tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175797222012-01-27T19:03:57.976-08:00'Where there is great love, there are always miracles.' -Willa Cather LID 3-10-06 for Meili GraceJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.comBlogger6571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-52536993294962283062011-12-19T07:35:00.000-08:002011-12-19T07:59:40.782-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,If you read the blog or follow on Facebook, none of this will be news to you. Nevertheless, some traditions die hard and we feel the need yet again to sum up our year in a page and subject you all to it…:)Matt’s International assignment at work that had him so excited this time last year ended up taking him to the exotic locations of Salt Lake City, UT and Atlanta, GA. To

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-66776887419531807062011-12-06T15:47:00.000-08:002011-12-06T15:49:14.573-08:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-85171669101624744532011-11-21T10:23:00.000-08:002011-11-21T15:55:13.180-08:00

The Petunia Picklebottom pictured up there looks very familiar and it makes me very happy that after months (years?) of being pack safely away in a closet, it will finally be put to some good use! I feel like I need to begin with a disclaimer that I would not normally be a TWO Picklebottom woman under normal circumstances but waiting for a child for almost 4 years is not normal circumstances and

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-11967370584905159092011-09-26T11:30:00.001-07:002011-09-26T11:44:06.616-07:00

Meili continues to do amazingly well in preschool. Her teachers tell me that she has earned the nickname, 'The Cleaner' since she is content to continue to clean the classroom long after the other children have moved on to other activities. She is so excited to go to preschool and wakes up each morning hoping that it is a preschool day. She comes home talking about everything that she did there,

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-55457333335679699722011-09-23T10:12:00.000-07:002011-09-26T10:28:41.105-07:00

Some days motherhood has me overwhelmed with dishes and laundry and places to be. Today I'm just overwhelmed with how lucky I am to be a mom. Can you even stand the cuteness?!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-75974421927719485552011-09-21T11:22:00.000-07:002011-09-26T11:30:02.839-07:00

So proud of our Taylor! He was awarded his Eagle about two years ago, which is a great accomplishment but he continues to 'Do His Best' in scouting and is still earning awards. At tonight's court of honor, he earned the Denali award which is the highest achievement that a Varsity scout can earn. He also earned his 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Eagle Palms. He has a goal to earn each of the Boy Scout

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-81456205135489725552011-09-16T09:25:00.000-07:002011-09-26T09:49:22.813-07:00

I was playing with Meili on her bedroom floor the other day when I heard a large 'thud.' I looked toward the direction of the sound to find this delightful creature. The picture does not do it justice. The thing was no less than 4 inches long! I wish I would have thought to put a ruler next to him before I snapped the photo but I'm actually surprised that I had the presence of mind to grab the

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-27603639764290952002011-09-15T09:49:00.000-07:002011-09-26T09:53:37.860-07:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-72402226628175862722011-09-13T09:53:00.000-07:002011-09-26T10:05:55.119-07:00

I have to tell you-If I ranked holidays by ease of preparation, this would be my favorite! We have been celebrating Autumn Moon Festival-'Bouton Style' for about six years now and we love it! We usually pick up Chinese take out for dinner, but have been known to make spaghetti and call it Longevity Noodles. After dinner, we eat Moon Pies (suppposed to be moon cakes, but we don't have an Asian

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-27439650734410098582011-09-11T09:05:00.000-07:002011-09-26T09:25:23.622-07:00

Matt scored some free tickets to the Buccaneers game this weekend and treated Noah to a great father-son day. This is the first time in a long time that we have lived anywhere near a pro football team. They had a great time, even though it was HOT. We'll have to go as a family sometime.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-64400829642716993152011-08-31T10:28:00.000-07:002011-09-26T10:56:58.486-07:00

First, let me start by saying that there is no way that I am old enough to have a 16 year old! Ok, now we can continue...Taylor did indeed turn 16 years old today. I made him his traditional birthday pumpkin pie and he gave me a hug when he saw it, like he does every year. He is such a kind and sweet boy. I hate to jinx things by putting this out there but I am really enjoying parenting teenagers

