Dalat Christmas Banquet 2015

Melynn and Darby attended Dalat's Christmas Banquet earlier in the month. 

Melynn went to her friend Kayla's house so the girls could all get ready together. 

Then they met their dates at the school before walking over to the Paradise Hotel 

where the event was taking place.

Melynn with her date Johnny (above) along with the rest of her group. 

Darby went with her friend Noah. Noah was not feeling well but attended anyway. I think he just did not want to let Darby down and I was really impressed by his sacrifice for her.

Darby and Susan

Christy, Chloe and Darby

Abbott Party, Bollywood Style!

Aaron had his Abbott Annual Dinner party recently. The theme of the party was Bollywood and everyone was supposed to dress up in traditional attire. This was a great excuse to take him into Georgetown to Little India. So many outfits to choose from but we chose this one...

Lots of people wanted to get their picture taken with the boss :) 

Photo above is with Faizura, Aaron's administrative assistant.

Sandeep is pictured above and below with Aaron. He is the operations director 

and also our upstairs neighbors.

The Nielsen Family

The Nielsen's are another American expat family (from Arizona) who have lived in Penang about 5 months longer than us. They also attend our branch here and it is great to have some other gringo's with us :)

We FINALLY had them over last Sunday after church and since I had made lots of food we also invited the elders, who then in turn invited an investigator. We also invited Ammon Christiansen, a man who we met at church that very day and who was in town for work for the week. It was great to have lots of mouths to feed and some great conversation.

On the menu wasSpaghetti with Kay's Famous Spaghetti Sauce, Vegetables, Alisha's salad with homemade dressing, Tiffany's rolls, and for dessert.... (see below)

 Aaron and I standing by his sister Karen's "Death by Chocolate Cake". 

One of my favorite recipe's!

 We explained to everyone about lighting the Advent candles like they do in Sweden. 

We missed a week so we had the boys light two.

 From left- Matthew Nielsen with his son Matthew Jr. and wife Miriam, below them is Michael, Beth and Denny. To the right of the photo are the Elders with their friend Yap. 

In front is our new friend Ammon from Oregon.

Thanksgiving 2015

For Thanksgiving this year Aaron invited two colleagues and their families. Aaron took the day off to help me cook and get everything finalized. I did lots of preparing the day before but Aaron is my turkey guy and he also makes the best mashed potatoes and gravy!

 Tiffany's famous rolls!

 

On the menu...

Turkey

Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Gravy

Homemade rolls

Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Green Beans

Strawberry Jello Salad

Cranberry Salad

Pumpkin Pie

Cheesecake

Apple Crisp

Martinelli's


The gang is all here and ready to eat!

From left to right (not including our own family) was Sarika and her two daughters Angelie and Vridi. On the far left of the photo is Colm with his wife Michelle and son Joacim. Sandeep (Sarika's husband was taking the photo).

We invited an Indian Family and an Irish/Filipino family.
How is that for our American tradition? :)

Jaxon did an impromptu Magic show.

 Our guests loved it and kept trying to figure out one of his magic tricks!

Everyone took a turn.

Here is Sandeep just laughing like crazy over this magic trick. 

His laugh is infectious!!!

We had a great night and loved eating the leftovers for several days.

Track and Field Day 2015

Dalat holds a Track and Field Day each year for the Middle School and High School students. The event is held at a local college where the kids have use of the track etc..

 I came to watch the kids and as you can see the weather started out pretty bad!

Darby is here running the 400 meter dash.

 Fortunately, the weather improved for the rest of the day.

 During the middle of the event, someone was asked to the Christmas Banquet :)

 Jaxon took 3rd place in the long jump for his age level.

 Melynn also competed in the long jump. 

Jaxon performed well in the 100 meter dash.

The kids participated in several events. 

Not pictured is Melynn taking 2nd place in the high jump.

Deepavali 2015

Deepavali, the "festival of lights", is an ancient Hindu festival.  

according to Wikipedia-

It is one of the largest and brightest festivals in India. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period.

Before Deepavali, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices. On Deepavali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow^] then a family feast including mithai(sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.

Sarika, far left, hosted this event along with her husband Sandeep. The party was held at 

The Cove clubhouse at the bottom of our building. 

Sarika and Sandeep live 2 floors above us and Sandeep also works for Abbott.

Melynn and Darby got henna tattoos. Sarika's daughter did the artwork :)

For Deepavali, the girls and women go shopping and create rangoli  

and other creative patterns on floors, near doors and walkways. 

Above is the rangoli from the party as you entered in.

enjoying the tasty indian food 

Aaron and I dancing with Sandeep and some other friends. It was a fun afternoon!

Then, we were invited to another Deepavali party that weekend. 

This time the party was hosted by our neighbors Vinita and Amit. 

They live 4 floors above us.

enjoying more traditional Indian cuisine

Saying goodbye at the door and getting a quick selfie of those of us that stayed the longest!

pictured above- Sandeep, Aaron, Amit, Vinita, Barry and Sarika.