Pacific Sunset

Yesterday, we went down to the beach right at sunset and were blessed with some amazing beauty on the horizon.

Jordan decided to go on a run. At the very end, a dog abandoned its owners to follow him for a few yards.

Watching the Waves

Well, after fifteen hours of travel, we arrived in Neskowin, Oregon, to celebrate Christmas with my family at a beautiful house that Laura and Jamey rented for us all. The two photos below are the view from our bedroom and the living room.

Yesterday afternoon, the sun came out and since Melody had been insisting on a trip to the beach since before we arrived, it seemed like an ideal time to head down. The weather was just about as good as it ever gets in December at the Oregon coast, with only a mild breeze. Melody was excited about hunting for seashells so Uncle Jamey got right down to helping her find some.

Jordan proved that wherever he is, a party breaks out. We quickly moved from a nice little stroll on the beach to racing waves. MelodyJoy almost got caught twice and Jameson crashed and burned one time.

Quote of the Week

"Holy Cannoli!"

- MelodyJoy Muntz

Livin' on a Prayer

Last night, our small group from church got together for the annual Christmas party. Before the night was out, we were compelled to recreate last year's Rock Band extravaganza, concluding with the playing of everyone's favorite a year ago, "Livin' on a Prayer."

I don't do video games but there was peer pressure so Jeannette and I teamed up on the bass. I still failed.

Snow Angel

We got snow yesterday--eventually we had about three inches accumulation--and MelodyJoy was anxious to get outside. Unfortunately, we don't have any boots for her, so we wrapped Walmart bags around her feet instead. It actually worked quite well.

Quote of the Week

"Stop in the name of Claude!"

- MelodyJoy Muntz

Departmental Christmas Gift Exchange

Last week, the Student Development folks had a potluck lunch (Mexican, of course, since that's our VP's favorite) and a white elephant gift exchange. Here's a photo of us with our various treasures. Let the record show that I tried to get the little Christmas house music box that Matt is holding in the front row--for MelodyJoy--but he stole it from me.

Today I'm looking forward to taking my admissions staff out to First Wok ("the best Chinese food in the entire world") for our Christmas lunch and $5 gift exchange. In the spirit of the event, the gift I brought is a tie that I bought in China when we went to adopt Melody.

Here's a photo of Meaghan from Student Development and Brandon and Dylana from my office in their festive Christmas sweaters. I guess my red tie wasn't festive enough to get into the photo.

And, yes, before you ask: We do think that Brandon is having some issues related to his sexual identity. He swears the sweater's buttons are on the left because it was made by Italians, but we're not so sure.

Fazoli's Family Time

Jordan came home from Cedarville U last week. As Melody likes to say, we're a complete family again. Or at least we were until I left last night to return to Illinois! Anyway, one of MelodyJoy's favorite things is a trip to Fazoli's after church on Sunday, so that's where we ended up yesterday afternoon.

It was just a really nice time of talking and laughing and just relaxing as a family. The restaurant was almost empty by the time we wrapped up to head home.

A Conversation from Last Wednesday

On Wednesday, I picked Jameson up after school. He got into the car empty handed. Our conversation went something like this . . .

Me: Where's your backpack?

Jameson: In my locker. No homework.

Me: Where's your lunchbag?

Jameson: At home. Pizza today.

Me: Where's your good looks?

Jameson: They're right here, Dad. If you can't see any better than that, you shouldn't be driving.

Just Because the Blog's Been Quiet