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-91668456316306075362011-08-20T11:07:00.000-07:002011-09-26T11:22:30.058-07:00

Here's a picture of Mei in the preschool parking lot on the Saturday before school started, heading into the school to meet her new teachers. She looks excited, right?Here she is in front of the preschool, still doing ok...Once we got into the school, Meili wasn't so excited anymore. She didn't cry, but she didn't speak or make eye contact with anyone either. I took a couple of pictures, but I

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-12566629450848548192011-08-20T10:57:00.000-07:002011-09-26T11:07:22.557-07:00

Today was a big day in the Bouton house! 5 kids in 4 different schools this year.Meili is going to Pre-K on Tuesdays and Thursdays...Xander is in 2nd grade...Noah is in 5th grade-his last year in elementary school!Audrey is headed to 8th grade-one last year at the middle school!Taylor is a junior this year. He will need to leave the house every morning at about 5:40am for early morning seminary (

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-54573467537271818242011-08-02T14:15:00.000-07:002011-08-02T14:49:47.846-07:00

While I may never finish our China Travel Video and am well aware that the header of this blog does not yet include the child that has been a part of our family for 2 years, I thought I'd share that Meili's lifebook is complete...for now. First and foremost, I have to thank the fabulous M3 at the Salsa Blog for inspiring me with her 'Lifebook as Rough Draft' format. Until recently the whole

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-67445841364751819782011-08-01T10:47:00.001-07:002011-08-01T10:50:40.853-07:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-85008947104344083652011-08-01T10:41:00.001-07:002011-08-01T10:46:59.259-07:00

He posed himself this way. I had nothing to do with it. Promise.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-82590335861967527192011-08-01T10:34:00.001-07:002011-08-01T10:41:04.459-07:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-75131920500013373962011-08-01T10:21:00.000-07:002011-08-01T10:34:22.559-07:00

I think Noah enjoyed the photo shoot the least but was a good sport. He'll do anything for his mama!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-7775215414891382252011-08-01T10:13:00.001-07:002011-08-01T10:21:46.236-07:00

This boy provides endless hours of entertainment in our family by just being himself. Just before taking this photo, he asked me if he should smile or if I'd rather have a 'dramatic stare.' Can you tell which one I chose?I think this one is my favorite!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-29797117036382652012011-08-01T09:59:00.000-07:002011-08-01T10:13:21.193-07:00

I've noticed lately that I have a gazillion photos of my girls (especially Meili) and almost none of my boys. The main reason is that I'm usually home with just Meili when school is in and even with school out, the boys would rather have their fingernails pulled out than sit still for a photo shoot. Yesterday, I put my foot down... I started with just Noah and Xander, then decided to make Taylor

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-85596802517318828612011-07-27T06:34:00.000-07:002011-07-27T06:44:10.384-07:00

I came across a recipe on a blog that took me back to my childhood. In 1981, I was seven years old. Grandma and Grandpa took me with them on a trip to Oklahoma. It was there that I was introduced to CHOCOLATE GRAVY but I've only dreamed about it since. That was, until this morning! Here's the recipe-CHOCOLATE GRAVY1/3 stick butter2/3 C. Sugar2T flour/or cornstarch1/3 C cocoa2 C whole milkMelt

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-78333679820349220432011-07-20T06:33:00.000-07:002011-07-20T07:02:59.280-07:00

Our pool area is completely screened in so I'm surprised when we get an occasional frog in the pool. Imagine my surprise to find this guy doing the backstroke in our pool this morning! We slowly learned that he had invited FOUR of his closest friends... One tried to hide up under the pool deck until Matt fished him out with a screwdriver. Not sure what these are called but they are harmless. The

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-61360807393217846462011-07-16T22:00:00.000-07:002011-07-17T10:40:21.602-07:00

Well, the cuteness at our house today was almost too much to take! Paige, and her mom Michele, were a part of our China travel group almost 2 years ago. We had the opportunity to visit Paige in Georgia last summer and were lucky enough to get a visit from the C family in our neck of the woods this year. So grateful that the girls were able to spend some time together and to keep in touch with all

