The Strigel Farm

December 2nd-10th-We were fortunate to spend a week with our dear friend's the Strigels who moved from Colorado Springs to South Hill, Va a few years ago.  They have a beautiful farm and Miss Jim B and crew were very comfortable in their front yard.  We all loved playing, talking, eating, laughing, celebrating Advent, walking, going to church, riding bikes and jumping on the trampeline.  We even squeezed in some sight seeing days.  It was fun too meeting Sheila's family and seeing where she grew up.  It was hard to say goodbye today knowing it will probably be a long time until we meet again.  How thankful we are that we had this wonderful time of connection.

My dear,friend. What a joy to be able to talk and talk.  Here we are on one of our walks.  Notice the beautiful land and gorgeous lighting.  Will always remember this great afternoon sun when we greeted Helen and Anna when they got off the school bus that first day.

Our precious girls gathering Advent wreath greens

Our dear boys racing, racing and more racing!

Enjoying Saturday morning pumpkin pancakes in Miss Jim B.  Miss Jim B was also host to a candelite popcorn party and numerous sleepovers.  Sondra's Secret Santa (Judy) decorated Miss Jim B with a surprise Christmas tree.

Togetherness

A highlight was the mud hole.  It was good clean fun for the first few days until the shoes came off and the mud started flinging.  The tramp is behind them.Janaeand Stefan were thrilled that Mark Strigel taught them to flip.

This picture was taken after we visited the Presbyterian Church this morning.  It was a small congregation with virtually no children but we all agreed it was the friendliest church we have ever attended.  Everyone was so genuinely nice and welcoming.  All five children you see here sat next to each other in church and were so well behaved.  They were so cute and of course everyone in this delightful congregation ood and awed over them.

We got to celebrate two Advent candles on our visit.  What a joy to sing and fellowship together.  We all drew names after lighting the joy candle and were each others Secret Santas for the week.