Riaan's Ninth Birthday...

Our eldest child turned nine on Saturday, 7th December. He made out a detailed schedule on how he wanted to spend his day, and we were able to largely accomplish everything on the list. He started the day with pancakes and presents, followed by a trip to Home Depot for their children's craft project. 

We came home to watch his choice of a movie, Ice Age 5, and were then out again for a family walk at Fair Lane Estate. From there we visited a local coffee shop for birthday hot chocolate, before returning home for the traditional Hobbit's Breakfast for supper.

The day was concluded with a trip to watch the Detroit Lutheran Singers perform their Christmas concert series. It was a fantastic evening to wrap up a pretty long, fun day. You can see how much Riaan has changed since last year by clicking here. 

Traditional birthday biscuits from Grandma.

The joy of presents.

Building his Lego Technic snow plough.

Home Depot craft project. 

They built a rectangular snow globe.

Our three precious children at Fair Lane Estate.

Exploring the woods.

So proud of this growing boy.

Hobbit's Breakfast for supper. Yum!

Snowy Bonfire...

The children love bonfires and snow, and so we decided to pair those two things together this past weekend. There wasn't much snow, just a smattering clinging on in the shadows. We made a lovely bonfire in the negative 2 degrees Celcius (28 deg F) and ate our supper around the fire. It made for a fun night, and the first time we've had a winter bonfire here in Michigan. :)

Family selfie as we eat supper.

The fire burned brightly in the cold night air.

Thanksgiving 2024...

This year, Candace's parents, sister, and our niece drove up from Indiana to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with us. Our children were so excited to see their grandparents, aunt, and cousin again after several months.  

We spent lots of time indoors playing games and catching up, as it was a bitterly cold weekend with snow showers. Candace's dad even put up a handrail down into the basement for us. We also managed several excursions out into the area. 

We took the children to do the Home Depot children's project, we went to downtown Detroit to see Canada across the river, and we drove through the Wayne County Lightfest - the annual Christmas light display along Hines Drive.

But all too soon the weekend was over and we were saying sad farewells, at least till next time. Thanks for visiting, Miller family!

Home Depot project fun.

Anya painting her picture frame.

Snuggles on the couch with grandpa.

A captive audience as we worked on installing the handrail.

Family photo on the couch. :)

Anya's Fourth Birthday

Our youngest daughter, Anya Joy, celebrated her fourth birthday last Wednesday, 27th November! We started the day with an early morning trip to the Awake Cafe in Midtown, Detroit, where we enjoyed a lovely breakfast and hot drinks. 

She opened her presents later in the morning, complete with tea and cake. Her grandparents in both Cape Town and Indiana called to wish her a happy birthday, and she enjoyed talking to them all. She also had the privilege of choosing her birthday supper, and all the sweet girl wanted was to have eggs in an egg cup with toast. :) Anya has grown so much since last year, and we are blessed by her sweet, encouraging spirit.

Admiring her birthday balloon. :)

Awake Cafe for a birthday breakfast.

Time for presents...

... And birthday biscuits!

Building her Lego set, with a little help from her siblings.

A girl of simple tastes, is this one. :)

Lego Creations...

Here are a couple of Riaan's latest Lego creations. The Beefeater (or Yeoman of the Guard) is awesome, and "The Boy on the Toilet" is amazing! :) We love seeing his creativity and talent as he is constantly building with Lego, as well as other materials, and sketching in his journal. We're thankful for our children!

"Riaan's Famous Art: The boy on the toilet." So says the sign that Riaan put next to his Lego creation. :)

South Africa Prayer Evening...

Every now and then we gather together with church friends for Bible Study over a meal. The theme lately has been to focus on one country each night, with a traditional meal and then a time of prayer for that particular nation. Last week, we focused on South Africa. I shared a brief history about the country, along with several prayer requests. We also enjoyed a delicious potjiekos (literal translation: "little pot food") meal for supper.

Potjiekos is made up of meat and veggies layered together and usually cooked in the "potjie" over coals.

ESL Thanksgiving...

Our church hosted the annual ESL Thanksgiving dinner the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It was a special time to eat a meal with the students. The church provided turkey, but the students brought dishes to share from their own nations. What was particularly encouraging was when students shared things for which they were thankful. So many Muslim students told us that they are most thankful for the ESL ministry at the church - and the friendships that they have built with teachers and church members. :) It was a lovely afternoon!

So much food from so many different cultures!

Childlike Joy...

 A really light dusting of snow brought such joy to these two children. I pray that we may discover such joy in our daily lives!

Lavender Skies...

A recent sunset brought out a beautiful shade of purple in the low-hanging clouds. :)

Greenfield Village on Remembrance Sunday...

We joined some friends in visiting historic Greenfield Village on Remembrance Sunday. Henry Ford created Greenfield Village in Dearborn in 1929 as a way to preserve history in an American village. He relocated historic buildings from all over America - and even as far afield as the UK! 

We strolled around the village for several hours, but you would need days to see everything at this amazing place!

Anya and I ride the historic carousel, dating from 1913.

It was so much fun for children and adults!

I visited the Detroit, Toledo and Milwaukee roundhouse, a replica of an 1884 roundhouse. It was packed full of old locomotives.

The railway turntable in front of the roundhouse.

Glassblowing to create goblets.

Inside the Weaving Shop, originally built in Georgia in 1840.

The 1830 Loranger Gristmill from Monroe, Michigan.

The large barn at the farming exhibition.

Beautiful merino sheep.

Shorthorn cattle.

Feeding time for the pigs.

The old farmhouse.

The Port Huron steam engine, similar to what Candace's grandpa used to own.

Brick-built hermitage slave quarters from Savannah, Georgia, 1820.

Ackley Covered Bridge, built in 1832 in West Finley, Pennsylvania. 

Sir John Bennett Jewellery Shop, from London, England.

Wright Cycle Shop, where the Wright brothers worked on the first aeroplane. This was originally located in Dayton, Ohio.

Beautiful skies in the early evening.

Eliza and Riaan wish you a Merry Christmas!