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-21422347567966235722011-07-09T10:54:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:03:54.032-07:00

I can't remember how long we have had this dog (more than 6 months, less than a year?) It's probably because it seems like she has been a part of our family forever. Nonetheless, I thought she deserved a blog debut. Chelsea is part lab and part husky, and probably part something else that is smaller in stature than both of those breeds since she only weighs about 40 pounds. What a bundle of love

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-5468656394741795502011-07-08T11:03:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:11:13.344-07:00

We live close enough to the Kennedy Space Center to be able to see a launch from our front yard on a clear day, especially if the launch happens in the dark but this is the best we could do with the cloud cover we had today. The end of an era...

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-72489290052346453212011-07-08T10:40:00.000-07:002011-07-17T10:53:54.108-07:00

Our girl has just barely turned three years old, but she knows that she was born in China and can easily recognize things and people who are Chinese. That in and of itself isn't anything too spectacular, but to me the light in her eyes when she talks about China is. She recently found a drawer full of the Chinese dresses that we bought for her in China and you would have thought that she

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-16213118840786589412011-07-06T11:11:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:43:08.968-07:00

Matt made the mistake many months ago of letting Meili paint his toenails. Now she wants to to it everyday. My favorite part about this particular nail appt. is that Matt forgot the polish was there until he took his tennis shoes off at the beach the next day!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-57430001006988073142011-07-04T11:27:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:33:11.561-07:00

We have done the 'Velcro Baby' thing with Meili for much of the almost two years that she has been home so it is still strange for me to lose track of her for more than a few minutes at a time. When I looked for her today, this is what I found. The boys are so good with her! They gave her a stack of their useless cards and really made her feel like she was part of the game. Meili and I are both

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-6505967135994192182011-07-04T11:15:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:27:20.153-07:00

Living in a state where fireworks are legal is still a new thing for us. The kids had a blast and Matt wants to seriously up the budget for next year!Jackson wasn't a fan of the fireworks. Will definitely be medicating him next year!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-77811953429265878932011-06-29T11:33:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:38:27.702-07:00

Matt and Taylor just returned from a 2.5 week, almost 100 mile backpacking adventure in New Mexico with Taylor's AZ scout troop. It is tradition to not shave during the trek and see who can grow the longest and thickest beard by the end of it. Needless to say, Matt won. It lasted just long enough to take this photo...:)

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-32346246874865831062011-06-19T11:38:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:40:05.020-07:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-22472642383925566812011-06-10T11:44:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:47:37.458-07:00

Ready or not, I'm going to be home with 5 kids to entertain for the next 3 months! Here's Xander with his 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Loadwick. This lady performed some miracles with him this year. He is really going to miss her. Notice his new glasses and Bieber hair...:) Here's Noah with his 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Patterson. He had a great year too!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-43955313632112716752011-06-10T11:40:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:43:58.620-07:00

Meili had a fun time at the park with some of her best buddies.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-24140440026761051992011-06-08T11:47:00.000-07:002011-07-17T11:52:31.445-07:00

But worth the wait! Meili's birthday gift from mom and dad didn't arrive in time for the big day but we don't think she cared too much. Our hope is that now she won't be fighting for big brother's scooter now that she has her own.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-3163421550682886952011-06-07T12:04:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:14:05.463-07:00

...and what a beautiful, smart, sweet and silly girl she is! We are so blessed to have Meili Grace in our family. Happy Birthday, sweet girl! We love you!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-87113698449884272462011-06-07T11:52:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:04:10.745-07:00

Mulan! Love these faces! She was so excited about every little thing.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-80020323316801483482011-06-03T12:14:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:16:22.478-07:00

Emily is three years older than Meili, but you would never know that there is such an age difference with how well they play together. Meili loves it when Emily comes over!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-40445533453922066222011-05-31T12:16:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:19:12.174-07:00

This is Audrey's second year playing the flute in band and she picked up another trophy for her bookshelf. We are so proud of her!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-82800819152383261772011-05-29T12:19:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:23:49.852-07:00

The Youngs (three of them were on the infamous canoe adventure with Matt and Taylor...) spent a week in Orlando recently and were kind enough to spend a day with us. Taylor was so excited to hang out with one of his best buddies, Nathan!...and here we are. Yep, I've hacked my hair off. So fun to have houseguests. Who's next???

