Ella Sarah Tuan Lazar

As we enter the last month of 2009, the holiday shopping and parties begin. Evan spent a good amount of time studying for his semester finals and Ella enjoyed her holiday parties at pre-school and dance. Once the parties and finals were completed, we headed to New York for our annual trip. This year was especially exciting because it snowed and snowed and snowed -approximately 20 inches! As shown in the photos, the kids enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, the snow made for a change in plans. The boys did not get to attend the Jets vs. Falcons game since the roads were not cleared enough for them to get to the stadium. Since we were snowed in at home, we celebrated Hanukah by lighting the candles and eating a delicious dinner. Once the roads were cleared, we traveled to Delaware and New Jersey to visit Paul's extended family. We really enjoyed a family dinner at Lotsa Pasta (local Italian restaurant near Nona's apartment) with Nona, Aunt Ray, Uncle Morris and cousins David, Robin, Samara and Jared - lots of fun!!! After Delaware, we head back to Long Island with a stop over in New Jersey to visit cousins Michael, Melissa, Brianna and Elyse for dinner (thanks for the yummy pizza and meatball subs!) In continuing our tradition, we enjoyed Christmas Eve with mom and dad at Arthur and Millie's (thanks to you both for your hospitality) house. Santa came to mom and dad's Christmas morning and brought socks, candy, books, stickers etc. in Evan and Ella's stockings - they were so excited!!! Once we finally got back to Atlanta, we were able to open presents at home. Evan was happy with his gift cards & money - Ella was excited for her easel, itty bitty baby, baby stroller and baby crib. Both Evan and Ella are very grateful for their many gifts from family and friends - hugs and kisses to you all!! To complete our month, we spent New Years Eve at the Ritchie's with our neighborhood friends. We enjoyed the evening catching up with everyone from the holidays, drinking a cocktail and playing cards. Another year is completed.....we have been immensely blessed with good health and much happiness!! Wishing you all a safe and fun-filled 2010!!!! Hugs to all, Paul, Laura, Evan & Ella

Enjoying snow in NY!!

Watching Jets vs. Falcons while snowed in!!! (in photo - Paul, Evan, Grandpa, Paul's brother David & his son Alex)

Ella and Nona

Paul, Evan & Nona

Paul and Uncle Arthur on Christmas Eve

Ella loves taking pictures with the camera. She took this one of us before heading to airport - good job Ella!!

Evan and Ella opening presents at home

Ella and Addison exchanged Christmas presents - they each got items for their kitchens!

Ella with Santa at preschool concert

Monday, December 21, 2009

Trick or Treat and Thanksgiving 2009

Hello Everyone, I apologize for my lack of updates..... but here goes. October and November were fairly uneventful months other than the usual (work, school, church). Halloween was rainy but we did trick or treat to a few houses. Ella dressed up as Lilo from the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch. Our dear friend Susy Havas gave Ella the Lilo outfit. Susy's daughter, Jiselle, wore it when she was little. Ella had Halloween parties at preschool and at her dance class (photos below). Since the kids didn't have school on Election Day, we all tagged along with Paul on a business trip to Huntsville, Alabama (3 hr. drive from Atlanta) for the day. While Paul was in a meeting, Evan and his friend Wes went to the US Space & Rocket Center and Ella and I visited the Children's Museum. It was a really fun day for all!! Thanksgiving was spent with the Veith family at their beautiful cabin in north Georgia. We are very grateful and appreciative for our wonderful friends!!

Ella enjoying her cupcake at the party

Halloween Party at Preschool

Trick or Treating at Dance Imagination

Ella in her pilgrim outfit at Thanksgiving

Welcome to Ella's Blog

Hi everyone, Welcome to Ella Sarah Lazar's first blog.
How it Started

Laura, Evan and I will be updating this blog as we prepare to travel to Yangchun, China. Yangchun is located approximately 160 miles southwest of Guangzhou, in Guangdong Province, China. We just received our match (referral) on Thursday January, 4th 2007 and aim to travel 4-8 weeks from this date (most likely 7-8 weeks as the Chinese New Year falls during this period).
Watching Ella Grow
Thanks for visiting - we had so much fun updating this blog during our trip to China, that we decided keep Ella's blog updated (once a month) to watch her (and Evan) grow up in front of our very eyes!