Christmas 2010

It has been a wonderful Christmas break for our family.  The kids have enjoyed their days off from school hanging out inside, catching up on sleep, playing with friends, hiking in the woods near our house with friends, going to movies, helping me bake and clean up around the house, and spending time together as a family.

We decided not to travel for the holidays this year, since we had travelled to the northeast both last Christmas and last summer. We know we have lots of upcoming travel for Lilly's surgeries. Still, any time we are not with our families for Christmas, I feel a sense of emptiness inside. I was thankful, however, for skype, which allowed us to see my family all gathered at my parents' house in Pennsylvania, and open presents "together."


We had good friends over for Christmas dinner--the Greenbaums--who have a 5-year old girl also adopted from China. Libby and Lilly are becoming great friends (and Heather and I are as well!).  They also have a fun little cutie pie 2-year-old boy who keeps Jared in line while they are here!

The weather has been great for getting outside as a family, hiking, walking the dog, and jogging. We hope to get in some ice skating at some point soon, too.

So enough words.  Here are some shots to give you a glimpse of the Cantilina Christmas, 2010.

Lilly's preschool had a fun celebration with a special visitor.  We don't talk much about Santa at our house, but she knew he would be coming to Happyland Preschool this year (she remembered him from last year!). 

Here is Lilly with her good friend, Libby.

We went to see "Tangled" together at the theater.  It was a bit too intense for Lilly and we had to leave about 2/3 of the way through. 

Lilly helped me a lot with all the baking and chocolate kahlua cake preparation to give as gifts to friends, neighbors, and colleagues.  Mostly, however, she enjoyed the chance to eat chocolate chops and lick batter bowls when I was through...

Jared and Anna have spent quite a bit of time like this--in front of the TV watching "mythbusters."

Jared and his friends went to see Narnia together (and Anna and I got to tag along).

LIlly helped Daddy and me to make the traditional Cantilina Christmas breakfast--"canes"--a Dutch pastry, some filled with almond paste, some with an apple nut mixture.  This is Tom's favorite. The kids opted for chocolate crescent rolls for Christmas breakfast.

Christmas Eve service--Lilly and Libby.

Lilly and her sweet friend Nicole.

After a stop at the Washburns for a Christmas Eve gathering, we headed home for our own tradition of Christmas Eve fondue--meats cooked in oil and chocolate fondue for dessert with fruit.  Mmmmmm....

They clean up pretty well...

After opening two presents on Christmas Eve from Nana--the Christmas jammies and a tree ornament for each of them.  Ready for bed!

This is how it looked, ready for Christmas morning.

They were under strict orders not to come into the living room until we said it was ok.  They are awaiting the word.

Jared apparently laid in bed for quite awhile waiting for his sisters to finally wake up.

ON the couch, ready to start!

Lilly was so grateful for each gift!  Here she is hugging Anna after opening up some colored pencils, scissors, and a little notebook from Anna.

Christmas dinner with the Greenbaums.  Good food and good company!

Fun with friends during Christmas break.