Christmas Day 2012

I-L-L!   I-N-I!

(If Lori would learn how to post on this blog, perhaps she could post the girls wearing some of their Buckeye gear.)

These are some nice gifts from the most exceptional of grandparents.

Lia crocheted this scarf for Lori.  Lia has made other things, and I'm truly amazed what that girl can make with a ball of yarn.  It's magic to me. 

Christmas Eve 2012

For the first time on Christmas Eve, we had a "shepherd's meal."  We ate the simple meal of fruit, vegetables, bread and nuts while sitting on the floor.  Some good friends joined us; we read the Christmas story and considered that glorious evening's events from the perspective of the shepherds.  It was really enjoyable, and hopefully we'll be able to make this a family tradition.

 

 

Happy Christmas!

We had some neighbor friends over for our annual Christmas party.  Here are some shots of the action.

 

Baa-aa-aah!

At our international fellowship, the girls participated in the Christmas cantata -- they were singing sheep.

 

Lights Out

The girls made the most of the situation when the electricity unexpectedly went out -- they created a manger scene.  Even with no electricity, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

 

Studio Pictures

Common here in Asia are fancy picture studios.  Most often, newly engaged couples will go to these studios and have many pictures taken while wearing various outfits and with varied backgrounds.  Studios will have hundreds of wedding dresses, traditional clothes, suits, etc.  Then, once the couple is settled, a 3 or 4-foot picture of the two of them will adorn their home.

Some studios have children's clothing as well.  We found a studio like this and decided to give it a try.  That morning turned into a 4-hour memory making extravaganza.  It was really fun!

Here are my ladies getting prepped.  The studio workers meticulously worked on each of them for quite a bit of time.  When it was my turn, the workers took all of about 30 seconds to get me ready.  (I like to think that since I'm so naturally photogenic, they didn't need to do a lot to me to get me photo worthy.)

 And here are some of the 'professional' results.  Looking good, everyone!