This one is for extended family, some of whom don't do FB. Christmas 2015 at Aunt Betty and Uncle Dave's. Allen and Laura came over later for another round of presents and Lasagna for dinner! 

My sister Betty's Christmas trees – four of them, and another on the right.

They liked their presents from Grandpa!

James wanted a Tilly Hat

Chocolate break

Betty, Dave, the grands and the dogs

Betty wanted an updated picture of her with Charis; one of them got older (the other one grew up!

Nathan got two remote control cars

Lydia and Kristen got to play with it.

Nathan with dogs in chase

Sadie in hot pursuit!

At the very end of the day Nathan was lying on the floor next to me watching TV. He looked over and said, "Grandpa, I don't want this Christmas Day to end." Yup, we had a good day.

I had the chance to go out to an old farmstead this morning at sunrise for some Americana shots. There are so many different ways to treat these old buildings and implements.

Old Queen Anne's Lace on front fence row

Love My Nik filters

Coming Sunrise

Old Grease Gun

Back in the neighborhood.

It was a cold adventure but worth the time afield.

I have wanted to write something about the river baptism we had at Eaton Rapids in August. While not a first for me, it was the first of this type. It really was incredible. A shooting buddy, Steve Warner, just passed on some images he took of the event.

We began with a service in the old tabernacle. This building dates to the early 1900's.

I got to preach a gospel message with an explanation of what we would be doing at the river. Then we all walked down to the riverside for the baptism

Praying with the new believers.

Two of our elders helped guide candidates out — the bottom was rocky!

  

At the end, we opened the invitation for anyone who would like to follow Christ and be baptized to come forward. This young lad was the first of two who came. His parents were crying with joy!

Closing prayer.

 It was an unforgettable, joyous experience and a marvelous tradition for the church!

I went up to the Art Prize in Grand Rapids this morning. These are just a small sample of the art on display. It is the artists' work that should be emphasized. Taking pictures of someone else's art is almost like visual plagiarism.

Amos 5:24-25. Impressive piece.

Four Seasons Tree. This is the winter side

From a larger work "American Hero." Visitors were provided black sharpies to sign their name or add a thought. 

Beating swords into plowshares

Representing Detroit automakers

GR skyline!

Desecration of Adam - from Beauty to Tragedy

Some amazing woodcarvers submitted works

This is a detail from a much larger work: 8.5' x 12'. "American Icons" In the style of early 19th Century works.

I ate lunch at "The Bob." This was the decorative wainscoting.

This Dahlia was probably 6' wide.

reflections

Street performers

de ja vu all over again: can you say Hippie?

Detail of a welded globe

This oblisk was amazing!

Hollywood Wax - in crayons

These next are done by wood burning. Really wonderful work

Another interactive piece. Detail of a large piggy bank on which visitors were encouraged to add their colored handprint.

Always fun to kick around the Art Prize. I didn't see half the works but I was was running out of gas. A great venue if you have the chance to visit.