Shoe Girl

Always playing in someone else's shoes...

Quick Drive to the Beach

We are really enjoying that when we have a lazy afternoon and need something to do, we can throw the kids in the car and head to the beach. It is a pretty drive and fun to let the kids pick up sea shells and watch the dolphins swim for a little bit.

Meili enjoying another burrito...

Love that the GPS makes it look like we are driving on water.

We are definitely not in the desert anymore!

There's a Reason for the Mismatched Outfit...

Poor baby girl was diagnosed with Giardia earlier this month. I had asked two different pediatricians about testing her since coming home 7 months ago but both didn't feel it was necessary since she exhibited no symptoms. At our last appointment I felt like I needed to push the issue and told the dr. that all of the kids adopted from Meili's orphanage had tested positive (which may or may not be true.) The dr. finally agreed to test her and was floored when she called me herself with the results. I was floored by how hard the meds have been on her little system. We are consistently doing laundry and end up at the bottom of her drawer most days because of the diaper blow-outs. Even her socks end up needing to be changed. (TMI-sorry) Thankfully, Meili has finished the course of antibiotics and will be retested soon. Hopefully, she will be parasite free!

Big Brother

It's so sweet to see these two together. While we waited for Meili, I often wondered how Xander would do once dethroned as the baby of the house after his 6+ year reign, but I don't worry about it anymore. They are good pals. Sometimes, Xander will read to Meili in my bed in the morning if he has a few spare minutes before he leaves for school and Meili just soaks up the attention.

I'm one lucky momma!

21 Months Old

Strawberry Festival

I knew there would be purpose for this strawberry hat when I bought it for Meili so long ago... Who would have guessed that we would end up just a few miles from the strawberry capital of the Eastern US (otherwise known as the place where J. Simpson wore the mom jeans-size 4 btw)? That shortcake was delicious!

Our Strawberry Court

Not quite sure how Xander ended up the 'Queen.' Wish I had a crystal ball some days just to see what he ends up doing in life...:)

First Time Out

The empress had a HUGE meltdown when it was time to leave the park (right across the street) and landed herself in the time out chair. I stayed right there with her but she did not enjoy it. I'm sure oneday she'll be overjoyed that I chose to capture this moment...

Think she got the point? How pitiful is that cute little face?

More Park Time

Meili's First Haircut

It was time. We are sad to see some of the length go, but not to see the mullet go with it. She did really well and let me cut it. I think she looks cute as a button!

Side view.

Another sassy pose.

The back. The thumb is in, she's getting tired.

She's not going to last much longer.

Yep. She wants her momma. The photo shoot is over. Off for some cuddle time.

1st Haircut In Progress

Seriously Mom, it's time for this mullet to go.

Time out for some...

Peek-a-Boo

Cheesy Smile

Falcon of the Month!

Our Xanderbonie is Falcon of the Month of May for Kindergarten. Here he is by his place of honor in the school's cafeteria. Way to go, Xander!

T's Violin Concert

Taylor is doing great playing the violin in orchestra this year. He has made some great friends too. The music program seems to be really strong at his high school (choke). I was blown away when they played Cold Play's, 'Viva La Vida.' It was awesome!

Cong Cong and La La

I thought about giving this post the title, 'When Two Blogs Collide' as I'm sure for a split second, a few of you might wonder whose blog you are looking at when you scroll through the photos. I finally got the opportunity to meet long-time blog friend, Lisa and her wonderful family at the happiest place on earth. I still can't believe that while we were agonizing about the wait on this side of the world, our daughters were growing up together in an orphanage on the other side of it. I hope that we will be able to keep in touch through the years!

Me, Meili, Ava and Lisa

Ian and Noah
Moms and Girls

LaLa and CongCong-together again!

I think here they are wondering when we are going to put the cameras

away already and get on with some rides...

Our Wild Animals-only lost two of them and had one shed blood through the entire day!

Meili and Ava with Jeff

The moms and the kids.