Look what I saw this morning

We start late church today so Starr and I took a long, lazy walk.  We were rewarded with some beautiful sights.

Mount St. Helens

Mount Hood

Another view of Mount Hood

Such a beautiful morning!

Starr found something as well.  I let her dig and sniff to her hearts content.  Not sure what she was looking for?!?

Christmas Day!

What a great Christmas morning we had.  Tanner and Mason were so patient with Tongtong's excitement.  Lucy and WuXi were so overwhelmed and so gracious with the simple gifts they received.  I think Tongtong ate more candy in the first 10 minutes after opening stockings than they rest of us combined the entire day.  That didn't do much to calm his excitement.

After Belgium waffles (Joe got a new waffle iron, yum yum), we loaded in the car and headed to Multonomah Falls.  We got there early enough there were hardly any crowds and enjoyed a hike to the top.  It was a beautiful day and a blessed diversion.

After some lunch we walked on the trails around out neighborhood and then the boys went to the church to play basketball (new bball).  

We enjoyed a cheesy Christmas movie as a perfect end to a perfect day.  Tomorrow we are headed to San Francisco for the BYU Bowl game!  Can't wait...

Posing before seeing if Santa came.

Yawning Joe, Curious Starr and Anxious Mason

It didn't take long for Tongtong to get the hang of things.  He tore right into his presents with no trouble.

Lucy and WuXi got into the action as well.

Tanner picked out the waffle iron...one of his favorite things to have for breakfast.

At the bottom of the falls.

Making our way to the top.

At the top of the falls.

How nice to have someone take a picture of the whole family that isn't a "selfy".

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful celebration with Lucy and her family and the sister missionaries.  Turkey dinner followed by traditional Christmas Eve presents (PJ's).  

After singing some holiday songs, we then watched "Joy to the World".  Although the church has more recent Christmas productions, this video brought an incredible spirit into our home and beautifully shared the whole story of Christ:  his birth, life, death, and miraculous resurrection.

Although far from our immediate family, it was so special to share this evening with others we love so dearly.

Yummy dinner!

Unwrapping presents

They made it!

Our company arrived tonight in time for hamburger soup and gingerbread houses.  We are so excited to have WuXi, Lucy, and Tong Tong for Christmas!

Tong Tong was so excited to see Starr!

Putting the train together requires a lot of concentration!

Tong Tong wanted to look like Rudolph:)

The final creations!