Happy Birthday

I can't believe that SJ has turned four.  It seems only yesterday that we received a little 15 month old in our arms - tearful, scared and unsure.  No smiles - just tears.  Today, we have a bright, silly, strong willed, talkative little girl.  What a change in three short years.  We had a wonderful party with three of her SWI sisters and another special family and it was so amazing how much each of the girls have changed.  They dyed eggs (trying doing that with 6 kids) and played with each other.  And when it came time to leave, I don't think SJ wanted them to go.  She really loves her Xiushan sisters.

Christmas Time in DC

Christmas Time With Family in DC

We visited the DC Mall and the National Christmas Tree. 

A Day in the Mountains

Several exchange students spent a wonderful day together touring Cherokee and the mountains of Western North Carolina and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway in October.  The weather could not have been better and the fall colors were beautiful. 

More Catching Up

In September we went to the NHRA drag races at Charlotte.  It was T's first ever drag race.  I think she is now hooked.  As you can tell, the girls loved going.  It was also the first time we all saw 4 wide drag racing.  It was awesome!!!                                                                                       

Pumpkin picking.  So many to chose from.

6 months later

Yes, it has been a long time since the last post. I didn't plan on taking 6 months off, but life as a 2 teenage and toddler family was very busy to say the least. We had a wonderful semester with T and now she has returned home. During the past 6 months I turned another year older, K turned 16 and SJ's 4th BD is approaching. K and T both did well in the first semester of school and the WHHS marching band did an awesome job in competition. K is back to pole vaulting and has cleared 7' in one competition. This week-end K is performing with the All-District Band at WCU this week-end. We are currently getting more snow and hope to be able to go over the mountain to see her concert. She is doing very well on the flute and is 5th chair in the 9-10th grade All-District band. Since before Christmas, we've had only 20 days of sunshine and three snowstorms - at least a total of 18" or more. What a winter!! I am so ready for spring and the end of the snow.

Catching up

T arrived safely and the first thing on the agenda was a music festival to get a taste of Southern Gospel and Bluegrass Music.

First day of school
T eating her first smore. (Graham cracker, toasted marshmallow and chocolate bar)

2 Years Ago today

Two years ago SJ was placed in our arms. A few tears shed at first but later a smile. These 2 years have flown by. Today SJ is a loving and lively little girl. One that is now reminding us that she is a big girl with her own room. A girl who definately has a mind of her own and the will to go with it, constantly pushing the limits and takes everything to new heights. She loves music and dance and seems to constantly be on the move. Also loves book and wants to be read to every possible moment. It is so amazing how this little girl fits so well with our family. It was truely a match made in heaven.