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-28497230622725347882011-05-27T12:23:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:30:31.348-07:00

Meili has been basically potty trained for a few weeks now, but was still wearing a pull up at nap and bedtime. After a succession of dry naps and nights, we have happily retired the diapers and pull ups! While I'm a little sad that our last baby is no longer a baby, I can't tell you how happy I was to hand over the last of them to our neighbor! The other development is sleeping in her 'big girl

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-21866810254100828092011-05-23T12:30:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:35:44.388-07:00

Xander may have an older brother who is an Eagle and another that is a Webelo but he can proudly say that he is the only Bouton boy to ever be a Tiger Cub Scout! Tonight was our last pack meeting of the year and Xander crossed over to Wolf. I got to be an assistant den leader. We both had a great time!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-4823070007800952422011-05-21T12:46:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:53:57.198-07:00

Two years ago today we looked at this cute little face for the first time. We thought she was pretty special then, but we had no idea...:) Referral Day 2010Referral Day 2011What a difference...a couple of years makes!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-41869748693362322052011-05-21T12:35:00.000-07:002011-07-17T12:46:42.656-07:00

I just love this silly girl...and love that my camera now has a shutter speed that will allow me to capture some of her many faces. Meili is still pretty shy outside of our home and has only let her hair down with a select few individuals outside of our immediate family so I'm glad that I can now get some photo proof that the little ham that we know and love does indeed exist!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-80131210503692165782011-05-20T12:54:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:01:43.182-07:00

I think our pool temp is only up to 72 degrees but it doesn't stop these two crazy kids. Hard to believe that Meili cried in terror for the first three days whenever she would see this inflatable alligator. She's slow to warm up...but she does warm up!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-66985095164978537792011-05-19T13:09:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:10:38.969-07:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-73782337370050203462011-05-19T13:01:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:08:59.052-07:00

I never get a good enough seat in the audience to get a good enough picture of Audrey at one of these things so I got there early and just walked up to her to get my shot. She thought she could just hide but she must have forgot who she was dealing with... I appreciate the hands down but this in definitely not going to cut it...That's better...but you made me wait for it so I'm going to hang

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-59697830622327572502011-05-18T13:10:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:12:25.962-07:00

Making brownies in our pjs...

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-56562966932390937292011-05-14T13:12:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:15:59.935-07:00

and our Mei Mei. We were at the hair salon this morning and Audrey was getting her Featherlocks put in. (I already had mine.) Meili-who doesn't make a peep usually when we are in public says, 'I want a feather too!' so darn it, she got one. I wish I had a better picture of it than this one, but she ripped it out not too long after she woke up from this nap...:(

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-90279922572462392162011-05-09T15:07:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:10:56.199-07:00

Braces!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-65062790811007956552011-05-09T13:16:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:22:37.599-07:00

This past weekend, my husband dove into a tank of sharks and saved TWO people from drowning. Seriously, I couldn't make this up if I tried... We went to a water park as a family and some of us were about to enter the Shark Reef when Matt noticed one of the park patrons struggling in the water. A small female lifeguard went to help and the drowning person decided that the best way to get rescued

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-35914114595863765922011-04-26T15:11:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:16:25.824-07:00

Audrey spent the majority of her spring break at camp with the girls her age from church. She had a great time and can't wait to go back next year!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-17787558991118403222011-04-24T15:16:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:42:20.169-07:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-19997144247656209792011-04-23T15:43:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:48:46.753-07:00

...and Cristina! Audrey got to have a combo party at our house with her friend Cristina who turns 13 just a few weeks after she does. C's mom is a great friend-so fun to have a partner to plan a party with! Crazy Girls!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-91180261537614946672011-04-23T15:38:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:41:54.753-07:00

