Christmas 2011

 The Siddoways, Hunsakers, Haslams, Floyds

Jack, Tate, Noah, Page, Reid

We had a really nice Christmas.  Christmas Eve day was one of my best of the year.  My brother put together  a talent show that they skyped me in on, it was held at my parents and was phenomenal.  He gave them a preshow at Thanksgiving and everyone thought it was going to be a joke.  He rented a soprano sax and has been practicing for one month to perform.  His performance blew everyone away not to mention singing by my little brother Brad and his roommate Kai, a 10 minute fully memorized recitation by my 80 year old + grandmother, violin solo from another family friend, guitar by a cousin and singing by more friends.  The key to this talent show was setting expectations low and shock and awe.  My brother Bob MC ed and had some great throw downs on my Dad and other two brothers.  Overall amazing and can't wait until next year.

After watching that in the a.m. we had some friends over in the evening for fondue, nativity and white elephant all crammed into one.  I have been working on gathering nativity costumes and had my tailor make a Mary, Joseph, three wise-men, two shepherds, and an angel.  The kids had fun acting out that.

The next day we woke up and Tate got his race car track!  We left for church thinking we'd only be their one hour, but The Quan's in the Branch invited us over for dinner.  We were there all day and felt just like we were at home.  She had amazing appetizers and a wonderful turkey dinner.  Their two daughters are amazing musicians and very sweet and intelligent.  Sister Quan practices tiger mom philosophies, and wow what great kids.  And Sister Quan herself is one of the nicest ladies I've ever met.  We continue to cherish our time here in China and to be grateful for the many associations we've had while here.  We have grown so much as a family, couple and individuals while we've been here and feel so blessed.