Mini Spring Break Trip

We are wrapping up one of the best spring breaks ever. The first part of the week we stayed home and had a blast going to the zoo, doing special activities with the kids (Lily and I got manicures and Andrew and I spent the afternoon at a the train table and pet store). Bill and I even managed to have a date night out at the gallery hop. Then the second half of the week went down to Cincinati. We've done this little trip for the past 4 years and it continues to be fun :) On the way down we stopped at the outlet mall and did a little damage. It was fun, we found good bargains and the kids are pretty set for summer.

Once down in Cincy we had a lot of fun. The hotel's pool was so nice and warm and Andrew really had a blast. He spent the first night saying "I swimmming!" to anyone near us. He was also sooo excited to go to the Newport Aquarium and see the sharks. He kept saying "I'm gonna see sharks!" to everyone in the hotel. Interestingly enough we got to the shark tunnel, Andrew said "No Mama. Sharks are too big!!" They had the jelly fish exhibit open again and I had a blast watching those odd little creatures float around. We also had the chance to catch up with some friends and meet their little cuties (one who is also adopted from China). At the end of our trip we visited an awesome park where the kids had a blast and then we ate at the best, most authentic Chinese restaurant we can find in Ohio. Since it was Saturday, they had their Dim Sum menu available and that was totally a fun experience.

A Great Spring Break and Easter

Sorry I haven't posted much. Between ending the grading period, getting ready for Easter and being outside, I haven't had much time.

Life is going well and we had a great Easter. With the perfect weather, whole family together and a delicious meal on my parent's patio, we couldn't have asked for more.

Finding Our Smiles

Andrew appears to be exhibiing a severe case of the Terrible Twos. Over the past 2 weeks, he's decided to grab almost any object and bellow "Mine!", say "No!" to everything and absolutely rage at me when he doesn't get his way. Whew! It's been exhausting for all of us. I know this phase will pass and trust me, we don't cave to his not-so-desirable behaviors. So, I'm posting this picture I snapped of the kids eating some Pop Rocks candy last night. It reminded me that there is my funny, sweet, silly little boy in there and I'm looking forward to seeing him more often :)

Worst Easter Egg Hunt Ever

Andrew freaked out during the neighborhood Easter egg hunt. Why? We don't know......but he sure was miserable.

Enjoying Some Early Spring Weather

We've been treated to a week's worth of spring like weather. You better believe we took advantage of it and played outside everyday. Parks, playgrounds, backyards, neighbors and sunshine were all thoroughly enjoyed. Lily and Andrew are truly outdoor kids who just enjoy the freedom of running in wide open spaces. It's fun to see them get so much enjoyment.

Kindergarten Musical!

Tonight we were treated to the 5 kindergarten classes in Lily's school putting on their musical. The theme was "ABCs", the costumes were fun, the songs were performed with gusto and the end result was adorable. I'm not sure what's more endearing.....100+ kindergarteners singing their hearts out or 300+ parents and grandparents snapping photos and waving. It's hard to say. Lily brought her "entourage" which consisted of 2 parents, 4 grandparents, 1 uncle and 1 little brother. Lily performed her songs well and we all had a great time. On a side note, it's no secret that Andrew thinks the sun rises and sets over Lily. When he first saw Lily in her queen costume tonight he said her name with awe. By the way, Andrew's Lily sounds like "Yeh-yeh." He just couldn't get enough of her and was rushing to stay next to her when we coming downstairs for pictures. In the first picture, Andrew is actually hugging her and saying "My Yeh-Yeh."

Celebrating the Year of the Tiger

Today, we went to our local Families With Children from China's Chinese New Year celebration. I believe this is the 6Th one Bill and I have attended (5 with kids, 1 as waiting parents). Once again, I always find myself moved to see so many families like ours, so many beautiful children and parents devoted to keeping a piece of their children's culture. There's something awfully endearing about seeing some middle age white man looking majorly out of place in a Chinese silk top taking a million snap shots of his daughter performing a traditional dance on stage. We are so very lucky to live in a community with such a large FCC chapter and so many resources. A local TV anchor hosted the event and she is a Taiwanese American. I introduced her to Andrew and I believe it was love at first sight for Andrew! We had a great time, saw many friends and took many photos!

Of course, I had to take a few photos of the kids in their silks before we went







We saw our friends who also have a son from Taiwan. These little guys were born 1 day apart in Taiwan, lived in the same baby hospital for their first 3 months and were adopted to 2 families who live about 10 miles apart. That never ceases to amaze me.




The Meyers have been taking pictures for years at the CNY festival. Of course we had to stop by and get our photos done.





In years past, some lion dances have gone on for over 15 minutes. This troupe was perfect. They were entertaining, good at the acrobatics, not too scary for the kids and they were much more efficient!



