My apologies....

It's been well over 2 weeks since I updated the blog and I have to apologize....I've been a slacker. I still have Christmas, New Years Eve, Irina's birthday, etc to catch you all up on. I 'promise' to start this up and hopefully finish in the next few days.

Over the holidays, Robert had time off and was actually able to stay home for a few days with us. Irina, of course, thinks this was in celebration of her birthday. And is there really any reason to burst that bubble??? Nope...I can't think of a single one.

We also received news of our adoption and have been running around like chickens with our heads cut off (my neighbors can confirm how 'crazy' I've been) trying to get paperwork taken care of, fingerprints, etc. Now we just continue to pray. That is also a cue for everyone and anyone who reads this blog...PRAY :-)

I'll be in touch soon.....Sandi

Christmas Eve Letter

Irina wanted to write a letter to Santa this year to leave with his cookies and milk. For weeks she's been going on and on with the things she wanted him to bring. Thankfully, she didn't change her mind much which made shopping for her easy! I think the funniest part is she dictated the entire letter. She knew exactly what she wanted to say.

Dear Santa,
I have been a VERY good girl this year.
Things that I have done that are good

• No screaming
• No yelling
• No biting
• No scratching
• Sharing
• Help Mommy
• Show Respect
• Manners
• Use my listening ears

Things I want for Christmas

• Makeup
• Barbies
• A card I can read
• Princess movies
• Princess dresses
• Big girl bike

Love,
Irina (she signed her name)

Christmas Eve

Making cookies for Santa











Christmas Eve dinner at the McMahon's.













Irina and Mommy with the milk and cookies for Santa.

Irina and the Pups

Rommel and Irina

Luci, not exactly thrilled with her Santa hat, and Irina, in Daddy's uniform top.

Just an Afternoon...

Rommel and Luci hanging out.

Irina eating yogurt, cracking herself up.

Baking Cookies

Irina and Daddy spent Sunday afternoon baking cookies she then passed out to the neighbors.
There's just something about Father-Daughter time :-)







She was excited to bake cookies.











Somebody loves her Daddy....

Courtney Holiday Festival

Each of the bases has a festival to celebrate the holidays. We went to the festival on Courtney this year with Lissie, Gonzo and their son, Axel.





Irina with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.







Irina and Axel on the airplane ride. She, of course, had to be in control of the handle that made them go up and down. Thankfully, Axel is very laid back and realizes that Grass women just need to have their way. :-)







Irina being silly and Axel on the train.













Irina riding the pony. She's already asking to do it again.











Looking a little tired.....with her Santa hat.









Irina and Axel 'beating eachother up' with the BIG pink panthers they won.