Phil "Fest" 2009

We had a very full day at our house today as we hosted a troop meeting to help the girls earn their cooking badges. For 2 hours we went over the Philippine culture - complete with a slide show of pics from my sister's trip to PI last year, authentic Filipiana and Barong clothing, artwork, music (Jazzapino by Charmaine Clamor) and lots of good food! The girls sampled some fried lumpia and made Chicken Adobo for the main course and Halo-Halo for dessert. They played Sungka (just like Mancala) and learned a few phrases in Tagalog. Was a very educational meeting for all (including me) and our house only smelled like lumpia and adobo for a FEW days after...

Eating Halo-Halo (which means "mix-mix" in tagalog)

New Year, Ushered In

We spent the evening at our cool neighbors' home brewing beer and playing Apples to Apples with the children. Apparently the game is supposed to take 30 minutes, but I guess when you add in a 6 year old and wine, homebrew and banana splits, the playing time can get extended (distended?). Was a very nice time staying close to home with a great family...

This time last year we prayed for a cool family to move in next door and our prayers were answered (above and beyond). Here's to a wonderful 2009! Cheers!