The only downside was that it was pouring rain. We had a relatively dry spring and summer, and it seems like the weather has decided to make up for that now. We do live in the Pacific Northwest, though, and decided that it was just going to be part of the experience this year.
We were able to get Gabriel to wear his jacket, which was a major feat because he doesn't like to wear any jackets or sweatshirts usually. However, he refused to put on his hood. Here we are trudging around the farm with our rain boots on.
Pool Gabey's hair got soaked. But he was adamant that he not put on his hood.
The tree farm also had a little corral where they let kids ride a donkey named Elvis. He was pretty short and small; Elvin wasn't sure that the donkey would be able to hold Eliana's weight, but he did fine, especially for being 14 years old!
The other kids were very suspicious of the donkey and did NOT want to ride him. Xiao Yu did not approve--he kept saying "sujo!" which means "dirty" in Portuguese.
We did take a photo with Elvis though.
Then we were off to choose a tree. The girls had their own opinions about which tree to choose and had a hard time getting consensus on one choice. And Daddy had his criteria as well, such as the tree being close to triangular shape.
Finally we settled on one, partly because Mommy did not enjoy standing in the pouring rain and implored everyone to just choose ANYTHING.
Then came the sawing...
While Elvin got the tree baled and tied onto the van, Emily took the kids to the warming station where there was hot chocolate as well as candy canes.
Then we went to their barn where they had some animals to look at.
Xiao Yu was very interested in the animals and wanted to pet these pigs. But they were a little too far for his reach.
Then we were finally home. It was time to unwrap the tree, which Gabriel had fun doing.
When the tree was finally back to its full shape, the girls had a sudden urge to hug our new Christmas tree.
Then we got out the lights to start decorating. Finally, the moment they have been waiting for, for weeks!
Then on went the garland. Before putting it on, the girls decided to pretend they were Christmas trees themselves.
Then Gabe decided to copy that...
...however, he has a hard time with textures on his skin that are rough, or tickley, or strange to him. (That's why he won't wear most jackets or anything on his head.) So the garland came off about one millisecond after it touched his neck.
Karina was very helpful in putting everything on.
And then we got out the ornaments. Each girl has a box of ornaments that are theirs...their first ornament we got them when they were babies (which Karina is holding below) as well as ornaments that they've made themselves in school or at church.
Eliana's first ornament is a mommy and daddy penguin holding a baby penguin in between them.
Gabey's first ornament is a rocking horse.
Emily recently ordered a special ornament for Xiao Yu and it just arrived in the mail a couple of days ago--so just in time! It says "First Christmas Home!" and it's specially made for adopted kids.
It's Xiao Yu's first Christmas but he acted like a veteran ornament hanger. He enjoyed the whole experience.
We also hung up this ornament that we got last year. It was when we were still processing the paperwork to bring Xiao Yu home, but had not travelled yet. The ornament is the outline of the country of China.
What a difference a year makes! Xiao Yu is now home and experiencing lots of firsts. He especially liked the light up Christmas tree that plays music as well. Elvin's mom sent this to the kids several years ago and the kids love it, although Mommy and Daddy sometimes wish that it had a volume control knob.
Everyone had fun handing ornaments.
And even hanging ornaments that Mommy made when she was a kid. This ornament has a picture of mommy when she was 3 years old! Eliana thought it was very funny.
And the grand finale...putting the tree topper onto the tree. Usually this is a privilege that only one kid gets to do, but this year there was so much fighting and arguing that Elvin conceded to let everyone put it on (and then take it off and give it to the next child.)
Karina was first...
Then Eliana...although she is getting a little big to ride on Daddy's shoulders. Next year, she might be forced to use a step ladder instead.
Xiao Yu, of course, got a turn. However, he had a really hard time reaching...
And opted to put it on a side branch instead! He's a clever little one.
And then it was Gabey's turn, but he broke down in tears and hid under the coffee table. Why? Because he wanted to go after Karina, NOT after Eliana or Xiao Yu. He wouldn't budge from his position, so...
Elvin got Karina onto his shoulders, AGAIN.
And finally, Ruffy was happy again.
And got to put the star on!
So that was the eventful Saturday that we just had. Of course, we had to take the obligatory picture in front of the tree!
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