Christmas in October

My youngest sister and brother-in-law and their little ankle biter moved to Germany the end of October. They are missionaries to the Germany speaking people and look forward to starting a baptist church or two in the country. They made their last journey to the Midwest a few weeks prior to their departure. We could hardly stand the thought of them missing out on one of the traditional Chamberlain Christmas celebrations. So, we brought Christmas up a couple of months and celebrated with the Radanks one last time - yes, in early October. And many thanks to our wonderful aunt who obliged us with a tree and all the Christmas fixins. We dined on authentic Mexican food (a favorite quisine), whacked a pumpkin pinata (coordinating with quisine + October), and sat around a Christmas tree and opened gifts (cuz we wanted to). No stone left unturned here!
My sister and her darling husband.


A special gift for our almot 90-year-old Grandma.


I think she liked it...

It's just my size!



Just to prove we had the above mentioned pumpkin pinata...

oh, and that's my husband under the mask, btw.


And some good eats...

This was seriously THE BEST apple thingamagig I've ever had!


Cousins having a good time together.

My crazy son.

My adorable niece.

And my little me.

The last time all the cousins will be together for a few years.







This, my friends, is my darling husband!

Nana Great and my sweet nephew.



My sisters and I are preacher's kids. We grew up singing in church and in various competitions. Kelly and I spent our last day together recording a CD. Don't be fooled by the following serious-looking expressions. We were quite cozy in this tiny recording "studio" and it made for some hilarious memories we'll laugh about for years to come.



My kids are very confused this year. We had an early Christmas with my sister's family in October. Then a November Christmas with my husband's family (which, fortunate for you ;-), you'll see in a following post). And now, the "real Christmas" is just around the corner. Oh, and you'll get a nice view of those pictures, too. Can't wait, can you?

Bob & Kelly - we are SO proud of you and excited for you. Thank God for the modern conveniences we now enjoy and appreciate (web cams and Skype). I think I miss you less and spend more time with you now than I have in years! I know virtual visits aren't quite as warm and fuzzy as the real deal, but I'm so thankful that we have the opportunity to hang out on the computer. Oh...we'll see a picture of our hanging out together in a Thanksgiving post to come. Love you guys tons and tons!!! Can't wait to come for a visit.