It's Official -
November brought an exciting addition to our family. Yuri's brother, Nick, and his wife, Shannon, completed the adoption of Bruce. Bruce has long been a part of our family but now it's legal. We love this little guy as he brings much joy to our family.
Below is a picture of us at the courthouse on the big day (you'll notice that Yuri and Rory are missing from the picture...have I mentioned before how Yuri struggles to be on time for events?). L to R - back row: Me, Shannon, Dorothy (Shannon's little sister), Grandpa Bud, Nick, Steve, Georgianne and Randy. L to R - front row: Bruce and Linda.
Thanksgiving
We had a wonderfully quiet Thanksgiving this year. Yuri, the girls and I headed over to my folks house to celebrate and Jesse and Petra were able to make it toward the end of dinner for their second Thanksgiving meal.
Grandma Judy and Rory in the kitchen preparing dinner. Rory is pretty proud of the new apron her grandma gave her.
Massie hanging out at the dinner table with Uncle Jesse and Petra.
Rory Turns Three!
Rory's birthday was a big deal for her this year. In addition to her big birthday party, we celebrated as a family (on the actual day) and her daycare also had a party for her. She is one lucky girl and we'll make sure she knows it.
Below is Rory cuddling up with the new blankets she received for her birthday.
Trying to get a picture of a bunch of children at a birthday party is like herding cats...the picture below is most of the kids in attendance.
Rory and I had a great time planning her party. She helped make the cupcake toppers, she decorated the beverage containers, and filled the party favor cups. As you can see in the pictures below, I made Mickey/Minnie Mouse ears for the party goers. Also pictured below are the kiddie PB&J sandwiches we made.
Christmas
We are fortunate to have a lot of family in Fairbanks so Christmas is always a time of running around and catching up with everyone. Christmas Eve consisted of stopping by uncle Bob and aunt Laverna's house for a visit, then up to the Birch Hill cemetary to pay Zach a visit and tell him how much we miss him, then onto my folks' home to start celbrating with champagne, food and gifts.
Christmas day starts with breakfast for my family while Rory opens Santa's gift (yes, there was only one) and we all open our stocking bags (stockings have morphed into large gift bags as my mom has taken to totally spoiling us with the stocking stuffers). We then head over to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Steve's house where we meet up with Yuri's side of the family to celebrate and open gifts. Back to our house for Rory to take a nap and then immediately over to Yuri's Uncle Glen's house for Christmas dinner with the family.
In all of the Christmas Eve and Christmas day activities we didn't have a chance to get to the gifts under our tree...so, we started a new tradition, the Morgan family Christmas takes place the day after Christmas. It's fun to spread the gift giving/receiving over a few days. We got totally spoiled by all this year - thank you everyone.
We had the opportunity to visit my great-uncle Bob (my father's uncle on his mother's side) and his wife, Laverna. It was wonderful to catch up with them and to introduce them to Massie. Below is a picture of Laverna holding Massie. I'm sorry to use a picture of her with her eyes closed but it was all I had.
My dad and Uncle Bob going through old pictures. Bob is still as sharp as ever at 93.
Growing up, my mom put together advent calendars for us kids - a gift for every day of December until Christmas. She has now started the tradition for Rory and although the picture is blurry, below is a shot of Rory's purple sparkle tree and her advent gifts set-up in her room.
You can imagine our surprise when Santa wrote letters to both Rory and Massie informing them that they made the "nice" list. Here is Rory reading her letter to confirm the good news.
Christmas Eve at my folks' house is always a great time. We get started very early in the day and go late into the night (or until the kids can't take anymore). Below is Martin, Jesse and Blue relaxing until the next round of drinks and gifts begins.
My Uncle, Randy, Aunt, Cheryl, and Cousin, Jeremy (missing from the picture is cousin Philip) always come over on Christmas Eve. We don't see them nearly enough so this is the one time a year we know we'll be able to catch up.
My uncle Randy with Massie. He looks so much like my dad and his grin reminds me of Grandma Em...he's such a great guy!
Rory was surprised when she woke up Christmas morning and discovered that Santa took bites out of her cookies and drank all the milk. It's pretty exciting to get confirmation that the "big guy" was at your house.
Santa brought Rory this dollhouse for Christmas...she thinks Santa is a pretty cool guy.
Eating
Massie has finally taken to eating. Rory and I thought that the prunes on Massie's face looked quite a bit like a moustache...a fact that Rory got a kick out of.
Miscellaneous
Yuri's sister, Geneveive, was in town for the holidays with her daughter, Estelle and husband, Kirill. Below is a picture of Estelle, Gen, Massie and Rory (the goofball).
My friend Robyn sent matching hats for the girls...aren't' they cute!? As usual, Rory is clowning around. Dy - please note the "dominoes" in Rory's hand...she wouldn't put them down.
We don't get outside often but one day during the warm weather in December we put on our gear and hiked out (okay, got out of our car) to see Jesse skijor. On this particular day it started to rain...very unusual for Fairbanks.
Rory
Rory clowning around with a few of the gifts she received throughout her birthday and the holidays. Our little free-spirited child.
Modeling her new coat from Lanie and Renee and her "fairy skirt" from Betty and Bruce. This girl loves clothing!
Massie
Massie is doing well standing and balancing for short periods of time on her own. She is very proud of herself and is expressive when things go downhill (last picture).
Unlike Rory, Massie loves dogs (much to her grandfather's delight).
Reading time with her dad - full of giggles.
Addy in a serene pose with her cousin. Addy is so good with the girls, we wish she lived closer so that we could take advantage of her skills!
Happy New Year to you all! Catch you next month with our January blog update.
