Today we spent a very special although quiet Christmas together. It is funny being in a different country on a holiday they don't celebrate on the same day. Here it is celebrated during their New Year holidays starting December 31st and lasting for 10 days. Yet Santa Claus knew we were here and made a stop for us. When we opened our door this morning there was a stocking filled with cookies, candy, and fruit! At breakfast we were greeted with "Merry Christmas!" We were speaking to another of the nice young men that works in the restaurant, Alexander. Bill said, in a loving fatherly way, that Juliana looked like a Christmas elf in her outfit. Alexander said " No, she is a beautiful princess. She is our princess." He went on to say that everyone that works here knows her. She is the only child in the hotel and they all know about her. Oh, I'm sure they do. They have heard her squeal, giggle, sing, chatter and cry for 10 days now! Truly we thought it was very sweet.
We enjoyed opening cards from our family. They had been tucked away in our suitcase. It was a little piece of home in each card. After Juliana's nap we took a little walk because the sun was partially shining! A Christmas miracle! I returned to the hotel to pack while Bill took Juliana for a walk in the mall. All in all we enjoyed a nice day. It was more than we needed having already received our greatest gift.
Also, here are some photos of the beautiful gingerbread displays we have seen during our stay.
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| This one had a fence all the way around until Juliana saw it. |
Once again, we were gathered around the table for Christmas dinner at the Ross family home in Orlando remembering how just one year ago you and Bill told them about your plans to adopt a girl. What great timing it was that your Christmas blog came through just as we were finishing our wonderful meal! Chuck read it to all of us and we looked at all of the beautiful photos of Juliana. Her little outfit is just adorable. I am so thrilled that you received a bit of Christmas cheer from the hotel staff. They all seem to be so nice. We are thankful that they have made you feel at home. We all have missed you & Bill this Christmas, but are so looking forward to a few days from now when we get to see all three of you! You will be in my thoughts as you continue your journey tomorrow. I am sure Juliana will do just great on the train, as she has handled everything else so remarkably well. Love you all, Robert
ReplyDeleteLoved, Loved, Loved the Christmas outfit!!!! We are so happy for you guys and she continues to look so happy. We are counting down the days. Merry Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteHow nice that Santa found Juliana in St. Petersburg at the hotel. He also found her at Gamma & Grandpa's house!! He must have wanted to cover all bases, knowing she is a little girl "on the move"!!! We will keep her Santa gifts here awaiting her homecoming!!Her Dad is right, Juliana does look like a little Christmas elf in that precious outfit!! She is a little princess, too. We agree with the hotel staff! It appears that she is everyone's little princess, such a little charmer!! We, too had a nice Christmas in Orlando,with lots of gifts, good food & much fun. We even looked at an old video of Chaise & Emily at Christmas in 1998, their first Christmas in Tallahassee. We all laughed & enjoyed it! Chaise was such a little entertaining clown & he often is now!!
ReplyDeleteKnow that we will all be thinking about you & praying for safe travel tomorrow. We will pray especially for Little Miss Juliana as she experiences her first train ride! Merry Christmas to you all & we are anxiously counting the days until you arrive back here. Safe travel! All our love, Gamma & Grandpa
Too cute! Polina wore the same outfit today.
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DeleteHa! Loved the "fence around it until Juliana saw it"...I would have loved to have seen your face when that came down!
ReplyDeleteShe looks BEAUTIFUL in her Christmas outfit, this little girl is going to be a fashion diva!
Safe travels home- wishing we could be in FL to meet your plane. Sad that I will miss it but I have faith in that family clan, they will take care of big and wonderful welcoming home party for our little girl!
Love and miss you!