The Simple Scents of Life

Monday morning saw us meeting up with friends in Bloomington. Here we left our cars and all piled into a fifteen passenger van ready to head up to the Rockford area. 'Twas indeed a pleasant, albeit loud, ride up. There was music from the Scarlet Pimpernel, Christmas music, and something else that slips my mind, playing in the background; and there was a whole lot of excited chatter filling the air and as we eagerly waited for our van to arrive at it's destination.

Due to weather conditions and traffic, we arrived a little later than planned and rushed inside to change as quickly as possible. Then we climbed back into the van and rushed over to the train station. We clambered onto the train and walked through, oh eight to ten cars until we made it to the last car where we were finally able to relax for an hour and a half whilst we made our way to the Windy City...yes, Chicago was our destination!

This year, we were finally able to make it to the Do-It-Yourself Messiah at the Civic Opera House! We were so thrilled to be able to make it this year and are so grateful to the Erbers for opening up their home to us that night, and very deeply thankful to our deacon's wife, who was our Mother-Hen for the trip, and our wonderful driver! Now, here are a few (okay, so there are about 32 photos...too many?) pictures which might give you a peek into our trip...

The excited back-seaters on our trip up to the Northern parts.

Among some rather unhealthy snacks for lunch, we also had fresh fruit. :)

Window art...artist unknown...

Mel and Meli (a.k.a. Melissa and Melinda) waiting in the train station. We were so thankful for the heat lamps above us!

We crammed as many people as we could into the metal covering...all trying to stay warm. :)

My darling, sweet, good, warm, squishy, cute, adorable, fun nephew! I could go on... ;)

The gentlemen in our group: My brother, Caleb, Peter, and Ashton took their seats on the second story.

Just look outside!! Looks like a scene from White Christmas.

Melissa and Anna (Thanks for taking the picture, Daniel!).

Caleb wondering when and what we're going to eat. :)

Our car was filled with people in our party. I think there were 70+ people. Trying to stay together through the train station and Chicago proved to be quite humorous.

Jonathan E. sat with members of our Providence group.

Yes, Anna slept on the train...

Rushing through busy, windy Chicago...

Cars.

Ahhh...we finally reached our destination, all together, in one piece, and quite pleased that we accomplished such a task. :)

A picture?

Awww...that's much better!

Some of the mob outside the Opera House. We sang Christmas carols for a while until we ran out of them...

*sigh* What a beautiful sight!

Yes, I know this one is dark...but isn't he just so cute?!?

Caleb and his (er, rather, William's) pal, Peter. :)

The R&B Sisters at the top of the opera house....

Oh...did that make it on here... :)

Hey...the guys in our party are down there...you see them? It's kind of like finding Waldo...his name is Waldo, isn't it?

The conductor. Before the music began, we started to wonder if he was a comedian, or a conductor...

Sitting in the soprano section, even though some of us really don't sing soprano...

Watching more cars on the run back to the train station.

Back on the train!

The Providence Party the next morning...don't we look tired...

The Providence Party with the Erber children...thanks so much for letting us invade your home!

On the drive home there were phone calls to be made to ensure family members of our safety, location, and ETA. We are so grateful to Mrs. Sanford for putting up with us and driving us! It was an unforgettable two days and we love you!

We arrived safe and sound back in Bloomington where our "bus" dropped us off. Half of the group from our house went on home and the other half went grocery shopping (and coffee hunting) and then made our way back home, trying to get there in time to prepare for the candlelight service that evening.

After narrowly escaping a bad accident, the Lord saw fit to deliver us safely home where we found out the service was being canceled due to the icy road conditions...having just driven through it, I wasn't surprised. Poor Ashton was not able to make it home, so he camped out here for the night, which also gave him the opportunity to join us for family worship and to play Guesstures with our family! Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of that, so I'll sign off.

May you all have a joyous Christmas this year as we celebrate not only the birth of our Savior, but His life, His sacrifice, and His unwavering love for His people! Merry Christmas!