Christmas Morning

Santa found us in China!

Isaac loving the new playdough set

Oliver's toys-

Thanks Grandparent Evanson for the tow truck and PJ's
& Cooks for the loader truck
Missing from the picture is a grocery cart that Oliver loves to push -
He totally knows that it's his and, unfortunately, has a tough time sharing it.

Isaac's toys.
He wouldn't stay long enough for a photo.
Thanks Cooks for the tonka trucks and Evansons for the Dragon.

Daniel's mother load.

Thanks Evansons for the orange dragon and Cooks for the tonka trucks
I played with the wooden color wheel puzzle more than anyone.

More fun with the playdough.

Other family gifts included a tent, a mini basket ball hoop, a bat, baseballs, and

of course, the dagons - Thanks Nielsens!

The boys also got musical instuments -

They love to make noise , I mean, music with them.

The bean bag toss was enjoyed by all.

I think Santa went a little overboard this year -

but hey, we live in China, aka Santa's workshop:)


Merry Christmas!!

Oh, Santa is bringing us a new camera so soon I'll have some normal pictures!

Christmas Eve Party

We all enjoyed the good food and the good company

at the Christmas Eve Party

This family has 2 little girls -

here are the boys enthusiastically playing with a doll house
They loved all the new toys.

Like I mentioned earlier our camera is slowly dying so this is the best I could get.

Isaac's Christmas program

It's Isaac's turn for a Christmas program

It lasted 2 1/2 hours!

The 90 minutes consisted of standing for the national anthem,

and listening to teacher speak and give gifts to eachother.

It was very Chinese.

This little/not-so-little boy was the comic relief.

Isaac not looking too excited to be singing Chinese songs
I tried to get his attention but he couldn't find me in the crowded concert hall.

Isaac's English-speaking friend.

Where's Isaac.

He finally found me in the crowd and was sad to leave the stage after he did.

It ended with confetti - yes, confetti! at a preschool Christmas program.

Now you understand why the Olympic opening ceremonies were what they were.

Marc's Birthday

The Cooks celebrated the fourth birthday in 4 weeks.

Happy Birthday Marc!

Our number 3 candles are looking a little sad.

I guess that's what happens when you enter your thirties.

Daniel's Christmas Program

Daniel's Christmas Program

December 2008

Gone is the shy boy, who would just stare with a finger up his nose.
Say hello to the screaming, not singing, Daniel who was the star of the show.

I'll take some of those.

The brothers who envy all the fun toys at Daniel's preschool

Eggplant anyone?

We all enjoyed the Christmas party, especially these two.

Primary

Fun times after Church.

Primary friends at the playgound.

Our branch meets in an apartment complex and the parking lot is next to a playground.

We let the boys play a little before we head home.

They love all their friends from Church.

Playdate

The people on the bus go up and down . . .

A Trip to the Mall

Like all parks in China, all malls have games and rides.

We enjoyed a night out at Grandview Mall with the Moores and Tanners.

Yes, Heidi & Gary are in China for a few months.

It's been fun to hang-out with old friends.

We had some good American Pizza at Papa Johns -

which along with Pizza Hut, is a really nice resaurant.

Who would've thought you'd see cloth napkins at Papa Johns.

Oliver on the multi-level carousel.

A pensive Isaac

Daniel with his horse.

Sorry, our Camera has almost died so the pictures are super poor quality.

A turn at the drums

Now the bumper cars.

Oliver lov'en the Bike.

Consulate Christmas Party

Early in December we enjoyed a Christmas party hosted by the Consulate

The boys unsure about Santa & Mrs. Clause.

We thought is odd that we could see Santa's knees but not his nose.

Isaac and the giant gingerbread house.

He tried to eat it a few times.

Most of the night was spent controlling the boys around the dessert bar.

Thanksgiving at the Consulate

Thanksgiving Evening was spent at the Consulate pot-luck

We ate too much - Marc actually weighed-in pre and post feast.

He gained 4 pounds in 50 minutes.

Oliver enjoyed the play area.
What all Thanksgiving meals need -

a playground for all the kiddos while the adults pig-out.

Isaac loving the never-ending juice refills.

The boys - raising the roof.