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Friday, December 14, 2012

Christmas To Do lists magically get longer while you sleep, don’t they?

It’s been a little busy around here lately. Throw in preparation for a holiday trip to China, and, well, things are falling through the cracks. I did finish our Christmas postcards, so those are being printed and will start hitting post offices around the U.S. in the next week or so.

Oh, and last night we got one Very Important thing done. Since we’re traveling over Christmas day, the girls wrote letters to Santa asking him to visit our house early, specifically on the 21st.

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The elf-on-the-shelf was entrusted with winging the missives to the North Pole last night, and Ro and Ree were thrilled this morning to see that he did his job.

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Whew. Guess that’s one thing off the list. Now on to numbers 2 through 5000...

pandasPS: The girls drew pandas on their letters because they get to meet and hold baby pandas while in China and can barely contain themselves. We found a news story last night that seven baby pandas were born in Chengdu last month at the giant panda preserve we’ll be visiting (including one baby that they named Oreo), and I thought Ro and Ree were going to pop.

22 comments:

  1. Anonymous12/14/2012

    Love the new banner. The photo of the four of you is great but I cannot tell the girls apart. I know Ree has shorter hair (or at least that is what I recollect) so she must be in red. Her face also seems a bit fuller.

    The outfit for the guinea pig is hysterical.

    Did you get your pjs?

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    1. Thanks! Yes, Ree is in red and Ro green. And yes, Ree's face is wider. Good eye. ;-)

      PanPan ended up with a few outfits to choose from this season, but catching a pic of him was insane. He's faster than the twins. This outfit (and the only pic I got where he was still) was a sock from the dollar bin at Target -- I cut off the foot part and then cut tiny slits for his feet. Cracked me up.

      Couldn't find fleece PJs in tall, but I ordered the Land's End flannel ones in tall and I think they'll do the trick.

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    2. Anonymous12/14/2012

      PS. Did you tell the girls that two of the pandas are TWINS?

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    3. Oh they noticed that right away! One of twin pandas has "Shuang" as part of the name too, just like Ro and Ree. It means pair, and is that word that tripped me up in the referral call, does anyone remember me saying "Pear like you eat, or pair like two? Oh. Duh." ;-)

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    4. Anonymous12/15/2012

      PS (again). Oh I do remember and also remember thinking how cute was that! I can't wait to hear the girls' reaction to seeing twin pandas....well, actually to all of your experiences.

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  2. Hug a panda for me!!! (Very envious!) One of these days, when you guys get back -- We should see if we can rendezvous at DLand, since I have a pass. I'd love to see you guys again.

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  3. Oh goodness, what fun! I can just imagine - between Christmas early and a visit to the Panda Reserve on your China trip - the anticipation at your house must be at an all time high :)

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  4. Oh yes, it's growing in my sleep. 2 steps forward, 3 steps back. Have a safe trip! I can't wait to hear all about your adventures!

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  5. Anonymous12/14/2012

    Fantastic photos with your Christmas outfits. Safe travels to China and back! Will you be visiting the area where the girls are from?
    Grandma to many!

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    1. Thanks! We can't go to Hubei this time, but next time definitely.

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  6. Love the new banner. Beautiful family photo and pic of the girls. We are sooo excited to see you in just a few days. China is going to be so fantastic with you guys. Love ya...Merry Christmas. Relieved that Santa said yes to coming early. :-)

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  7. What a fun, busy time at your place! Oy!! Glad Santa is able to arrive early! Cannot imagine the anticipation and excitement in your home! So much to do, so little time. Love the new banner and family pics! Sweet, sweet.

    Love you friend. Talk to you soon. The countdowns to excitement are in full swing!

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  8. PS - I'd forgotten Bobby and Jane were going to China with you. Awesome!!!

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  9. Oh, M3 - the new banner on your blog is precious and so adorable!! I love PanPan's outfit! I am a big fan of dressing up the family pets as well! The girls are as beautiful as ever! Wishing you safe travels, tons of adventure and extra hours to get everything ready!!! Looking forward to reading/seeing all about your trip to China. Merry Christmas to everyone!

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  10. Have a wonderful time in China! We went to China this past April and spent a couple of days in Chengdu. We loved the panda reserve! It was so neat to see so many pandas and up so close. The enclosures are quite large and often the pandas were only a few feet from where we were standing. My son got to go in a special area and "pet" a panda. I say "pet" because had had to wear what looked like medical scrubs including gloves and shoe covers and they really rushed him in and out. I don't know if that will be the case with your girls but you might want to prepare them for the "suiting up" just in case it's necessary!

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  11. Anonymous12/15/2012

    Hi. what sweet pictures.. holding pandas what fun I am jealous.. is elf going to China too? cute you included your hamster too, and the elf. Hope you guys have a fun time in China and Im sure you will have great pics.

    erika

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  12. Good luck with all you have to do! I hope you all have a fantastic time! Love the new picture at the top of your blog. You look gorgeous!

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  13. LOVE your header photos!!! Brilliant! Safe travels, happy holidays and all the best to the Salsa family!
    PS-When the girls are done with those red boots ......

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  14. Have a wonderful trip! I visited the same panda reservation in Chungdu about 2 years ago. Unfortunately we were unable to hold the baby pandas then, but I did get to hold a red panda! Chungdu is a beautiful city too, you guys will have a blast!!

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  15. Anonymous12/18/2012

    We were at Chengdu on a heritage tour in 2011. It's fabulous!!! The girls were 6 and 8. Only the 8 year old wanted to do the panda thing. The 6 year old was too intimidated by their size. They are definitely not tiny baby pandas - the one Lulu met was probably nearly her height and probably somewhere between 80 and 100 pounds. Adorable though!!

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  16. Anonymous12/22/2012

    Safe travels!
    Happy Holiday from my family to yours!

    Sen

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  17. That is so amazingly awesome that you guys get to go to China for the holidays! Holy cow! That'll be a memory the girls will treasure forever!

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