Final Days of Summer '06

A visit to the beach and a visit to the childrens merry go round were a must before the season ended. The girls had a great time building sandcastles at the beach, and they rode the merry-go-round so often that they were dizzy. Top it off with a little cotton candy and everyone was happy.

First Day of Kindergarten

Sushan is all dressed up complete with new backpack. She is very excited to be walking to school. Once there, she gets reacquainted with Rianna, a girl she met at the orientation and when I left, she was sitting with Rianna, and Riley (a friend from daycare) drawing pictures. It's almost been a month, and she still gets excited on the days she goes to school, and she counts down the days til the next.

Fun at the Mall

The weekend before school started one of the malls put on an afternoon of festivities for the kids. There was a clown doing magic tricks, face painting, and music - a fun afternoon. Sushan entered a draw and won a whole bag of stuff - 30 gel pens, barbie pencils, candy popcorn, a calculator, plus a few other items. She was thrilled. We also took time to play at the indoor playground.

Dora the Explorer

Dora the Explorer and backpack made a trip to our city and the kids went wild - we were in line for 1 hr 20 minutes before seeing her for our 15 second photo.

I never knew so many kids existed, but everyone was happy. My kids insisted I go in the picture, otherwise they were too shy so rather than regret that time in line, there I am looking goofy.

A visit with Gramma and Grampa - August/06

Lilei and Sushan playing with Gramma toys.

Lilei helping Grampa wash the van.

Hula hooping is always a fun way to spend the morning!. As well, fun at the playground, with Gramma in the backyard, and enjoying ice cream.

Lilei enjoyed a feast of corn on the cob straight from the garden.






The golf cart is always a huge hit.

Both the weather and the visit were wonderful. The playground is 1/2 block from the house (and the golf course is right next to that).

Annual Summer Picnic Aug.12, 2006

The annual summer picnic was wonderful. Sushan was able to spend time with her friend Lian (the two are rolling on the ground and in a different photo, getting a drink). Lian and Sushan were adopted on the same trip, but from 2 different cities. They had a wonderful time.

A group of kids including Sushan and Lilei were playing Tag. It was a cool day so perfect for running.

Lilei enjoyed a visit with our friend Linton (she's sitting in front of him). Linton was there with his wife Wendy and daughter Nicola. It was because of Wendy and Linton that I first became aware of adoptions from China - which set in motion my journeys - 7 years and 2 children later, here we are.