December 2014, Part Two

I'm still learning how to do this blog and figure there has to be a way to put it together easier, but I just haven't had the chance to research it.  For now, I'm sticking to the basics and it may just look a little boring.  Hey - maybe that should be my New Year's Resolution?!

Continuing on with our Christmas activities.... 19 December Kris and I began a new Catworth tradition of a Progressive Round Robin.  We had 10 houses join this year and each house provided a grown-up drink, non-alcoholic option and snack.  There was a lot of Christmas cheer and laughter and I think all involved would agree it was a fun tradition to continue in future years, even without our attendance.

On Sunday 21 December we had potluck and tree decorating at church.  Thinking we were home to relax, we then had a visitor.

Following Santa's surprise visit, we sang Christmas carols just down the street with about 45 other people in the village.  It was a great way to spread Christmas cheer!  Continuing on with the celebrations we welcomed two special guests to our home the next day. 

Chris & Sharry Swart flew into London and then we met them in Oxford for a fun day out.

An attempt for a family shot in the Quad of University of Oxford by the Bodliean Library

Burghley House, Stamford, England. 

Guessing on the acreage, but I think it was something like 1000 acres.  It was an amazing house that we will definitely be returning to when it opens for touring in the Spring.  Just walking around the grounds was awesome!

Yep, we're home!  Come on in.... just kidding.  Can you imagine?

As you do in England, to warm up after a windy walking excursion around Burghley, we stopped at the Ships Inn Pub in Oundle for a pint.

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve.  Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge.  This is the back of Kings College.

Alex, our tour guide.  Sharry & Chris, Pearl and Kris.

Me and the boys.  Rosie was across from us.  Not sure how she escaped a photo...

At the North Pole on Parker's Piece in Cambridge.  While we enjoyed some mulled wine, the kids played.  Can you find Logan?

How about Rosie?

Cute picture of our guests.

Pearl loved this ride!

Mr. Handsome!

Kris was the only one dressed nice as we ran late with dinner and ended up going "casual" to Christmas Eve service.  Oh well - it was still a beautiful candlelit service with readings and carols.

Dinner at Prezzo Restaurant.

Resurrection Lutheran Church 24 December 2014