1.23.2013

Exploring outside of Xiamen

During the time Logan and Alicia were visiting us we decided to take a day to explore outside of Xiamen. Our friend knew of a guy with a boat, we rented his boat for the day and spent the day out on the water. 


One of the boat docks in Xiamen
All of us on the boat

A large tourist boat




The tiny deserted island we traveled to. Our driver dropped us off there  for a few hours where we ate lunch and explore.



Nathan and David having fun with things they found around the island
The fishing village





People live in these little cabins during the warm months to raise fish and oysters. There are electrical wires hanging from cabin to cabin to provide electricity. 

You had to walk along the logs to get around




We got to know a family who lived there. They invited us in where we shared some tea and shared stories with us about whats its like living out there.
This is the bathroom I used... Yes, its a trap door that drops out into the ocean
David catching up with Logan. They were roommates at Taylor University.



We all decided to jump in for a little swim.





12.29.2012

Christmas Morning!



 The Hastings also are celebrating their first Christmas together! 

Yah! Got a new game for Christmas! 


Special Christmas day lunch insisted of Greek salad, hummus, and lamb of leg! 


Playing Curses! A great game to play with friends! 

Christmas in Xi'an

We decided to go back to Xi'an and celebrate Christmas with our dear friends there! It was such a trip that David and I had really been looking forward to!

We had lunch with Jessie and her new husband

Old stomping grounds
We went from being from 58' in Xiamen to -7' in Xi'an! 
Christmas Eve dinner included: meat chili, southwest chicken chili, minestrone soup, and lots of cookies!
Our activities began in the early afternoon with watching movies, dinner, singing, games, communion, and reading the Christmas story.
Was so happy to be back together with friends
It was so good for my soul to be back with these ladies catching up and talking 
Celebrating our frist Christmas together as Mr. & Mrs. Ridenour! 

Christmas Party!

We've been getting to know some friends on Sunday morning and they had a 'English Corner' Christmas Party! 

80+ people came to celebrate! There were games, singing, sharing the Christmas story, and lots of cookies! 
My very tall husband!
My friends and I! 


Happy Birthday Jesus Cake!  




Showing off Christmas cookies that they made! 



David coming in for a kiss! Tradition in their home is that all the married couples kiss under the mistletoe 

Our friends also following the tradition!