Noah turned 10 more than a week ago, but we just finally found a weekend to have his party. He invited a few friends to go to Boing. It's an indoor play area-thing with wall to wall trampolines. Of course, there are no pictures of that, but here are a few of the kids having cake and icecream after they came back.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-68349232235147040682011-04-18T15:48:00.000-07:002011-07-17T15:55:15.254-07:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-87865880352136749332011-04-08T10:45:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:55:55.696-07:00

We found a neat park to spend some time at near the airboat launch. There is an old fort and a couple dozen old fashioned buildings to walk through. It's a great place to stop and have a picnic lunch and walk around.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-90933796986565111802011-04-08T05:51:00.000-07:002011-07-18T06:22:07.386-07:00

Once the ride was over, we got to hold 'Mr. Wiggles.' Meili wasn't too excited about the little gator... ...but had no problem getting up close and personal with 'Porkchop.'

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-91585110824698174392011-04-08T05:00:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:40:54.659-07:00

We were able to take my parents and grandma on the ultimate Florida tourist attraction. Meili has done this before and is always nervous when it starts but has a good time. This was my first time seeing a bald eagle from an airboat. So glad I had the good camera!Apparently the first week of April is a great time to see gators. I've never seen so many out here before! Still in awe of all the green

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-11817612722514126462011-04-06T05:42:00.000-07:002011-07-18T05:50:50.166-07:00

The Port Authority offers boat tours out of Channelside that are FREE! We had a good time and got to see some things we hadn't seen before. TampaMei Mei and her GrandparentsMy TboneT and Papa Jim JimLove the flying pigtails!Grandma and the girls.Our whole crew.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-68325394714815304162011-04-06T05:29:00.000-07:002011-07-18T05:42:41.841-07:00

It's becoming a tradition to go to this restaurant when we have guests in town. The food is interesting-authentic Spanish and Cuban-and not something you are going to find in a chain all over the country. The really cool part is the flamenco dancing. So fun to watch! My Mom and Grandma...and the delicious bread! My Dad and Matt. All of us. After we ate, we took a stroll down the streets of Ybor

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-67216129882775027702011-04-04T05:15:00.000-07:002011-07-18T05:29:20.728-07:00

Xander and Noah got to ditch school and go to Kennedy Space Center with their grandparents. So cool to see the shuttle on the launch pad! Grandma Johnson. Seriously, someone should have told me that my shirt was see-through. Xander, Noah and Meili Grace. Grandma Judy and Papa Jim-Jim.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-24754576592579858092011-04-03T10:41:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:45:35.784-07:00

Trying out the Hurricane Simulator: All of us on the viewing platform:Sadly, this is one of the only manatees we saw this day. It's getting too warm for the manatees to hang out here:

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-72639534741678843802011-04-02T05:04:00.000-07:002011-07-18T05:15:24.036-07:00

My parents and Grandma came to Florida for the first time for a visit. Grandma hadn't been in an airplane for 31 years so it was a really big deal for her. We had such a fun time with them!There was lots of ping pong.... hanging around... ...and trampoline jumping.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-42040396723304923352011-03-24T04:41:00.000-07:002011-07-18T04:45:33.913-07:00

One of Meili's favorite things to do is to make her daddy 'pretty.' Matt is such a good sport and will sit for a long period of time and let her wet down his hair and work her magic. Such a good daddy!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-3425616900612615782011-03-20T04:36:00.000-07:002011-07-18T04:41:46.556-07:00

Out of all three of my boys, Xander is the only one that cares about things like hair, clothes, etc. It's really funny to see the difference. He has recently informed me that he no longer wants 'nerd hair' and would like to grow his hair out 'like Justin Bieber.' Here he is a few weeks in to the process and feeling quite pleased...

