Happy 2020! Started off with our traditional New Year's Day dinner at Memaw and Papaw's ~ pork and sauerkraut for good luck!
The new year began with an unseasonably warm stretch which you, Daddy, and I took advantage of by putting down our screens and putting ourselves into nature in the local natural play area at Blendon Woods.
Before school started back up again after winter break, I also took you, Bryden, and Avery ice-skating. You've been begging me for a while now and I figured I'd risk the potential for some broken bones to have a little slippery fun with you kids.
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| you have some really nice friends, kiddo! |
Speaking of friends...we have some unlikely pairs in our house. Here you can see the bunny isn't so sure about Lucky invading his space...
But Grizz is entirely fine with it. In fact, Grizz and Lucky are somewhat inseparable much of the time.
And then there's this one. I know it's all in the perspective of how the picture was taken, but oh. my. word...Pip looks *huge*! Our little meatball.
Even the kit-kats have grown to love each other as well...
And Lucky has commandeered this dog toy from Grizz...his new best friend, second only to the string he carries around as well. He's such a quirky little guy.
We had our belated Garrabrant Christmas / Flint's birthday celebration this month as well. We met up at a 100+ year old house down in Cincinnati, matching PJs and all, as is the tradition. It was a quick but relaxing time.
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| Iroh loves his snuggles |
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| Daddy tried on my new boots...they fit and he looks sassy! |
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| gaming with Uncle Forge |
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| Appa thinks he's a lap dog |
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| like, *really* thinks he's a lap dog |
And funny story about the cookie cake that Daddy and I picked up for Uncle Flint. The lady at the bakery asked, "Happy Birthday Clint?" when Daddy asked her to write "Happy Birthday Flint!" and so Daddy replied with, "No, Flint with an F" to which we received the cookie cake below..."Happy Birthday Cliff". Hahaha. So, now you officially have an Uncle Cliff, too. Hehe.
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| birthday mugshots, ha. |
Shortly after our weekend in Cincinnati, we came home to another anniversary of sorts. January 21st. Here's what I posted on Facebook...I can't believe it's been this long. Amazing.
"And now it's 11 years ago today since we got that heart-exploding phone call to let us know we had a child waiting for us in China...
From being a life-altering phone call to a tiny little peanut that wouldn't leave my side to being told (this weekend) that they are "an independent person and don't need any help, Mom!"
Time flies.
Don't blink."
And as for giant milestones...here's a doozy. I finished your room (finally) and now you are actually sleeping in it on your own. After 11 years, you are finally sleeping in your own bed, of your own free will, *and* enjoying it! I'm genuinely surprised we finally made it to this day and am overjoyed that you love your new room so much. We still have some final touches as far as personal decorations, but the big stuff is done and it looks great! You even made the comment that you are really proud of yourself for sleeping in your own room now. You added that you just couldn't rush yourself but now you are finally here. Well, I'm proud of you, too, baby. I didn't know exactly when...but I knew you'd get here, too. You did it, babe. Growing up!
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| looks like all three kitties approve of your new bed, too! |
And, again...speaking of growing up so fast. Here you are making your own omelet while video-chatting with your friend, Bryden. Such tween/teens already!
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| turning into such a social little creature... right on cue for this age |
Finally...I will wrap this month up with a picture of our beautiful Nian Gao that I made for the start of the Lunar New Year...this year is the Year of the Rat! Your year! Pretty exciting. The bakeries around here don't make these particular cakes anymore (total bummer) so I was excited to find a recipe where I could easily make my own and it tasted divine! A big success!
Xin Nian Kuai Le, Xu Suirong!
Love,
Mama
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