Charlotte attends her first Christmas party

Charlotte enjoyed her first holiday party of this Christmas season with her Chinese sisters and their families hosted by our adoption agency—-Open Arms to International Adoption; activities included Chinese folkloric dancers, a magician, and a silent auction to raise funds for Open Arms Children’s Foundation. Each girl received a Terracotta Warrior statue as a gift from Open Arms.
Luannah and Debbie Powell and Charlotte--Charlotte is quite attracted to Debbie Powell--she likes for Debbie to pick her up, especially when she is holding Luannah.

Charlotte saying "hi" to Kate, one of her Chinese sisters.

Charlotte enjoyed watching the magic show on top of Daddy's shoulders.

Siena sitting on her daddy's lap while Kate looks on.

Chinese folkloric dancers

Catherine (dear friend who updated our blog while we were in China) and her daughter Hannah watching the dancers

Kate watches Luannah and Charlotte both trying to sit in James Powell's lap

After the party, the Powells joined us for dinner at a noodle place in Scarborough before heading home to Peterborough. Charlotte and Luannah sat across from one another, and Maya sat beside Charlotte. The girls enjoyed each other’s company and chattered away in their own language, pushing the menus back and forth between them. It was really nice to see the girls interacting with one another. Our wish is for Charlotte and her Chinese sisters to become life-long friends.

Charlotte was fast asleep before we reached the highway entrance to go home. Mommy thinks Charlotte will sleep well tonight, after such a busy day.