Christmas with Granna and Papa Jim

It's going to be difficult to condense the last few weeks to just a few pictures and stories. There is so much that will be left out. But share I will. We were blessed to have my parents visit us for Christmas this year. And considering the effort it took for them to get here and back I do not take our time with them for granted. A few months ago when my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I prepared my heart that they might not be able to come on this trip. But Mom finished her radiation treatments just days before they left the States. God was completely gracious allow us this time together! And Mom and Dad were gracious with the 4 of us, too. They put up with quite a bit while here, including our hectic schedule since we were also simultaneously hosting volunteer English teachers from the US. Mom and Dad traveled to the countryside with us, loved on the girls, ate weird food, got thrown up on (by Trinity), read 531 books to Grace, played dress-up and doctor 348 times, brought us lots of US goodies, helped us host a party, and experienced daily life with us. On the way home to America, they got delayed 3 days due to the most snow in BJ in 50 years. It took extra time and effort to come this time. I think they are pretty much wonderful. Christmas '09 is definitely one I will remember. When Mom and Dad first arrived, Trinity was sicker than she's ever been. But after a while they got to see her personality coming through. I hear it's SUPER cold in the States right now. It's not super cold here, but we don't have central heating. Turns out concrete isn't the best insulator, so at times it will be in the 50's in our home. Here's Mom trying to stay warm while reading!

We had a little fun one day making a gingerbread tree.

And then things got a little crazy...

Granna and Papa Jim attempted to teach Grace how to play go-fish. I say attempted because Grace didn't seem to understand that Papa Jim wouldn't always have the card she needed.

dress-up time!

Christmas Eve

Reading the Christmas story on Christmas Day before opening gifts...doesn't Trinity look like she's really listening?!

There are many events I didn't stop to photograph but are tucked away in my brain. Like my mom's face when she saw dog meat for sale. And playing cards together at midnight on New Year's Eve. And most of all, my girls' happy faces from all the love and attention they had from my folks. Thanks for loving on us, Mom and Dad! Miss you already!