Shane and Taffy's wedding

If you are a long time reader of this blog, or you have lived here you probably know who Shane and Taffy are.  Shane is a Chinese brother who Jon and Josh baptized a few years back.  Shane met Taffy while she was studying Chinese in Hangzhou.  They had a long-distance relationship for a year, and then Shane went to Tennessee to study at MTSU.  They got engaged and then got married this past September.

In December, they traveled to China to celebrate their wedding with Shane's friends and family.

The wedding feast was held at Shane's parents' house in his home town.  We traveled with some other friends to help them celebrate their wedding.

It was a huge family/neighborhood affair.    I took several pictures of the preparations for the feast.

They actually cooked several dishes on these hot coals.

It takes a lot of dishes to feed a lot of people.

That is a lot of tofu, and vegetables.


While most of the family was preparing the meal, Taffy was in "town" at a beauty shop getting her make-up and hair fixed.  Then they took some pictures.

Then the wedding party traveled by decorated car back to the house.

When they arrived at the house, they set off many firecrackers for luck.

Taffy's parents were not able to make the trip to China, so they watched much of the festivities  via Skype on Taffy's iPad.

Our family and the happy couple.  We wish Shane and Taffy many many happy years together serving God.

Christmas traditions and cookies with Jennifer

Ever since the kids were very small, we have tried to take at least one good picture of all three kids in front of the tree.  It is one of our traditions. You would think, that as the kids got older, getting good pictures would be easier, but it seems not to be much easier than when they were babies.   Several years ago we started the tradition of the kids having matching pjs for Christmas eve.  My folks find the pj's and send them to us every year.  Then I try to take pictures of the kids.  This is one of the pics that I got this year.  

Another tradition we have, is to make cookies.    This year we shared this traditions with some friends.  we made plain cookies with two boys that we tutored in English.  They loved it.  They loved making the cookies and loved eating the cookies too.

We also made cut-out cookies that we decorated with our friend Jennifer.   Jennifer was very serious but she did enjoy making cookies.  Jennifer had never made cookies before.  Most Chinese do not have ovens in their apartments so they do not make cookies or cakes at home.

On Christmas Eve, we Skyped with my folks while the kids (and parents) opened their presents.    Can you see my dad in the background?  (on the computer).

Then we set out cookies and Milk for Santa.

Then while some were sleeping, Santa filled stockings and left goodies!

We have some other Christmas traditions, but I did not have pictures of them this year.  Oh well.  what are some of your family traditions?