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-84263997571932622162011-03-15T04:45:00.000-07:002011-07-18T05:04:36.537-07:00

I haven't been this excited about anything for a long time. Every house we have ever owned has had white carpet. That's always a pain to keep clean but lately with 5 kids and two dogs it was getting impossible. After months of the hardwood vs. laminate debate, we settled with some commercial grade high gloss laminate that looks like wood. In a high traffic home like ours, the wood would have been

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-77266598699438855242011-03-03T04:31:00.000-08:002011-07-18T04:36:49.954-07:00

I never seem to get a good enough seat to get a decent photo but here they are. Audrey plays the flute in the jr. high band and Taylor plays the violin in the hs orchestra. For some reason, their concerts seem to always be scheduled on the same night and there's usually a cub scout activity of some sort for another child going on the same night as well, so it's usually quite a chaotic occasion in

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-35875984196117725752011-02-15T04:29:00.000-08:002011-07-18T04:31:21.796-07:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-53066807387216410152011-02-07T04:08:00.000-08:002011-07-18T04:15:32.276-07:00

I'm not even sure where Xander saw this infamous loose tooth extraction technique but he was bound and determined to make it work. The older kids have tried this before and got broken string, slipped off string and stuck teeth... but never... Success! Not sure who was more surprised, him or me! (That a little bit of blood and a WHOLE lot of water on his shirt, btw.) 1st tooth is out! Once the

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-25460412779834005342011-02-03T04:02:00.000-08:002011-07-18T04:07:59.778-07:00

Meili loves any excuse lately to wear some of her Chinese clothes. If you can't wear this on Chinese New Year, then when can you wear them, right? These were supposed to be practice shots with more coming after her hair dried but we must have gotten distracted by the delicious food...

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-74801258942048391302011-02-01T16:14:00.000-08:002011-07-17T16:16:08.322-07:00

During: And After:

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-70774659255980397072011-01-31T15:55:00.000-08:002011-07-17T16:14:08.974-07:00

Audrey has been asking for skinny jeans forever so we finally gave in and made it happen. Meili NEEDED skinny jeans because nothing else fits her skinny little buns. In fact, I'm hoping that the jeggings at Children's Place don't go out of style anytime soon because they have become a staple in her wardrobe and I'm not sure what we would do to cover her legs in the winter without them! Just love

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-49151508242887467472011-01-29T16:16:00.000-08:002011-07-17T16:28:22.758-07:00

Meili decided to grow out of all of her clothes at the same time so it was time for a shopping spree. It was so fun to shop for clothes for her again. Between my referral wait shopping and her baby shower, this was probably one of the first times that we have shopped for clothes for Meili since she has been home. Audrey's friend came along and when we got home, they insisted on trying everything

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-39418117020232128962011-01-28T11:00:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:12:16.465-08:00

Whenever we head out the front door to get into the car, Meili usually makes it known that she would rather cross the street and go to the park instead. There are swings and slides just through the bushes and trees behind her in this photo. So happy to be going to the park instead of being strapped into a carseat...Love that smile...Finally got the camera I've had my eye on for years. Even

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-50254600592160027142011-01-27T11:18:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:40:18.519-08:00

After bathtime tonight, Mei-Mei was full of energy so we got the camera out. Don't let these shots fool you-she is still sleeping in a crib and can do so until she is 5 for all I care. Until then, the twin is good for diaper-changing... Goofy Girl... Trying to not cut her hair until she turns 3 in June. It's getting pretty stringy-not sure if I'm going to make it!Silly Face... Loves playing

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-75293509877992253252011-01-27T11:12:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:18:39.334-08:00

Out of the five of them, these are the two kids that get under each other's skin the most right now. So nice to see them having a good time together.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-63512861734103141122011-01-27T10:52:00.000-08:002011-01-28T10:57:08.607-08:00

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-79429167180877147272011-01-18T23:57:00.000-08:002011-01-28T12:00:33.784-08:00

He didn't place but had a great time racing with his cubscout buddies!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-14765520260078053142010-07-26T00:01:00.000-07:002010-07-26T12:14:54.187-07:00

