Lion Dances

Last weekend, we enjoyed a dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant and 5 lion dancers. 

Birthday parties, glasses and more

We've had a nice 2012 so far.    Andrew's birthday party complete with pinata, presents, cake, friends and family was a success.   Lily was diagnosed with mild near sightedness and got her first pair of glasses.  She loves them and looks fabulous.  We started our Chinese New Year celebrations last night.  Pictures of that are to come.  Untill then, here are a few scrapbook pages I've created. 

Turning 4

On Tuesday, my little guy turned 4. He's had a pretty amazing year. Even with


all the loss and change, he's matured and grown so much. He's mastered sleeping

in a twin bed, given up his paci (which he looooooved), becoming independent in

the bathroom and calming his temper. You should see him take a deep breath and

count to 10. It's hilarious. All of this happened while dealing with things

that challenged people 10 times his age. He's still hilarious and very

entertaining. Just yesterday morning, he woke up, crawled onto my lap and said

"Do you want to know the extent of my powers?" Sometimes I fear his powers and

sometimes I'm charmed by them. There's so much personality packed into that

little guy of mine. Today we're celebrating his birthday just the way he

wanted with a "cake and pinata." It should be fun. I'm at times challenged

keeping up with my Andrew, but I'm equally blessed to have him in my life.

Getting excited

Both kids can't hardly wait.   Me either!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The Christmas season is in full swing and we're really enjoying it in our new home.   New decorations have been purchased, dear friends have sent decorations and our beautiful new home looks so festive.   Not only do we all love our new home, it's just so wonderful to be settled and establishing our new normal.   

The kids are doing really well.  We couldn't be more proud of Lily and her success at school.  Andrew is showing growth, though we do seem to have to call him a different name daily per his request.  Today, he is Blitzen as in the reindeer.    Our elf, Mr. Kringles, is here bringing lots of joy each morning.    It's been a wild year for our family, but we are determined to have a great end to the year.

7 Years Ago........



we officially became the parents of this beautiful, smart, sweet, funny, little girl.    It truly was the realization of a dream to become her parents.   We are so blessed to have her in our life!    I can't believe it's been 7 years already!

Happy Halloween

I know, I know.............it's been forever since I've posted.  Well, since my last post we've.......closed on our new house, purchase every-single-thing-you-need-for-a-house, finished a basement, moved, said good-bye to our old car, shopped for a van, had Lily's birthday party, maintained 2 jobs, navigated some illnesses and kept up with Lily's school.  Whew!   We're loving it all and our house is a dream come true.   The kids are doing well and we are all looking forward spending the holiday season in our new home.

First Day of Second Grade

Today Lily started Second Grade. I can't believe it! She has a really nice, experienced teacher who I think will be a great match for Lily. Our new home will keep Lily in her school and we are so thrilled! To watch Lily at open house and see her comfortable with her classroom, art, music & gym teachers, principal, lunch ladies, librarian etc. is such a joy. The little girl who cried and had difficulty seperating for Kindergarten is a happy, more confident second grader. What a wonderful change to see. We're looking forward to a great year. Here are some pictures of our morning:

Bezi Bezi Bay

Family day at the local water park.  We've had a season pass and today we talked Bill into going with us.  It was a fun day.

Keeping busy

We've been enjoying a lot of end of summer activities.   We took the kids to their first Clipper's game, had picnics and spent the day with Daddy at the zoo.  It's hard to believe that in a few short days, we'll be back to school!

Our New House

Most of our summer has been dedicated to find the right new house for our family.   It's been an involved, but fun process.   We are happy to report that we have found the right house and things are moving along well.   The house, neighborhood and school are all what we are looking for.  In fact, Lily will be going to the same elementary and will likely not be redistricted   The plan is to close on the home late August, finish the basement and get all the new furniture in during September and move completely by October.   Here's a photo collage of our new home:

Celebrating our Family of Four

Three years ago today, we became a family of four.   When he first came home, Andrew was a tiny, wirey baby.  However, we'd soon learn that he may have been small, but boy was he mighty.   He had such an unusual amount of physical strength for his size.  Still does.   Over the past 3 years, we've had the priveledge and joy to see Andrew become such a funny, intelligent, talkative, sweet, naughty and silly little boy.   We love him so much!  Yesterday, we celebrated our family day with a trip to the toy store, dinner out at a "fire restaurant" i.e. a hibachi grill, and an evening on the beach.    It was perfect!

School's Out for Summer!

Can you believe it?  Lily is done with first grade.   She had a great year with her teachers and buddies.  She's also done so well academically.   We are so proud of her!