Christmas party with China sisters

Today, Siena, along with her parents Laura and Chia-yi, hosted a Christmas party lunch at their home for her China sisters—-the girls may not be biologically related, but they are certainly connected. The house was festive and all abuzz with the activity of 7 little girls, all beautifully dressed in their Christmas outfits and going in different directions, usually with parents not far behind.
4 of the 5 China sisters: Ella, Siena, Kate, and Charlotte

Charlotte and Mommy

Charlotte chillin'

Charlotte and Maya (Luannah's older sister)

In attendance were the 5 families that travelled together to China in August, to pick up our precious daughters from their home province of Hunan, and our dear friend Catherine, who had made the same journey a year ago and provided valuable guidance and support along the way, and her daughter Hannah.
Catherine and Hannah reading Hannah's new book

After lunch, all 11 adults and 7 children congregated in the living room by the Christmas tree so that the girls could exchange Christmas gifts—-for a short period of time, it was a mad flurry of wrapping paper, bags, and bows.
Siena, Charlotte, and Hannah checking out each other's gifts

The hit of the party was the popping machine that Luannah received.
Siena, Charlotte, Maya, and Luannah playing with the ball popping machine



Once all the packaging was cleared away, we all gathered on the couch for a group photo. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Charlotte just did not want any part of this, getting quite out of hand on Mommy’s knee, bordering on a melt-down.
Our travel group with Hannah

A short while later, after Christmas greetings and best wishes were exchanged, we headed home for a much needed rest. Charlotte was asleep before we got to the 401. The ride home was just a cat nap for Charlotte, but she showed no signs of wanting to continue her nap in her own crib. The rest of the evening was spent preparing the last minute things for Charlotte's big day tomorrow.