On the 13th floor of the Jin Feng Hotel in Nanchang, China, a very sick and very scared little girl left everything that was familiar to her and was placed in the arms of complete strangers.Today, Mom's arms are where she prefers to be...and the strangers are now one big, happy, forever family.How blessed we are to have this happy, smart, brave and beautiful little girl in our lives! Happy Gotcha

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-89619104986124902912010-07-24T13:14:00.000-07:002011-01-28T13:18:49.429-08:00

Can only bear to be outside during the day if we are in the water. Thankfully, lots of options!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-84063533339493512792010-07-24T08:44:00.000-07:002010-07-24T09:02:26.354-07:00

We knew when we named our daughter, 'Meili' that there might be some issues associated with the choice such as being called 'Miley' (happens almost every day...) or never being able to find her name on a personalized keychain, etc. Who needs a keychain with your name on it when you can have your own personalized RACEHORSE??!!!Matt's Mom is a secretary/personal assistant for a man that, among

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-25612666720037752442010-07-19T16:16:00.000-07:002010-07-19T16:16:00.519-07:00

I'm back-posting these pics that I just found from October 8th of 2009. Meili had been home from China for just about two months. These pictures were taken in the courtyard of one of our favorite outdoor malls in AZ where our group of waiting moms would often get together for lunch and to comiserate about the growing referral wait times. This was probably the first time that Shannon and I got

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-25429337205272846092010-07-12T13:42:00.001-07:002010-07-12T13:56:45.949-07:00

Taylor saw this thing in the front yard and ran in the house screaming that there was a scorpion on the driveway. We all ran outside to check it out and found this 'lovely' 6-7 inch creature. Obviousy, not a scorpion-it had a tail like a lobster. After snapping this shot, we came in the house and hopped online to see what it could be. Please somebody tell me what a CRAWFISH was doing on my

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-71796339086921658042010-07-08T11:37:00.001-07:002010-07-08T11:53:33.564-07:00

Since Meili-Grace has turned two and it's almost been one year since we met her, I thought some professional photos were in order. Part of me wishes that I had done it sooner, but I don't think she would have enjoyed it very much. Today went ok-She was done before it got started, but there were a couple of good shots. My goal is to take her back often enough that she will get comfortable. The

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-25559343580854300372010-06-30T13:34:00.000-07:002010-07-12T13:42:16.141-07:00

After months of counting down, we finally were able to go to see Eclipse! My pictures don't prove it but we ended up at the theater with about 2 rows worth of friends. Audrey and her friend, C, made their own shirts for the occasion with the help of a Twilight Mama... Shirt Front-(Looks like the book cover for those of you out of the loop.)And the back: (Says-Team Jacob, because real men don't

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-78777452513322759122010-06-22T20:03:00.000-07:002010-07-19T13:16:44.416-07:00

We spent the rest of our day in Georgia at Stone Mountain. The main attraction there is the huge carving of three confederate generals in granite but the kids seemed to enjoy the Sky Hike the most. I'm not sure the pictures will do it justice but the structure is three or four stories high and there are three levels of rope courses to make your way through while suspended from a harness. It

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-71447663610377097022010-06-22T12:45:00.000-07:002010-07-19T13:03:26.385-07:00

On our way out the door for our road trip to DC, it occurred to me that we would be passing through Georgia, where one of our travelmates lives. We were so excited that Michele was free and could meet with us at a park near our hotel. It was great to see how much Paige has grown and changed this past year and share 'first year home' stories with Michele! Thanks again for a great playdate.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-16335096664966121232010-06-21T21:34:00.000-07:002010-07-19T12:45:00.452-07:00

Our next stop was the World of Coke. I thought we would be in and out of the place in an hour but we spent the better part of the day here. Lots of memorabilia to see and things to do...and taste!On the American Idol couch...There were more than 60 sodas from all over the world to taste at the end of the tour. My favorite was the 'Inka Soda' from Peru-tasted like a banana. If you happen to

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-24054881287360837872010-06-21T12:30:00.000-07:002010-07-19T12:34:37.689-07:00

Our first stop on the Bouton Road Trip 2010 was The Varsity in Atlanta, Georgia. It's the oldest, biggest, greasiest place to eat in all of the country...or something like that.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-37388425592367459982010-06-19T13:19:00.000-07:002011-01-28T13:30:23.596-08:00

With Uncle Jared and The Moody's in town, we got to be Fl tourists and head out to the everglades for an airboat ride. It was awesome! After the ride, we got to hold 'Mr. Wiggles.'

