Snow in Portland!

Carli really wanted snow on Christmas Day but it came on the 29th instead! It started with big flakes at 2:30 p.m. and by 6 p.m. we took these pictures. It supposedly caused traffic snarls but we were safe at home enjoying the wintery weather.

Christmas Cheer at the Groff household

We told Carli last night that she could open presents at 7 a.m. At 6:53 a.m. she hopped in our bed! I am impressed she actually lasted that long. Carli has wanted a doll house since she was three. I wish I had gotten a picture of when she got downstairs and saw the doll house. It was priceless. She said it is the best gift she's ever gotten besides her DS and Pearl! I call that a win. Pearl is enjoying her new talking tea set. All in all, the kids made out pretty good and everyone is happy.

Christmas Ship Parade

2009 marks the 55th year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon. We try to go every year although we missed last year because we were in Hanoi! There were about 30 boats lit up and the fire truck had sounds and lights. Even though it was pouring as we were standing on the side of the river, it is a great way to feel the holiday spirit with a great Portland tradition.

Gotcha Day

Today marks the one year anniversary of having Pearl. In the adoption world, this is called the "Gotcha Day". I distinctly remember walking into the orphanage and seeing her for the first time. Carli was the first to hold Pearl. There were lots of tears on our part and the nanny's part and lots of confusion on Pearl's part. She cried a bit but finally settled down, probably out of sheer exhaustion.

We have spent the last year figuring things out--sometimes getting it right, sometimes getting it wrong. The past year has brought transition for all of us. We have had ups and downs but Pearl is definitely part of our family.

It is difficult to believe a year has passed already!

Thankful on Thanksgiving

It may sound trite, but it is important to stop and remember what we are thankful for throughout the year and not just on Thanksgiving. We gathered together with Eric's family and our good friends from Seattle. Everyone had lots of food and laughter...just the way it should be!

Skiing Fun

Eric took Carli up to the mountain today to practice being on skis. Carli had a great time. Eric came home and took a nap!

Lovin' the piano

Halloween 2009

The sugar loot has been reinforced. The girls collected ALOT of candy. For the first three houses, Pearl was a bit unsure of what to do but by the fourth house, she was pushing herself to the front of the line. They sure do learn fast!



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Dinner by Carli

Carli decided she wanted to make us dinner last night. Her specialty is grilled cheese and tomato soup. It was great. She wrote up a menu, set the table, made the food and served us. It was a cute idea and she had fun doing it all!

Pumpkin Patch

Eric took the girls to Sauvie Island to visit the pumpkin patch. The girls were very proud of their pumpkin selections. Pearl came home saying "pumpkin" over and over and Carli proudly ate her caramel apple. Although a bit chilly, I think a good time was had by all.