Bushwar 2015 Year in Review

The Bushwar Family Year in Review--2015

Tick-tock goes the clock as we say goodbye to 2015.  And speaking of clocks, Jon is having a fantastic school year teaching Art at MacArthur High School, the very same campus that brought the world the infamous “Clock Boy” incident this September.  Susan is keeping a lower profile teaching homebound special education in Irving.   

Cruisegiving—The Bushwars ditched the traditional football and turkey this Thanksgiving for a sunny beach in Cozumel as they enjoyed a 7-day Caribbean cruise with Susan’s family.  Belize and Honduras were the other ports of call.

SOUTH AFRICA SAFARRI...Jon and Liam experienced the wonders of trailing lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, zebra, and buffalo on game drives in Kruger Park; the beauty of the Cape of Good Hope; and so many more once-in-a-lifetime moments as Susan’s dad headed-up a guys-only trip to South Africa in July.

Milestone:  August 24  Preparing to Launch  Marin and Ellery started kindergarten, so that means all three little Bushwars are officially elementary students. They go to Sloan School, a private Christian school here in Irving.

Liam, a 2nd grader, still loves all things athletic, Star Wars, and video games.  He plays baseball and basketball and began piano lessons this fall.  He is also sporting a new pair of glasses.

Marin, a little comedian and a big helper, is keeping the Tooth Fairy busy this year.  She is excited to be in Upward cheerleading and a Daisy Girl Scout.  Cookies, anyone?

Ellery enjoys coloring, reading, dancing, and taking care of her stuffed animals.  She loves to sing in choir at church.  She's also a Daisy Scout and a cheerleader.

Noteworthy: Defying the odds for almost two years, Liam’s longsuffering betta fish, Vill, is still swimming strong. 

May the love of Jesus surround you and your family this joyous Christmas season.

Jon, Susan, Liam, Marin, and Ellery

P.S.  Anyone looking for Jon and Liam on December 17, will have to join the line of moviegoers dressed in Star Wars attire at the Grapevine AMC as they enter a galaxy far, far away.  Apparently, this is a big deal.

Snow Storm!

Well, we were planning on returning to Texas on Sunday, but the snow storm had other plans.  And we couldn't be happier.  So, instead driving in a car all day, these kids spent the entire afternoon frolicking in the snow, and loving every minute of it!

Holly, Jolly Christmasing

It was fabulous, white Christmas in Minnesota.  

We went to church on Christmas Eve at First  Baptist in Faribault.  Then we had dinner at Timberlodge Steak House and went back to my parents' house to open gifts.  Growing up, we always went to my Grandma Moline's house on Christmas Eve to have snacks and open gifts, and we went to my other Grandparents' house (Dad's parents) and did the same thing on Christmas morning..That is after we were finished rummaging through the gifts that Santa left at our house.  

Before bed, the kiddos decorated their cookies for Santa...

Looks like Santa found them in Minnesota!

The party was at my parents' house on Christmas day.  Look at all those yummy treats!

And, it wouldn't be Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's without the Yule Log.  It was absolutely delicious.

  And these two had some pretty big news to share...Baby Girl Martin is due in early July.  We can't wait to meet her, and we love her so much already!  Patrick and Jamie are going to be amazingly wonderful parents!

Merry Little Christmas

Christmas Moments

Our halls are decked...thanks to the help of these three little elves.

Packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Children's Christmas concert at church.

Carols and Candlelight at church.  Liam's choir joined the adult choir for a few songs.

An early Bushwar Christmas celebration since we'll be in Minnesota this year.