We began Christmas Eve early with two batches of cookies. Oatmeal raisin chocolate chip and pumpkin spice.
After the baking we got dressed and went to the movies. We saw Yogi Bear (silly!).
After our return home there was some pretend napping going on. The "napping" was near the Christmas tree so that the "nappers" could snoop through the gifts.
Aunt Diane and Uncle Ted sent us another gingerbread house this year. Actually this year it was a ski lodge.
This is the before shot.
After sharing the lodge with our church friends at the Christmas Eve program...
this is the after shot. I can not watch the chaos but I know the kids have a wonderful time dismantling the house each year.
Then it was back home to get ready for Santa.
We left Santa's goodies on the Fred Plate this year. The goodies included carrot hair, cookie ears and a chocolate covered raisins beard.
Lin-Ley also left Santa a note of reminders. We tried to tell her it was too late to make any changes but she insisted.
Just for the record Mommy wanted a jet booster for our well so that we would have better water pressure.
Posing for a few more photos before bed. (And snooping once more through the presents from Mommy and Daddy, the grandparents and aunts, uncles and cousins.)
Jacob made his final appearance for the year. As soon as the kids went to bed Jacob made his way back to the North Pole to report to Santa.
Santa delivered his gifts. As usual, in our family, Santa delivers only three gifts to each of the kids. Lin-Ley requested Furr Real friends and cowgirl boots. Santa threw in a rainbow maker as well.
Although there are many other gifts under the tree, Santa's gifts (even though he only leaves three) always make the biggest impact.
Tru did not have any requests this year other than a video game. Santa brought him a marble maze, Light Bright and of course a Leapster video game.
Note To Santa:
Dear Santa,
When the box says assembly required please investigate further. Your helpers did not appreciate finding out (at 10PM on Christmas Eve) that the marble maze instructions (located inside the box) stated that the assembly may take 4 -6 hours!
Love,
Mommy
Christmas morning began around 7AM and the kids were thrilled. Even Five-O enjoyed opening her gifts.
Tru loved his video game.
The marble maze (which took a record 2.5 hours to assemble) was a huge hit!
Today, at church, Lin-Ley and all of the 1st-7th grade children sang during the Adult Worship Service.
Lin-Ley is in the second row, center with a red top.
Mercy and Lin-Ley at rehearsal.
Because Dallas has to work on Sundays I taped their performance:
Always ready for a photo opportunity.
Our little Christmas Angel.
A FEW MORE CHRISTMAS PHOTOS FROM DISNEY WORLD:
Christmas Weekend Quotes:
* Christmas Eve -
Tru: "Do you hear that sound?"
Dallas, Jody and Lin-Ley: "No."
Tru: "Do you hear it now?"
Dallas, Jody and Lin-Ley: "No."
Tru: "Oh. It must be God calling me."
*Christmas Morning -
Tru opens a gift (a game) from Mommy and Daddy, looks at Mommy and says, "Oh, I never wanted this game. You can have it back."
*Bathtime Revelation -
Lin-Ley: "Mom, I decided what I am going to do when I get into college!"
Jody (thinking she had made a career decision): "What?"
Lin-Ley: "I am going to get my ears pierced!"
After riding the Tower of Terror the kids were recruited into the Plastic Soldier Army. They were marched about and drilled. Tru was not thrilled and just kept looking at me the whole time.
While waiting for Dallas and Lin-Ley, along with friends Lily, Nancy, Hunter and Cadin, to ride Tower of Terror again Tru was approached by this little vixen. The little girl walked right over to Tru, grabbed his hand, and began chatting him up. Tru was not completely opposed to the blossoming relationship....
Cute!
During the Block Party Lin-Ley, Lily and Cadin showed off their dance moves with Jessie. Lin-Ley was thrilled with having Jessie so close as she was wearing her Jessie shirt that day.
The primary reason that this trip to Disney was planned was to spend time with the families we traveled with to China in 2003 (for Lin-Ley's adoption). After much planning, unfortunately, there were only two girls in attendance. Lin-Ley and Lily enjoyed spending the whole day at Hollywood Studios together. Tru did too!
There was much posing going on! These girls know what to do when they see a camera!!
Our evening together ending with "Fantasmic" and the "Osbourne Family Lights".
Here are Lily, Nancy, Heather, Lin-Ley and a glimpse of Hunter.
Then it was back to reality the next day. Lin-Ley catches up on her homework while at the airport.
The kids had a great time despite the weather. Tru was especially excited that he measured up and was tall enough to ride most of the rides this time. He LOVED the roller coasters and especially loved when the cast members requested to measure him before allowing him to enter the lines to the rides. Tru happily hopped over the measuring stick and announced, "I'm bigger now!", smiled and ran to get in line.
Lin-Ley LOVED having the day together with Lily. They both enjoyed each other's company and it was heart warming to see them walking together hand in hand. They certainly share a strong bond which we all hope they will keep forever (along with the other 13 girls in our travel group).
To our China Family who could not make the trip - We missed you!!
While Mommy waited in line to see Mulan the rest of the crew soaked up some warm sun.
Mulan.
We had dinner with the Princesses. Here are Pocahontas and Woody posing with Belle.
Sleeping Beauty came by our table,
then Snow White,
Cinderella,
and Ariel.
Later there was a Princess Procession and all little princesses and princes were invited to join as they paraded throughout the banquet hall. First, Ariel schooled the princesses on the proper way to wave.
Pocahontas returned from her Princess Parade.
Day 3 - Animal Kingdom.
Lin-Ley was very pleased to see two of her favorite animals - giraffes
and flamingos.
Rafiki.
We had hoped to catch up with the real Pocahontas but we had to settle with petting the goats instead.