This is a local Chinese folk dance troupe that performed. The number was called "Red and Green" and it is my understanding that one of these beautiful dancers is in her 60's!

Picture Lily took..........

Here's a picture Lily took of Bill and myself last night. I think it's one of the best ones we've had done in years. Maybe she's a budding photographer?

Snowed In!

This morning I chuckled thinking that our local weathermen had made a huge fuss over nothing as we didn't have a single flake of snow in sight. Well, the weathermen certainly get the last laugh. We've got about 6 inches and I think we're going to get another 4+ more! Thankfully, we're all home safe and sound. Bill did a quick grocery run yesterday so were set. I'm actually looking forward to some quite, lazy, snuggly family time :) We did take the kids outside for about 20 minutes and ofcourse I had to snap some pictures.

Come on Spring!

Doesn't that look like what Andrew is saying? Today, when we had a small window of almost 40 degrees and sunshine I impulsively took the kids to one of our favorite parks. I didn't tell them and the moment we pulled into the park they both yelled "Yeah!!" We got in a good amount of running and playing for about 30 minutes and then we felt chilled enough to go about our errands. We're doing really well this winter, but we'll all admit we are ready for some spring and outdoor fun. Here's hoping that groundhog was wrong about 6 more weeks of winter.

Balloon Blowout!

What happens when a bunch of children who've been stuck inside due to the long, cold days of winter get together at a birthday party? Balloon mania! Last night we were having a good time at a friend's b-day party when a spontaneous balloon frenzy erupted. The still pictures can not convey the excitement, energy, and hilarity of the moment :) I'm not sure what was funnier. The kids going crazy with the crinkle french fry balloons or all the crazy, static hair at the end. Enjoy!

fun photography tip

I'm planning on taking some photography classes online in March. Untill then, I've been rereading some scrapbooking and photography books that I have. I read about one suggestion to purchase a piece of black velvet to use as background when you are taking portrait shots. So when the kids and I were out at JoAnn's I decided to purchase some. According to the saleswoman at JoAnn's, velvet rarely goes on sale. I decided to purchase a medium quality and get 3 yards. It cost me about $20.00. We took it home and Lily asked if I could take some pictures of her in a dress that she received as a Christmas gift. I've always loved taking pictures of Lily and she has learned on her own how to pose for the camera. I'm very pleased at how her pictures turned out.







Then when Andrew got up from his nap, I tried placing him on the black velvet. Well, let me tell you. At 2, he has no time for letting his mommy take portraits of him. This look says it all.



All in all, I'm pleased with the purchase. I think I'm simply a mom with one child who is super easy to photograph and one who isn't. I did finally catch a good shot of Andrew with a natural smile and it's the one I used in the header.

Hatching Dinosaurs at Home

My parents brought back "Magic Growing Pet Hatch'em" dinasaur eggs from Las Vegas because every kid needs a pet dinosaur, right?. You put these little eggs in a cup of water and 48 hours later, your dinasaur is supposed to hatch and will continue to grow bigger over the next few days. Lily has been waaaaaay into this and Andrew has picked up on her excitement. I will say that it's been a fun thing to watch and the dinosaur really does get bigger and crack the shell. I thought the shell would just disolve in the water. Here's the progression of Lily's dinosaur. Both kids are excited to watch Andrew's dinosaur hatch next!

New boots, more snow and more fun

Well, I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I last posted. Time does continue to fly by. We're all doing well. After lots and lots of yucky weather and indoor time, I could just see the kids craving to get outside. Honestly, Andrew and Lily are such outdoor kids and I figured we should go out and purchase some good snowsuits and boots for them both. Well, apparently shopping for such items in January is too late. Go figure :) So we made due with what we could find. The only boots in Lily's size were ones that looked a little too grown up to me. Naturally, she loooooves them. The only snowsuit for Andrew was a 24 month size and it's way too big. So as I was taking the kids out in their new get up I felt like I was hanging out with a Model and a Teddy Bear. Take a look!

Here's Lily striking a pose all on her own. I swear she's 6 going on 16.



and here's my little Teddy Bear. At least he has room to grow in that snow suit!


In either case, I've got two precious little ones and I'm one lucky mama!

Happy New Year!

Ok, so he's not Baby New Year. He's still pretty cute, right? Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's Eve and is enjoying their holiday weekend. We took the kids to an indoor water park for a night and then came back home to have our own party of appetizers and games at home. It was a far cry from the days of shopping for a new dress, getting your hair done, going out to a fancy restaurant, attending a party and staying up way past midnight. But everything has a season, and I wouldn't trade places. Wishing everyone a fabulous 2010. May it be a year of good health, prosperity, joy and much love!