Christmas Day

We enjoyed Christmas day by playing with all the new toys. Mom frantically got the house ready for the guests. Grampy Russ, Other Nana, Aunt Kathleen, Chris and Christina all stopped by. We enjoyed a pork roast dinner and many munchies. Some of the favorite gifts of the day were, Little Pony cd player, air hockey table and the tea party set. Olivia received enough money from her paper route tips to go out on Friday and purchase Nintendo DS!

Christmas Morning

Olivia woke up at 5:15 to see if Santa arrived. Our routine is mom goes down stairs first and lets the dogs out and gets the video camera ready (my other camera). Olivia came running down to see the living room filled with gifts. We woke Lexi up to come see what all the excitement was, as well as Nana and Papa. Here are some pics of opening gifts Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, the girls took their tubs and got on their Christmas pajamas. Although, Lexi had a mind of her own on what she wanted to wear. She chose a nightgown and halloween pants. We watched Christmas shows and just after 6pm, Santa Claus called the house and spoke to Olivia. Olivia had no problem ratting her sister out and I reminded her that Lexi deserved presents and to make sure Santa knew. At about 7:30, we got the cookies and milk ready and headed upstairs to bed. Everyone was asleep by 8:30 awaiting the big guy's arrival.

The First Snow Of The Year!

Today we woke up to the first snow of the year. The girls were so excited! Although they were only predicting no more than one inch of snow for the entire day. My girls wanted to get their snow boots and pants on to go play in the snow. I suggested just to put their coats and mittens on and have fun. They tried making snow angels and having a snow ball fight. I was surprised Olivia didn't want to break out the sleds. Here are some pics of their fun in the snow.

O' Christmas Tree....

Last night, Papa, Nana and Olivia went off to pick out the Christmas tree. Since we are on a tight budget this year, I didn't want any part of it. The tree is very nice, very full and about 6ft tall, but about half the size of what we typically get. This year with a little help, the girls were able to decorate the tree by themselves. Here are some pics of our Christmas Tree decorating experience.









Mommy put the lights on the tree.





Olivia helped with the star.



Lexi helped with the garland, after throwing it around the living room and dancing on it.



Olivia wrapped the tree with garland.




Lexi says "This is fun" and decides to decorate herself.





The after picture!

Stone Zoo Lights

Tuesday night after dinner we loaded up in the car and went off to the Stone Zoo. The kids enjoyed walking down the tree lit paths, looking at the animals and listening to the Christmas music. They both went to sit on Santa's lap, but Lexi chickened out at the last minute. We got a snapshot of her facing Santa as a souvenir. Olivia enjoyed the few rides, as Lexi cheered her on. It was a nice inexpensive night for the family to enjoy!

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving we drove up to my grandparents house in Gilford, NH. It is a long day for the kids, but they had fun. Here are some pics from our thankful day. Olivia blessed us prior to dinner on what she was thankful for. She went on and on and on, we had to stop her and say we got it, your very thankful. Hope everyone had a great day.

Sneak Peek at the Dance Recital...

Here is an inside scoop on this years dance recital costumes. Olivia will be dressed as Mulan, with her friends dressed as other Disney princesses. Lexi will be dressed in one of these other outfits.

More Memories....

For all you new moms, document, document, document. After six years, it is hard to recall some of the most precious moments in your life.

Six Years Later!

Today in 2002, just around this time (or so). I just gave up and walked out of my office, when the phone rang. I ran back in to answer and the voice on the other end, said congratulations you have a baby girl. Her name is Cen Rui and she is from the Heng Feng Institute in Jiangxi Province. Her birthday is 3/23/02. We will send you a picture and you will receive the information in Fedex tomorrow. Where should we send it? I said to work!

I couldn't believe it. There was finally a face to the little girl I dreamed so much about.

The next morning, I was so anxious to receive the fedex package. I was so afraid to see what she looked liked. I opened the envelope and took a peek at her picture for the very first time. All my co-workers and friends were around me, including mom.

Once opened, I shared the pictures with everyone. Everyone was so excited to finally see her as I spoke about for nearly two years. I studied every inch of the pictures. Her eyes, her little nose, her cheekbone structure and her eyebrows. I knew every inch of her as if she was sitting right in front of me. Right after work I went to CVS and made copies of her pictures and put them in frames all over my house, as if she was already with me.

We didn't get to travel until February 2003. That is a story for another day.

Once in China. On the bus ride from the airport, our coordinator said your babies are at the hotel and you will have them in about 20 mins. She rambled other stuff, I think about the paperwork and to get your bags in the room, etc. I looked at my mom, scared to death. Not quite sure if I had made the right decision. What was I going to do with a baby?

I was panicking. I remembering rummaging through my luggage for the gifts and then heading in the elevator to (I think the 4th floor). Once off the elevator, we headed down the corridor. I heard the babies for the first time. I continued on and when I peeked in the door, who did I see? Olivia!!! She was the first baby in the room.

She was happy, smiling, had a little tweety bird pocketbook and was just waiting to meet me.

Here are some pics of the first moments and some memorable moments of China.