Jan. 1st

The Smith Family started off our weekend with our first official geocaching trip yesterday. Geocaching is an activity in which one uses a GPS and waypoints to search for a cache-or a container of some sort with a log and perhaps items that would qualify for treasure. Learn more about geocaching at geocaching.com. We’ve been wanting a GPS for years, and finally received one as a gift this year. (Thanks Paw Paw and Granny Faye!!) It took us 3 hours to find our first cache because I put in the wrong coordinates and we wound up on a private golf course! When we finally got to the place where the cache was hidden, the kids found it within about 20 minutes. They had a blast going through the “treasure”. We wound up with a bandana, shot glass, round tuit, hand squeeze thing, little yellow rubber guy, and a few other items. We left some stuff we had brought with us too so the next group to find the cache would be blessed like we were!

Last night, we all stayed up and welcomed in the New Year. We played games, listened to Tom Sawyer (Kathryn and Austin are reading this in school,) and had sparkling grape juice, noise makers, confetti poppers and fireworks for the big moment. It was fun for us even though it was the first year in the last 7 that we spent it without the Conlogues. In fact, we even called them shortly after midnight to wish them a Happy New Year and do you believe that they were asleep??? Well….we’re just going to have to do something about that next year!!

Today, we enjoyed a leisurely day sleeping in and having Eggs Benedict for breakfast. This is a New Years’ tradition for us. Afterwards, since we had slept too late to go to church, we had a time of worship and Harry shared a teaching with us from the Bible about putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6). Then we spent the rest of the day taking down the Christmas decorations and tree and just goofing off.! We had a big supper of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, spinach and of course…black eyed peas to bring in the New Year. Tomorrow is diet day and back to healthy eating. For once, I am ready for that change. Nevertheless, it’s been a great weekend and a great year!