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-3574401173157789652010-06-18T12:52:00.000-07:002010-07-12T17:34:16.930-07:00

With a pool in our backyard, Infant Swim Resource lessons for Meili were no longer optional. If you don't know what that is, and particularly if you have a child that is over 6 months of age that doesn't swim, please check it out! I won't lie. It's hard work for the child and difficult to watch at times for the parent, but SO worth it!!! Ready, Set... Swim!Meili's instructor simulated several

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-4275616161945959712010-06-10T13:33:00.000-07:002011-01-28T13:39:45.256-08:00

I've been taking Meili to a music and movement class at the clubhouse in our neighborhood. She's a bit shy and doesn't sing along yet, but loves to do the hand motions. Hopefully, she'll come out of her shell soon!

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-25314123145571584022010-05-31T10:19:00.000-07:002010-05-31T10:32:35.805-07:00

I've been in denial about the fact that Meili Grace is about to turn two for a while now. Kids grow up too fast anyway but when you have missed their first 13 months, it's even worse! She's still my baby and I'm going to reserve the right to refer to her as 'the baby' for a bit longer-maybe until she is 28.Since the big day is one week from today, I decided I had better face reality and do some

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-76989586934119207002010-05-23T08:51:00.000-07:002010-05-27T09:16:51.970-07:00

Meili and I spent 5 days in California with my family and had a great time. Here's Meili on what I think was her 14th flight in the 10 months that she has been part of our family. It takes almost 7 hours to fly to CA from here but she did great! It was nice to spend some time with my family. Some of them met Meili for the first time on this trip.It didn't take long for Meili to warm up to Uncle

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-7336463047445652552010-05-22T08:40:00.000-07:002010-05-27T08:44:58.169-07:00

The Seven Siblings SistersBrothersThe Whole Crew

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-12053205203103812642010-05-21T14:03:00.000-07:002010-05-25T14:29:56.302-07:00

...we saw this precious little face for the very first time. It was one of the wildest days of my life. So many emotions and not enough time to process them. One year later-still in awe of the blessing and miracle of Meili Grace...

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-4660968240330416392010-05-18T20:45:00.000-07:002010-05-27T08:51:01.410-07:00

...right before trying to put Humpty Dumpty back together again in the Kindergarten play.

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-80815595689216362402010-05-17T13:08:00.001-07:002010-05-17T13:22:19.874-07:00

...and plenty more to go. There are 4 full baths in the house, not sure what to call this one. It's closest to Meili's room, most likely to be used as a guest bathroom, but not the pool bathroom and not the master bathroom. Make any sense? I guess we should call it the Chinese bathroom (without the squatty.) I saw this shower curtain online and had to have it. It has 200 Chinese words, with

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-32665491714556625862010-05-15T08:53:00.001-07:002010-05-15T09:02:55.344-07:00

One day not so long ago, I found myself leisurely perusing the jade counter in a Friendship Store in Beijing, China. I was pleasantly interrupted by a stranger who exclaimed, 'You don't know me but I'm from the Netherlands, and I LOVE YOUR BLOG!'I may never reclaim the heights of my two seconds of international infamy, but please know that I have plans to dust off the cobwebs and get back to

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17579722.post-4877315236151904072010-05-15T08:38:00.000-07:002010-05-17T10:45:07.428-07:00

We had a great time last night participating in the Bring Me Hope walk hosted by our new friends in the neighborhood who have three China cuties of their own.Our hearts go out to those children still living in a Chinese orphanage that are still waiting for a family or who may never have the opportunity to have one. The walk raised funds to send several Chinese orphans to summer camp for a week

Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341013937769345305noreply@blogger.com0