Phipps Conservatory

We went to Phipps with Aunt Sue to see the Christmas flower show.  The kids loved it and Chris was in the car yet again screaming no go home go see Christmas trees go see flowers.

 Chris liked all of the ferns.

 I love the orchid room.

 Chris had to touch everything.

 Sissy and Aunt Sue.

 Chris really liked this room.

 He was upset that he couldn't ride the horses.

The kids also loved the train room and play area.  I wish I had taken pictures in the play area.  It is set up  like a market with kid sized shopping carts.  Chris had his cart full and didn't want to put the foods back.  He could have stayed there all day.  I'll have to take him back soon to play again.  I'll make sure to get pictures next time.

Christmas

Xuelian was up at 3am after getting to sleep at midnight.  She never went back to bed.  She watched her clock until 7am when she was allowed to wake us up.  Poor Chris was out and we had to wake him since his sister was about to explode from excitement.  The first few presents were a blur for him.  He is obviously not awake in our first picture.  The kids had fun opening their presents and going through their stockings.  Chris played with his toys all day.  Mr potato head, the leap pad and thomas track have kept him really busy.

 Chris opened his first present and then zoned out.

 The beanbag chair that she has been waiting a year to get.

 Santa brought 2 lego sets.

 Chris got a leap pad ultra that he calls his Ipad.

 Sissy with new earring from Aunt Sue.

 Of course the best reaction is a blur.  Chris hugging his doctor kit.

 Sissy's fancy new boots from Aunt Sue.

Sissy with her new canopy for over her bed.  She doesn't want to leave her room now.  The canopy is her favorite color purple and it has lights and sparkles on it.  

My family came over in the afternoon and we had a great time.  Dinner was great and everyone played games and toys with the kids.  We were also happy Uncle Steve made it.  He was supposed to work but they ended up not needing him.  We missed Aunt Sue being here but she came in 2 days later.  We were able to have a really nice visit with her.  Christmas was busy but not crazy.  We had a great time together.  This really seemed like our first Christmas as a family of four.  Last year was a blur.   I was still on China time and Chris was in survival mode.  He had such a great time this year.  I am guessing he'll be like sissy next year up all night to excited to sleep.

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful but busy Christmas.  Busy with fun things and feeling under the weather.  My parents came out the weekend before Christmas so I could get wrapping done.  They helped the kids build their ginger bread house and bake chocolate chip cookies.  We were very behind with cookie baking and I didn't start until Christmas Eve day.  We only made our peanut butter tassies to go along with the chocolate chip cookies already made.  I of course only managed to get a few pictures and only of them unwrapping peanut butter cups and hershey kisses.

By the time we finished baking it was time to shower and get ready to meet my family for Christmas Eve Mass.  The mass was nice and it was nice to see people from our former parish.  We then went back to my parents for Christmas Eve dinner and presents.

 Grandma and grandpa's dog Max in his Christmas hat.

 The kids with Uncle Rich

 Chris and his best buddy grandpa

 Me and my brothers Rich and Steve

 Xuelian was happy to have new colored pencils from Uncle Rich.

 Chris checking out one of sissy's presents.

 Dad with a new hunting hat from Uncle Steve.

 Chris was so excited about his remote control Francesco from Uncle Steve.

 Grandma thrilled with her brag book.

 Hunting coat from grandpa and grandma.  My family has finally gotten Tim to go duck hunting so this Christmas was about getting him outfitted.  

I made grandpa a photo book of our trip to China and he loved it. 

We had a great Christmas Eve that no one wanted to end.  Chris was upset when we did leave.  He was in the car screaming no go home.  He wanted to stay.