff. We started off the evening playing one of Henry's favorite Christmas board games, "A Charlie Brown Christmas Game." Henry won which made it that much more enjoyable. :P Then Henry and Auntie Aifen worked on a Christmas ornament 3D puzzle together. And when one of our amazon orders came inside a huge box, Henry decided to be silly and play inside there as well. The Jesus story today is "A little servant girl and the proud general." For the Christmas Q&A, Henry wrote the question, "Who is the better healer, Elijah or Jesus?" Answer:, "Jesus! Elijah can heal the outside. Jesus can heal both outside and inside!"

MORE Pictures and video clips form Day 16 & 17
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Advent 2013 Day 14 & 15

Day 14 -

• Bible Story: The teeny, weeny ... true king

• Activity: Canned food drive at local supermarket

Day 14 is 2nd Saturday of advent and we kick it off with another activity to help others. This time, it's collecting/ buying canned food for those in need. After some morning time working on the Lego advent activity, a Genosian Fighter, Henry and Mama make a list of different canned goods they can pick up at the store. We then spent the day relaxing at home to give ourselves a breather from the week before heading out to pick up the canned goods from Safeway. Henry is such a great helper and he's been fantastic about sharing what we have with those that do not. Today's Jesus story is "The teeny, weeny .. true king," The Christmas Q&A question is, "How can we show God's love?" Answer: "We can give out food to people who don't have food!"

Day 15 -

• Bible Story: The young hero and the horrible giant

• Activity: Christmas in the Park

Day 15 is one that Henry's been hoping for and looking forward to, Christmas in the Park.  Unfortunately, this year we couldn't sync up with the Gerards but Henry was still excited to go and ride the Happy Swing. After finishing he Lego advent activity, a Genosian Pilot. We spent most of the day doing other Christmas preparations before heading out to downtown San Jose in the evening. The first thing we did was find the class tree that we decorated a few weeks before with Auntie Ai-fen, Auntie Shantel, Aunti Gayle and Jeremiah. Then we strolled to see all the different trees before Henry chose to use his ride token on the Happy Swing. And he loved every minute of it! In the Jesus story, Henry read "The young hero and the horrible giant." The Christmas Q&A question is, "Where was baby Jesus born, a inn or a stable?" The answer: "A stable. He laid in a manger full of hay!"

MORE Pictures and video clips form Day 14 & 15
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