Christmas Cookies in July

My little baker wanted to bake some Christmas cookies. No matter that it was July and super hot out. She happily helped bake and decorate some not so Christmasy looking cookies. Yum!

Hannah's Reunion

Eight of the ten families from Hannah's China travel group gathered for a reunion in July. We spent the weekend reconnecting and reminising, eating lots of delicious food (thanks, Matt!), and enjoying outside activities. We're always so delighted to gather with these dear friends and see how each of the girls have grown and changed. We thank God for bringing us together back in 2003! We're already looking forward to our reunion next summer!

A Look Back

This weekend was our 8th reunion for Hannah's China travel group. We were happy that eight of the ten families from our group were able to make it this year! In keeping with tradition, we took our annual couch picture of the girls. It was our 11th couch picture, including the first couch picture taken on the infamous red couches of the White Swan Hotel. Feeling a wee bit nostalgic I decided to include all the couch pictures we've taken over the years to chronicle how the girls have grown and changed. Wow! These little baby girls have grown into such beautiful young ladies. We are so grateful to God for these precious girls and the families that go with them. We love you Ruijin group!

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

Entrepreneurs in Training

Today my cousin Kristin and her daughters, Leah and Naomi, came over to play. To escape the heat, we came up with indoor activities. Our little entrepreneurs wanted to create an indoor lemonade stand so the mommies could purchase drinks and cookies. Too bad we were out of lemonade. Iced tea did the trick instead. They spent lots of time creating special signs for their "stand." Ava sold her goods for a mere "$50." Yeah, she was working it but had to settle for 50 cents instead. Who could resist these two cuties selling cookies and tea? Surely not their mommies. :-)

How to Survive the Heat

1. Do lots of indoor crafts
2. Do even more indoor crafts

3. Watch movies in air conditioning (and apparently snuggle under covers to escape the airconditioning...isn't that an oxymoron or something?)

4. Spend time at indoor play areas...with cute babies makes it even better

My cousin Michelle and her daughter Rebecca visiting from California...they thought they would be escaping the heat. Ha! :-)

5. Water, water, and more water. Drink it, swim in it and splash around in it!

Clever Girl

Someone decided to paint their nails using the acrylic paints for our birdhouses. Can you guess who?

Family Fun in the Sun

During the week of 4th of July, we spent time with both sides of our family. First, we gathered with mi familia at LP for a time of boating, eating, golf cart riding, and playing. We're so glad that Dan, Angela and Andrew could be there too! The kids had a blast hanging out together. Hannah and Andrew even managed to catch a little fish with a net.

The next few days we hung out with Doug's family at the cottage they rent. It was a beautiful week so we soaked up lots of sun and spent plenty of time in the lake. Unfortunately, my camera decided it needed to take a dip in the lake too. After using a blow dryer to dry it out, leaving it in the sun for a few hours, and then leaving it in a container of rice overnight, it actually worked again. Yea! Guess my Rebel will have to wait. No, Doug, I did not purposely drop the camera in the lake. :-) Honest!

Ready, set, go

Alissa's first boat ride

The B fam - missing Hillary, Ben and Joey

Hannah loved spending time with Aunt Di's dog Mia

Right before my camera fell in

After using a blow drying to dry out my camera. The rice did the trick. Thanks for the tip, Chels!

Chris patiently getting a "mud bath" from Hannah

Di, Chelsea and Alana - Chels is starting to show her cute baby bump

Ava told Chelsea that she wanted to marry Ben so she was going to have to find a new husband. Seriously, where does she come up with these things?

Doug slalom skiing after many years. He's still got it!

What a family!?