Christmas 2010 - Seeing Houston from a Different Angle

Happy New Year to all our family and friends!  The McVeigh clan had a wonderful 3 weeks in Houston.  We were lucky enough to spend tons of time with the people we love.  We also got to see Houston from a totally different angle.  I rented a condo on the 19th floor in Tanglewood.  We always have loved thunderstorms (and miss them now) but they are totally awesome from a high-rise.  Thank you to Houston for delivering the range of weather we have come to expect...70 degree day (sandals), cold front (didn't bring a coat) and just enough thunderstorms to make us happy.  Too bad I was sick most of the trip....

I loved this game as a kid - "Perfection"  This was the Christmas of games.  I bought the girls this one, Connect Four, Operation, Monopoly Junior and taught my entire family Mexican Train.  Choo-choo!!

Sad tree but great view!  (Don't pity our tree - the girls loved decorating it.)

The girls with Andy Smith - the boy they will battle for someday.  ;-)

Christmas Eve with Rapunzel

Merry Christmas from Beijing

We are flying home to Houston in 2 day.  Wishing all those that pop on to read our blog a wonderful holiday and if you happen to be in Houston from the 12th to the 31st, then give us a yell. 

I personally am looking forward to shopping without a negotiation battle, speaking without playing Charades and breathing some really 'clean' Houston air.  The girls are excited about Chuy's dip, beignets and Memorial City mall playground.  We are all REALLY looking forward to seeing our friends and family.

Happy Holidays!
xoxo

Patricks' Triumphs in China

You blog readers out there don't hear too much about Patrick's job here in China since all I seem to blab about is parks, shopping and parties.  I know it's a shock but Patrick is working hard for Shell and he had a big milestone last week. 

Patrick (far right) - A Head Taller than the Rest

Signing the Contract with PetroChina

The Deal is Done

Let's Celebrate!

Halloween 2010

What do 2 homemade costumes plus 4 parties in 24 hours get you besides a lot of candy??  A mom who was sick of Halloween before Halloween and a Best Costume award.  Yay Patrick!

Sugar Power

Must have MORE Sugar!

Could I look any sweeter?

Embassy House's 8th Anniversary Party

The building we live in is FABULOUS!!  They have 3 big parties every year and a bunch of little ones throughout.  This past Saturday was their BIGGEST of the year as it was the building's anniversary party.  Here was the party layout...
     - Main Hall - dress up as Imperial Emperors, etc. (see below for evidence)
     - Great Wall Bar - Open Bar and Whiskey Trail (choose a number and drink one of 61 whiskeys - I pulled Glen Elgin but gave it away - yuk!)
     - Library - Calligraphy, Paper Cutting, Artists & Dough Figurines
     - Pool area - Fruit Bar and Foot Massages (FYI - foot massage are VERY nice with a good margarita buzz)
     - In the Garden - Live Band, Sushi, Indian, BBQ buffets

How spoiled are we!!??!!  Next Friday they are having a Halloween Party for the kiddos.  If only there was foot massages at every party!  But next time our ayi will be there to babysit.