Christmas

Christmas was really nice.  We didn't do everything we normally do but it was what we could handle this year.  We usually go to my parents for Christmas Eve and go to mass at their church.  This year instead we were up late finishing wrapping our gifts.  We even did some shopping that day.  This never happens we are usually ready weeks before Christmas.
Tim's sister Sue came and spent Christmas with us.  We always enjoy our visits with Aunt Sue.  Xuelian had a blast sled riding and playing games with Aunt Sue as usual.  I missed out his time because I have been going to bed early with Chris.  Sue, Tim and I usually have fun catching up in the evenings.  Chris took right to Aunt Sue and had a good time as well.
Christmas morning was great.  Chris and Xuelian were excited to open presents.  He new exactly what to do with the presents since his birthday was at the beginning of the month.   I am really looking forward to next year when Chris will actually understand what is going on.  It will be fun to watch both kids experience the magic of Christmas.
                                     

 Santa left the front end loader unwrapped and Chris went right for it.

 Xuelian told Santa all she wanted was a purple 3DS.

The Bilibos have been a hit for both kids.  They were a present for Chris but both kids play with them daily.

The other thing Xuelian asked for was a tea set for her American Girl dolls.

We played for a little while and then went to church.  It was nice to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with our whole family for the first time.  Chris does well at church.  Our parish does have a long mass.   I think it is normally an hour and twenty minutes.  Chris does well for the first hour and then it gets a little tough.  He starts grabbing his coat and wants to go.   For a two year old who has only been going to mass for a month I think he is doing great.  

Normally my parents and brothers come over in the afternoon on Christmas day.  They decided to come the next day because we were having extended family over.  Unfortunately the big snow came that day.  We got about 6 inches of snow and my Aunts and Uncles were in an area that was getting mostly ice.  Hopefully we'll be able to get together next year.  Luckily my parents were only getting snow and they were able to make it.  We had a lot of fun with round 2 of presents.  We had a wonderful visit with everyone.  I however forgot to take any pictures while my family was here.  We ended the evening watching one of the Sarah Plain and Tall movies that I had surprised Xuelian with a week before.  She had read the book at school while I was in China.   I remember enjoying the movies and was able to get them for her.  We watched one each weekend for 3 weeks.  She really liked having a special family movie night.  I think we had the best holiday we could.  We didn't try to do too much and enjoyed the things we were able to do.