After mixing up a big batch, it took 2.5 hours of rolling, cutting and baking. We undertook this large project in Denisa's Mother's house with its larger oven and kitchen. We should have taken another picture with Mark in it, as he rolled and cut peppernuts for the entire evening.
Another Christmas tradition is driving to see Christmas lights. Mark has also been doing lots of chauffeuring since we arrived in South Texas. He's a great driver for doctors' appointments and errands. He also doesn't mind driving after dark, so that has opened up a whole new set of activities for the 80- and 90-year-olds that won't drive in the evening. One activity that we took them on was a drive through the Christmas lights in Hidalgo. You know you are in South Texas when Santa is out surfing on the waves in December.
Known for being one of the biggest light displays in the state of Texas, it's less than thirty minutes from our park in Mission. No lights would be complete in this state without the yellow rose of Texas and those lone stars that we see all over Texas.
Most of the light displays can be seen by driving in the car, and we drove by twice just to be sure we saw them all. Others were in the park, and we had to walk to see these penguins playing on their igloo. We were wearing short sleeves and shorts this evening, so we are pretty sure this ice is fake.
Another proof that we are in a very warm climate are the palm trees next to the Christmas trees.
There were big displays for all of the twelve days of Christmas. This is a close-up of the twelve drummers drumming. If you look closely, you can see the partridge in a pear tree, and the two turtle doves in the background on the other side of that park.
The lighted nativity scene was one of our favorites.
The public parks are full of lights, and the home-owners along the route also decorate. This mansion was covered with lights! It also included larger-than-life wise men . . .
on their way to see the baby in the manger.
Mark chauffeured us to the local park, and dropped us off so we could see the end of the folklorico performance. He had to walk back a half-mile from the nearest parking place, but Denisa's Mother and Aunt Doris got front row seats for the show.
The costumes were great, and the dancers were beautiful for the grand finale!
We've also been to a Christmas cantata this week, another family tradition. We have enjoyed singing in the church choir while we are in Mission, but we got here too late for cantata practices. Denisa has enjoyed having access to a piano, and she played a piano duet with the church pianist for special music last Sunday. So the tradition of good Christmas music still continues even when we don't live in a traditional home!
On this Christmas day, we wish everyone a traditional Merry Christmas. Even though we no longer have a traditional home, we are excited about getting to spend time with our family this week! Merry Christmas!!
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