Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Love,
Cai Xing

It Was A Holly, Jolly Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Bryn was really into everything -- baking cookies, decorating, making Christmas crafts, singing Christmas carols, and unwrapping gifts. She's still singing Christmas carols and today she told me she doesn't like when it's not Christmas. She also decided "Santa is a pretty good guy" even though she'd still prefer not to sit on his lap.

My dad came to spend a few days before Christmas and we celebrated early with him, and Girard's mom and dad, sister and two nieces came after Christmas for a visit. So Bryn had days and days of Christmas and enjoyed every minute of it. We had a quiet Christmas morning with just the three of us -- as quiet as it can be with an almost-three-year-old having tons of fun with all her presents. Bryn woke up at 7 and said "Is it Christmas now, Mom?" so the day started early. Girard had to work so that was disappointing but we had Christmas dinner at my cousin's with her family and my aunt, uncle and grandma and Girard was able to get a couple of hours off to join us so we were thankful for that. Thanks, Kim, for having us!!

Santa (and everyone else) was good to Bryn this year. She loves her new camera and all her puzzles and toys and games. For weeks before Christmas she kept saying she wanted Santa to bring her a puzzle, a book and a thermos -- she's young enough to have a short list (I'm thinking this might change over the years). Her favorite presents were two new I Spy books (she loves I Spy books) which she spends hours looking at.

Mmmmm...baking, decorating and testing the Christmas cookies.

Thank you for the Christmas present, Papa!

Leaving milk and cookies for Santa.

Santa ate his snack!

Too busy opening presents to smile for the camera!

Auntie Nonie and cousins Kim and Dani entertain us

with Rock Band.

Bryn and her cousin Bree -- look out Hannah Montana,

you've got some competition!

My Christmas Star (who still doesn't like to pose for the camera).

Sharing some love with Great-Grandma.

Bryn and I avoiding the camera.

Our new in-house tech support.

Chatting with Katja.

Thank you for making me a new scarf, Nana!

Getting some painting tips from Pubba.

Auntie 'Mon, Anna and Bryn.

"I'm not tired, Mom, I'll just rest with my guys for a minute."

Rockin' Christmas

Bryn wanted to join in on the fun while her cousins entertained us with Rock Band after Christmas dinner.



I'll be posting Christmas photos soon.

Merry Christmas!

We wish you all a magical, peaceful Christmas filled with love and happiness.

Love,
Rae, Girard and Bryn

The Stockings Are Hung...

The tree is up and decorated with all of our favorite ornaments. We've visited Santa. The cards are signed and sent. My shopping is almost done except for a few last minute stocking stuffers. I still have gifts to wrap but that can wait a day or two. There is egg nog in the fridge. We're ready.

Soon Bryn will have her own "computer" and a little digital camera to call her own courtesy of her doting parents and maybe she can take over her blog. I'm sure she'd be better at regular posting than I am.

Last week Bryn and I went to see Franklin's Family Christmas show. She sang her little heart out and danced along with Franklin and put me in the Christmas spirit. With all the busyness of work and shopping I seemed to be lacking the spirit this year but watching her have such a good time sure turned that around. It's amazing how much power a small child can hold, how much joy her smile can bring. 

The last days of fall.

Fun with paints.

Cutting dad's hair.

Caia and Bryn at our adoption group Christmas supper.

The first snowman of the year using almost every flake in the backyard.

Modeling the tree skirt.