tree huggers, tap dance, alligators and adoption

I couldn't think of a cohesive title for this post and I realized that we've just been enjoying the unstructured freedom of summer! Bill and I had a big laugh that our Andrew will be liberal like his Mom and become a tree hugger...



Lily has been participating in a dance camp this week. She was sure she wanted to take ballet, but after hearing the clickety-clack of tap shoes she's hooked. We still have jazz, hip-hop and pom-pom. It'll be interesting to see what class she ends up taking in the fall!


I had to laugh that my parents saved everything, and I mean everything from my childhood. While enjoying some time at the inflatible pool they set up just for the kids, my dad brought out an old toy. It's an inflatible alligator that's over 30 years old and it still worked!


Finally, related to nothing (I tell you this is one random post), I have two friends about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. They are going to China to get their precious daughters. We couldn't be more thrilled for them and we can't wait to meet their sweeties! Safe travel friends!

Fun in the Sun

There's not much new to post about. We're enjoying some quieter weeks in the middle of our summer break. The kids are doing well and enjoying the various benefits of summer. Yesterday, I snapped this picture of them laughing on the swing. I just love seeing the joy on their faces.

Our Family of Four

This picture was taken our Familversary. We didn't do anything spectacular, but we had a great day together. This picture makes me happy for so very many reasons.

1 Year Ago Today..........

We became a family of four! At 7:15 a.m. Bill, Lily, Andrew and I all met together in the Delta Terminal. It was a beautiful, emotional moment and one I will cherish forever. Our day will be spent together, hanging out, looking at some pictures and just enjoying some family time. I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating. One of the things the long and challenging road of adoption teaches us parents is to never forget how lucky and blessed we are to have our beautiful children in our lives. I have to leave you all with one my favorite pictures of all time. It's the first moment Bill held Andrew. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.............

Happy 4th of July

Hi,

I hope everyone is enjoying/enjoyed their holiday weekend. Ours was a really nice mix of low-key relaxing and fun family times. On Thursday, I took the kids down to Bill's office for a picnic and to pass out some brownies. The kids always get a kick going to the "big city" and being in "Daddy's" skyscraper. Plus, all of Bill's co-workers treat them so well that they are like little celebrities when we visit and you can imagine how well they love that.

On the fourth we had a great cook-out at Bill's parents new place and then caught the local fireworks. Both activities were a blast. Admittedly, we didn't try to take Andrew to the fireworks because the thought of Mr. Busybody getting seperated from us in a crowd was overwhelming. Plus, we think the fireworks would have scared the bejesus out of him.

Lily and I even had the chance to have a little "girl time" together. Even at a very young age, Lily has enjoyed the "girlie girl" things like shopping, nail polish, fancy hair etc. If it glitters, sparkles or is princess-y, Lily is all about it. One thing Lily has always longed for is curly, curly hair. While browsing a side-walk sale, we found a faux pony-tail with tons of curls, Lily was in heaven! It's a litte OTT (over the top) but she's so happy and I figure what the heck. Here are a few pics of us enjoying the holiday weekend!