Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy one month gotcha-versary, С Рождеством and just a big giant catch up post!!!

I apologize for being such a blog-slacker!! I haven't forgotten about you my faithful blog readers!!  Life has been busy, the girls are settling in to family life and finding time to blog has been a challenge!  I've been keeping my facebook updated with pictures - but I'm hoping I'll get  back in the swing of blogging here soon. :)

The girls enjoyed their first Christmas at home, and have had several different celebrations with family over the last few weeks.  Can you believe they have been home for almost a month??  January 3rd was our one month gotcha-versary!  It's incredible to see the changes in them.  Emily is practically running all over the place, Dasha is signing up a storm and even trying to say a few words, they're blossoming right before our eyes!!  I will do a full one-month home update in a few days, but I know you're probably all dying to see pictures. :)  

I have been putting Aquafor cream on Emily's super dry skin - and I ran my fingers back through her hair....this was the result. :)

We took the girls to Wildlife Safari - watching Dasha's face as she saw all the animals was priceless!! 

 Signing bird....

 Look!!!

 I like this owl.....

 I think I'll give him kisses!

 Someone has decided the bath is fun!!  She no longer screams when you put her in the bathtub - but instead screams because she can't get in there fast enough!! :)

 Christmas eve - all dressed up for church!!

 Yes you are girls!!  Best presents ever! :)

 Enjoying Christmas fun with Grandma & Grandpa Cooper

 Eating Skittles with Great-Grandma Whitby (GG-ma)

 The girls loved hanging out with my grandma :)

 4 generations!

 What is this thing?

 Merry Christmas from the Willis' family!!!

 With Grandma & Grandpa Cooper

 Grandma made a cherry pie - and the girls thought it was the most delicious thing ever! :)

 Taking pictures with her new camera.

 Post Christmas-crazy!!!

 

We took the girls to the park for the first time - they LOVED the swings!!!

 Thumbs up!!!

 Doing pullups with Dad.

 Playing outside....

 Bath fun!!!

 Out for a walk near Fern Ridge.

 Emily couldn't wait to eat that bread! :)

 She's got business to do....

 The girls had blood drawn - and were super well behaved - so we rewarded them with a donut! :)

 Ha ha - little do you know girls...those smoothies you're scarfing down, are mostly spinach!! :)

 All ready for the Fiesta Bowl and a Duck win!! :) (Had to get them in Green & Yellow before Grandpa Cooper put them in Kansas State purple!!)

 Touchdown!!!

 

Best hair style to grow out an orphanage mullet....

 With cousin JJ - she's teaching him how to get into all sorts of trouble. :)  (JJ is 8 months)

 Dasha liked putting her baby in JJ's carseat

 The girls with Nana (Brandon's mom)

Giving JJ kisses bye :)

Sassy girl after church....

We're at the Oregon Coast Aquarium!!

 Watching the sea otters be fed.

 Signing bird....

 

 Look! A fish!!! 

 And mommy's favorite animal, a lobster!!!!

 She was fascinated!

 I caught one!!!

 Checking out the sand table - Emily didn't like it on her hands.

 Thumbs up for the fish!!

 Biggest crab ever!!!

 Doing a little dance....

 In the shark tunnel. (Mom's least favorite place on earth!)

 Nose to nose with a big fish!

 All those sparkles/lights - are zillions of little fish.

Clapping for the fish and sharks....

 First dinner at Mo's. :)

 Doing some yoga....

 Putting Grandma Cooper, Aunt Tracey and Cousin Anya to sleep....

Celebrating Russian Christmas with borscht night!! :)  Emily ate two bowls full!! :)