Happy New Year!

We had a quiet New Year's Eve at our house, Josie Dong Dong, Mommy and Daddy. Thanks to another winter storm, I was dismissed from work early in the day on Wednesday which was a nice treat.

Alas, I am sorry to say we did not win the Rhode Island only lottery for a Million Dollars, nor did we win the $80 million power ball, so it will be back to work again for me on Monday.

Our lives have been pretty active the past few weeks, so I think Josie was happy to have a quiet night with both her Mommy and Daddy all to herself. For us, 2008 was the greatest year imaginable, despite the gas prices and our failing economy AND not winning any lotteries (LOL); this past year has been the best and we are looking forward to more fun times in 2009.

On Friday Josie had a fun play date party with three of her friends to really kick-off the New Year. It was almost like Christmas all over again. It was great for all of us to get together. Most of us spent the long wait for a referral from China commiserating with each other and all but one of Josie's friends came home to her forever family in 2008. Josie's friend Angeline, was happily home with her Mommy and Daddy in 2007.

We did a pretty good job getting a few pictures of the girls all sitting together-- especially considering that at 2 years and nearly 2 months, Josie is the oldest of the crew.

We had the girls on the couch for so long with multiple cameras flashing, Callie decided she needed to call her publicist. When she was unable to get threw, she decided it was time to go.

The girls had a great time playing together, sort of. We managed to keep the boxing ring at bay and everyone had a fun time with all the toys keeping close tabs on their Mommies still being close at hand.

Last weekend we went to Wim's Aunt and Uncle's house for the big Family Christmas party with all the extended relatives. There was lots of yummy things to eat and more presents to open. Josie had a great time with her Great Aunt Sandy feeding her chips galore.

All the little Ladies of the Land arrived clad in their finest Holiday attire:

"She likes the bear, really-- she does."

Not all of them were happy to see the family paparazzi.

We were amazed yet again by little Josie Dong Dong who is certainly becoming a social butterfly. We weren't at the party long, before Josie was off and cruising around the house-- checking out all the other guests.

The younger crowd enjoyed yet another dose of presents to enhance their holiday cheer.

Josie's Grandma and Great Grandma.

Even the older crowd got in on some the present action.









Josie opening a present from Great Uncle Dave and Great Aunt Sandy. Josie has a book similar to the one the gave her that she absolutely loves! This one is sure to be a big hit as well.

"A butterfly book just like my lady bug book!"

All the cousins hanging out having fun and eating yummy treats.

It has been a good year for us. We can never be sure what Josie is thinking, but she sure seems happy. Even with all her new toys, she still has her favorites, many of which greeted her when we arrived home from China. Most notably, her rocking caterpillar. I don't know that I will ever be able to get rid of it.

Heck, I'm not sure that Josie will ever LET ME get rid of it!

Here is to keeping it clean in the New Year, one that is sure to be filled with good times and happy faces.