Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Christmas tree time


Lazy man's tree.

"Decorating all by myself, me."

Lilian's contribution to the xmas cheer.

Vintage ornaments.

The manager scene when a 3 year old is in charge.


Our friend found an article about a lost treasure of Xi'an.  It's an altar of sorts that was used by the Emperor for making sacrifices to ensure a good harvest for the year.  It was supposedly still located in a very busy part of the city but unheard of by most residents.  This Saturday morning we set out to find it.  It was a very cold morning.


Phil used Google maps to locate the altar and our hunt took us down this particular street that is very close to our language school.  Three wheeled bikes, like this man is driving, are very common for transporting goods.

Another common way to carry stuff.

The path that led us to the Altar.

Xi'an's Altar of Heaven constructed in 1420 and unearthed in 1999.

The only way to get in.

View from the top.

Peter, Madeleine and Clinton.



Winter static.

Aunt Sheila and a very sweet Lilian.

One of the first things we hear every morning is, "Can I hold Wiwian?"

Seriously sitting up all by herself.



Papa's idea of fun.

The girls.

Madeleine made a "cage" for Lilian.  They played for a long time together this morning.

View from our study window seat over to Madeleine's window seat.

The view from the kitchen at night.

Monday, November 10, 2008

fall fun


Happy Autumn!


I'm scooting!

The face of a 3 year old.

The Birthday Gift.  "My Barn!"

Birthday party spread.

Hanging out in her bedroom with Aunt Jenna.

Qiao Qiao's family.

The always greatly anticipated opening of gifts.

Pink cupcake cake.

Lick off that icing!  Why even bother with the cake?

Cutie pie Tabitha.

Infamous Qiao Qiao

Lilian was asleep and missed the family shot.  Maddie couldn't stop stuffing her face for even a second.

Grandpa and Grandma Steiner's gift. 
 Opened the day before the party which was the day before the actual birth.

Picnic lunch with the Tompkins.



Great gift, Grandpa and Grandma!

Making Thanksgiving cookies with Christmas cookie cutters.




We took every opportunity to celebrate Madeleine's birthday this weekend.

Hudson's idea of fun.

Second most fun thing to do.


Finished product.  
The kids cut and decorated the cookies.  What a floury, fun mess we had.

Happy Halloween!

Old Chinese man, Baby Einstein, Princess.

Smokin' hot old Chinese woman with her princess.

Pirate Clinton.

Spiderman Peter.

The bounty.

Football match.  
We are the ones with the big fat one by our name.  
Final Score.


Fires are always fun to start after a game.

The foreigners in the stands.