Holiday Blessings and Photos to Share

I guess it would be mild to say that this Christmas on the lane was special to our family. Christmas of 2005 and 2006 had passed since we submitted our paperwork to the Chinese government for the adoption of our daughter. When we originally applied, our agency told us the wait would be six months from date of acceptance of our dossier to travel to China. Well...as many near and dear to us now know, that wait turned out to be 19 LONG months. Each Christmas there was an empty hole in our hearts that only this sweet child could fill. Those who have been through this know the unique pain involved. It is unlike a pregnancy type wait. I've done both and cannot find alot of similarities. But this year, that emptiness is gone. She is here, Praise the Lord!

Making the holiday even more special was the fact that the whole family was on vacation for two weeks together. This happens every year, but somehow this time seemed even better. LL sure enjoyed having her Baba and Ge-ge's there every morning when she woke up.

BB and BW did some snowboarding on their vacation. Between them they covered four mountains, not too bad I'd say. DB went with them also, but he is a skier and they tease him so badly about how snowboarding is much better. He solidly maintains that "two planks are better than one". Now that LL is here I may even take lessons once she is ready to hit the slopes. The male contingent was very pleased to hear this news as they have never liked it that I don't ski or snowboard. Once that happens I'll have the big decision to make and so will she...one plank or two? That ought to make for some interesting dinner talk, LOL!

Our two weeks off consisted of alot of time with family. We spent Christmas Eve with extended family from both sides. Then Christmas Day we were home on the lane, just the six of us. So nice!! We did something new this year which was fun (and appreciated by me). For our big meal, each family member chose a part to create themselves. BW made the salad with LL helping. BB made apple crisp for dessert. DB, the good husband that he is, peeled MANY potatoes, both regular and sweet. When all was done we enjoyed a delicious meal and had lots of laughs preparing it too! The pix say more than I can do justice to. Oh, and I can't forget to mention that DB did ALL the dishes too, WHEW! Thanks DB, cooking is SO much more fun when you're my partner.

Later in the week we celebrated Uncle Fix-It's 70th birthday with a wonderful party. The Faraway Cuzin's were here from Seattle and helped Aunty Ess prepare a magical Winter Wonderland theme. Unfortunately though, we had to leave early as BB came down with a brief but "intense" stomach bug. New Years Eve was quiet for LL, DB and me. We went out for a nice dinner while BW and BB went to a party hosted by a mutual friend. New Years Day was another visit with the the Faraway Cuzin's and a shared meal. We must make the most of our time together!

Today is a really quiet day on the lane as everyone but LL and I are back to work and school. But... at least I had time to do my belated holiday post ;)