Fun with Ella and Addie

Today we enjoyed our traditional train ride with the girls
(Preston wasn't feeling well, we missed having him with us):


The girls wore the Christmas hats I made them.

Papa and Addie waiting for the train

all aboard!





Brittany, looking spiffy

the girls love exploring the trails around the Japanese Tea Garden





I am always worried the girls will fall into the water
because this bridge has no hand rails.
(apparently, not worried enough to keep me from leaving them while I take this picture)

While editing this post, I showed Addie this picture, she said, "don't fall in the water".

Addie was so proud of her leaf

Another perfect day!

Partyin' Yuan Style

Brittany's husband, Ili, is a very interesting guy.
In addition to flying 707's (as an Air Force Navigator)
and living an international life,
(born in Taiwan, raised in Australia, then moved to Chicago),

he's a great cook!

He treated us to a delicious Asian meal of
Pork Fried Rice, Adobo Chicken, and Sticky Rice.







For dessert, he showed us how they party Down Under.

Tim Tams are a favorite Australian cookie.





When you use a Tim Tam as a straw to drink hot cocoa,

it is known as a Tim Tam Slam

(demo by Zach)

Here we all are slammin' down dessert and having a great time!








thank you, Brit and Ili for a deeeelish dinner and dessert

. . . and the perfect break from leftover turkey :)

Christmas Day 2009

We always have a family Christmas Program;
everyone contributes something of their choice.


Chrissy and Zach led us in a group song, "Must Be Santa"





Brittany and Ili told a fun story about Mrs Claus





Chloe wrote and illustrated a doggie Christmas story





Mike, Marci and family sang Feliz Navidad . . . . in Spanish!





I read a felt book Christmas Story . . . . Ella and Addie helped illustrate





Steve closed the program with a beautiful guitar rendition of Silent Night.

He also played it in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday and Chloe gave her first talk.
It was really special to have our entire family in attendance.




Then we opened presents!

Ella likes her doggie hat . . . . and she looks so cute in it!

I was given this photo of Addie for Christmas . . . isn' it wonderful?

(I feel a painting inspiration comin' on)

Ella, Preston, and Addie in the hats I made them