Playtime

Carli loves playing with Pearl. And Pearl loves doing whatever her big sister does! It really is an ideal situation for both of them. They especially like building forts and playing hide and seek.

Volunteerism is good!

Carli and her Brownie troop volunteered last night at the Oregon Food Bank. She went to school all day and did not come home until 9 p.m. last night. Even with the long day, though, she arrived home energetic and happy! She excitedly told me that "115 families will eat because her troop organized and loaded 10,000 pounds of food!" They had oats duty and formed a production line to bag and distribute bags of oats for food boxes.

Carli definitely wants to volunteer again. I have pictures in my mind of us volunteering together. YIPEE!

Potty action

Pearl has been going pee in the potty for the last three days. She is quite proud of herself and claps while saying "big girl". Today she did number 2 in the potty. We were both shocked! She did not know what to make of the "item" in the potty. Eric suggested I take a picture but I am saving you from that visual! Let's hope this keeps up. It would be great to be out of diapers.

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!