Saturday, January 12, 2008 ;
6:47 AM
Dec 23
Sun
The Americans at the church celebrate Christmas like our Chinese New Year. Lots of greetings and giving of gifts. Just a time of sharing and giving. Nothing related to Christ's birth.
So the Sunday before Christmas, the kids and even I received some gifts. They mostly don't buy stuff for everyone, mainly for family or very close friends, so we didn't expect to have any. The year before, we just arrived and had many gifts because we were just settling down.
Above left: we have a church friend, Chris, who's a prof at the UofU who teaches in the Medicine faculty, can't remember what specialty. He also practises medicine at the U Hospital. Somehow, ds1 took to him right from the start. When I asked ds1 why he likes Mr Chris so much, he says "Mr Chris looks like Ultraman!" haha. Anyway Chris will always take time to play and chat with ds1 before leaving for home after worship service. And this Sunday, he gave both kids gifts.
Above right: the kids always play together at this ramp. ds1, ds2 with 2 of the Hoovers.
Above: Mary Jo (the elder's wife) lent me some Xmas decor and a small tree with lights. I thought, ok, just have some fun with it then. And I did lay the presents the kids received under the tree.
Above left: another Chris from church, this one an American Chinese, went back to California and brought some authentic almond cookies. Taste exactly like those from HK. Very yummy. ds1 ate too much till he got sore throat. arrggh. i left them on the table and found so many eaten up later on.
Above right: we opened the presents later on. I had some from Teresa at the Xmas tea party. Like party favors, but very nice. Then Lynette also gave me a notebook and pen. The kids had books, candy, chocs... Just what ds1 asked for, when he sat on Santa's lap sometime ago!
It was indeed a really white Xmas, with several days leading up to Xmas snowing, and then on the 24th and 26th as well.
Above is our swingset in the backyard, totally covered with snow, slide, swings and all. Under the moonlight, the snow/ ice crystals sparkle brightly, making it very magical.
rainbows every day, do not worry for the morrow
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