February Update #2

Don't forget to scroll down if you've missed our updates --- having to post daily to catch up!

It was the first day or two of February -- we got snow one day...it only lasted one day.  (Can I tell you how upset my daughter is that we've only had a couple days of snow this year?  After last years MULTIPLE 20" or more days of snow...she's just not happy!!)  Well, it was one day of snow -- but it was wet, heavy snow and it was PERFECT for making snow balls.  So, that night we went out to throw snow balls at each other!  Her and daddy got in a BIG throwing match!  By the way.... it melted the next day! :(

 Trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue.

 Making snow angels.

Direct hit!!!!!  She got daddy right in the chest....2 thumbs up for that one!

Dodging daddy's throws..... can you tell she's hiding behind a bush?  Should I also tell you that as she popped back up daddy accidentally hit her right in the face?!?!  oooooopppsss!

Final revenge!  The snow was very wet & packed quite well!  Enough to make this HUGE snow ball - that daddy ended up getting -- right in the back!

Where did February Go???? Update #1

Where does a month go?  It goes by fast if you live in our house!!  We are usually very very busy in February.  There is Forever-Family (Gotcha) Day, Chinese New Year, Valentines Day, Cousin Naomi's Birthday (technically it's the last day of January -- however many times we celebrate in February), My birthday, My mothers birthday, and this year there was a wedding!!  Not to mention that this February I am working part-time every day.  I am filing as assistant pre-school teacher for 3 year old's in Anne Marie's pre-school for a friend of mine that is out on maternity leave.   That is 3 days a week - and I"m still working at my friends boutique 2 days a week - not to mention I am babysitting for a friend a few days a week as well. 

Can you say C-R-A-Z-Y?!?!?!  But it's been F-U-N as well!  Before the month of February ends I wanted to update you with all the things we've done.  Well, being that February shorts us 2-3 days I don't think I'll do it before 2/28, however over the next few days I will update you with all our exciting adventures this past month!  So, sit back, relax, and enjoy all the pictures...it's going to be a busy few days!! 

Let's start with cousin Naomi's Birthday!!  She decided she wanted a bowling party!  Well, Anne Marie wasn't sure about this, but by the end she asked if she could have a bowling party for her birthday.  (Too bad I've already planned a kite-flying party for her party....oooooppps!)

 Can you tell "someone" is straining to hold their 6lb ball?

 Trying to be "artistic" with my camera.  (Me, Mike, Naomi & Anne Marie)  How else could I make bowling shoes look good, if I didn't get a little "artistic"??? Haa!

 Two cuties getting their shoes on.  (did I just post these last two pictures out of order? Can you tell I'm too busy to re-post & put in the correct order???)

 THROWING (seriously!  THROWING!) the ball -- and a little over the line as well!

Back @ Nana's house for cake, ice-cream & gifts!!!  What a fun day!!

4 Years!!!

We can not believe it's been 4 years since meeting our daughter for the first time!!!  Chinese New Year and Forever Family Day landed very close together this year.  CNY started on 2/3 and Forever Family Day is 2/5.  The evening of the 3rd I had a Church meeting, so we couldn't celebrate that night, and 2/5 we had another Church obligation, so we decided that we would celebrate both special days on 2/4.  Mike and I took Anne Marie to her favorite Chinese Restaurant for a yummy dinner.  This year her special "China gift" was given to her @ Christmas.  (The butterfly kite) so we got her a 64pk of crayons and a coloring book.  (She has really really been wanting one of those BIG pack of crayons ever since she saw her cousin Naomi's HUGE pack of crayons.)  Of course we told her the story about what it was like in China when we came to get her & what it was like that first day we met her.  It's so fun to re-count the memories of that day - and it's so sweet that she loves to hear all about it!  (We're still hoping to have a CNY celebration w/ family & Anne Marie will be sharing some special CNY treats with her class-mates at pre-school this upcoming week.  We're looking forward to that!!)

Then & Now!  A family of 3 - things were so new in 2007 - in 2010 things are so comfortable - and we can not imagine our life without this beautiful child.  It's amazing how God has blessed our family.  It's like it's always been this way - we can't remember the days when she was not with us!!

Then & Now!  It's amazing how this child has grown.  Not only in size (and it's scary how much that has happened) but I remember how shy, scared & unsure she was those first few months.  Now - she's talkative. (very very very talkative!)  She's very opinionated, bright, creative, and smart!  (I know---every parent says that -- but it's true!!)  It's all going to fast and I want it to stop!! (Just for a while - so I can take in each wonderful moment - I just don't want to miss anything!!!)

Happy Forever Family Day to Our China Famlies!!!  We're so happy we can share this day with you!!