we had a great evening tonight.
all of us (including baby melissa!) headed down to central at about 4.45pm. we met up with charles in front of the prince's building, to look at the spectacular Christmas decorations outside. there is about a 60 foot tree, santa's workshop, a nativity scene, candy canes, intricate classy decorations, lots of fantastic stuff. the grounds are immaculate..it's a well run operation. the weather was crisp but not chilly, and the kids, sebastian in particular were very impressed with the decorations. sela kept saying 'cismistee' and has successfully indoctrinated her sister to the phrase, so for the rest of the evening we kept hearing 'cismistee'.
we took a couple of family pictures, we had the usual people taking pictures of our kids, and it was all good. no one was too aggressive or trying to pick them up. i was able to put down my purse when i needed to be holding two kiddies at once, and i never worried that it would be stolen. hong kong is a safe city --- like i needed another reason to love hong kong.
we then walked over to pacific place, where mcharles bought tickets for us all (including baby melissa) to see santa. sebastian is having an interesting time with the santa concept...he likes the idea of santa, but knows that Christmas is about Jesus. mc said he always grew up knowing that santa was a fun fairytale, but never once considered it serious. "i mean, living in the north pole? no one does that, tess. i knew that at four." but seb was happy to look at santa and didn't mind the idea of sitting on his knee. the babies on the other hand, they DID. carys forgot about cismistees and concentrated on weeping willows. so santa suggested he stand behind the babies, out of sight, and wave to the camera. and you know, it was a great picture. maybe if we ask magnificent nicely, he will post it.
then we went out for dinner at dan ryans. sela insisted on using her fork, so it was a bit slow going and most of her food ended up on the ground, but it was a good meal, no major melt downs.
then we came home. i am happy (and somewhat surprised) to report that the Christmas panic has not hit me. there is nothing really last minute to do. this is a bit of a surprise, but it is also the truth. possibly because the friends we are having over for dinner on the 26th are people we have had Christmas with two years in a row, and we are pretty easy going and compatible on how Christmas dinners should run. steph definitely makes the superior stuffing, so she is in charge of that, but i am providing homemade pies, the turkey (easy), gravy, peas, offering wine, rice krispie squares, peanut butter cookies and ice cream. remind me though, i do need to get whipped cream for the pie. no worries there. sebastian is loving all the baking, and has helped me make several batches of biscuits, etc.
it's a nice way to feel, just a few days before Christmas!
xoxoxo
Happy 'cismistee' to all of you. I hope you do well in the upcoming year and that we get to watch the kids grow too.
Posted by: joeinvegas | December 23, 2005 at 11:50 AM
I've been reading for a while and enjoy the stories of Hong Kong and life with MC and the kids. Wanted to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and many blessings in the new year.
Posted by: carrie | December 23, 2005 at 02:37 PM
Stopped by to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Posted by: Leann | December 24, 2005 at 01:14 AM
Wonderful pics.
I can't believe
(a) what a domestic goddess you are, homemade pies? are you MAD?
(b) how big your babies are.
have a wonderful day and give my boyfriend a big smooch from me
xx
Posted by: Tertia | December 24, 2005 at 01:30 AM
Thanks for the lovely stories and the beautiful pictures of the family and Hong Kong. Merry Christmas, Tess!
Posted by: Alexandra | December 24, 2005 at 03:27 AM
Sounds like fun! Very cute pictures, I love Sela and Carys' outfits!
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Posted by: K | December 24, 2005 at 07:30 AM
Beautiful photos! Happy Christmas Tess, Charles and family!
Posted by: Lala | December 24, 2005 at 11:45 AM
Happy holidays!
I hope the new year brings many blessings for you.
Love, Sassy.
Posted by: Sassy | December 24, 2005 at 10:10 PM
The best Christmas present I could ask for was just delivered, that family shot of all of you is so precious! You all look so happy.
This Auntie is wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!
Love xoxoxoxo
Posted by: Auntie Pammie | December 25, 2005 at 01:45 AM
WONDERFUL pictures! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Karen | January 01, 2006 at 02:03 AM