Summer Lovin'

We have been lovin' the carefree days of summer. Unfortunately, time has gotten away from us and we haven't posted in forever... well, since the beginning of June which feels like forever ago. Part of the reason I haven't posted in ages is technical difficulties with our computer. It ended up being our modem so a new one is on the way. I'm typing this post at my parent's house (while they entertain the girls... hey, I think I'll post from their house more often :-)) I will be doing additional posts sometime in the near future to highlight big events from the past two months, but here's a quick slideshow of some everyday moments. Love to you all!

Heritage Camp

This was Hannah's first year attending Heritage Camp through FFIC (Families For International Children). It's a day camp for internationally adopted children and their siblings and it's AWESOME! It helps children connect with and celebrate their heritage. Hannah absolutely loved it!! On the second day she said, "Mom, I wish this would last 100 more days!" She was in the kindergarten class for the China program and was delighted to have two good friends in her class, Lia and Gwyneth. She also made some new friends. We enjoyed reconnecting with a family that we traveled home from China with in 2003. Their daughter Molly is the same age as Hannah. I think Heritage Camp will be an annual event for our family.

Hannah and Gwyneth

Hannah and Lia

Getting ready for the Performance

The Performance and Cultural Celebration

Where did May go?

I can't believe it's June and our last day of preschool is tomorrow. May just flew by, which is perhaps good since we had some rough weeks. May was also filled with some fun times with family and friends. Here's a glimpse of the brighter side of our May.

A Proud Little Sister

Growing up, my older brother Dan loved school and did really well and my older brother Phil tolerated school but wasn't a big fan. That's why I just have to brag a bit about Phil's huge accomplishment.

In May, Phil graduated from Cornerstone University with a Master of Science (Business Division - Management). That in and of itself is awesome, but even more incredible is that he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was one of ten graduates to receive the Distinguished Achievement honor. His professors chose Phil to receive that honor. Wow! Can you tell I'm a bit proud!? I was so glad that I could be there to share in the celebration. Way to go Phil!

Phil, Lisa and Taylor

Proud Parents

Phil with his Moms - Our mom (on the right) and Sally his birthmom

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Our little girl is growing up so fast. Years ago when I taught at Millbrook, I remember seeing young kids playing t-ball and thinking how fun it would be when my own children could play. Keep in mind I loved playing t-ball and softball when I was growing up so I just figured my kids would one day play too. :-) This year Hannah was old enough to give it a try. Millbrook still has their awesome t-ball program so I happily signed Hannah up.

It was a good experience overall, but Hannah discovered that it can be a bit boring just standing in a field. Fortunately, there were friends to chat with, dandelions to pick, and interesting patterns to be made using her soccer cleats. :-) She also loved when it was her team's turn to bat. On the last evening she told us she was ready to be done with t-ball, but after she received her medal she was singing a different tune. She came running up to me and said, "Mom, I can't wait to play t-ball again next year so I can get another medal!" Wow...is she growing up fast!

Taking Time to Smell the Tulips

May has been such a crazy month for our family. I won't go into a lot of detail, but we've had our share of interesting health issues. Last week I had a health scare, was in the hospital for a couple days, and at one point thought I would be having surgery. Thankfully everything turned out okay. The good thing about being in the hospital is that they discovered my hemoglobin was very low - meaning I am anemic. Now I'm taking iron pills several times a day and feeling much better. I have been feeling really tired for a long time but just figured it was due to being a busy mom of two active girls. It feels good to know there was another reason. :-)

This has also been a month of loss and devastation for so many people. Our hearts hurt for the people of Burma (Myanmar) and China. The earthquake in China hits closer to home for our family because it occurred in the Sichuan province where Ava is from. It makes us grieve for families who have lossed their one and only child and for the many children who are now orphans. This week we have also been grieving for the Steven Curtis Chapman family. Maria, one of three daughters the Chapmans have adopted from China, was killed when her brother accidentally hit her in their driveway. Such a heart wrenching tragedy. A friend of Hannah's best friend Lia also died recently in a freak accident on a swing set. Needless to say, our girls have been receiving lots of extra hugs and kisses.

We have really been reminded this month that life is precious... we need to take time to smell the "tulips" and appreciate those whom we love. We hope you are also able to take time to savor all that is precious to you.

Love and Hugs,
Sheryl

P.S. In honor of taking time to smell the flowers (tulips) :-) we've included some pictures from the Tulip Time Festival.

Hannah's Ballet Recital

Here are a few pictures from Hannah's ballet recital. Her class danced to the song "My Heart, Your Home" and did a lovely job. Last year Hannah was a lamb in her recital, but this year she got to wear a beautiful blue dress that was very "girlie" (even if it was blue). :-) She was thrilled! During the actual performance the little guy next to her stood too close so she didn't have much room to move. Despite feeling crowded she danced as best she could and kept a smile on her face during the entire song.

She has really enjoyed being in the same class as her friend Grace and some of the new friends she has made. She is ready to be done with ballet though - she's had it almost every Monday morning since September. She's not sure if she wants to do it again next year since she would like to try gymnastics. We'll have to wait and see. I think she has such a natural ability for ballet so I would love to see her continue, but we won't force her to do it if she'd like to try something else.

Hannah's ballet class - Back Row: Grace, Ashlyn, Emma, Leah, Grace, Katie. Front Row: Erin, Elizabeth, Matthew, Hannah, Emily.

Hannah and her friend Grace

Dancing at the rehearsal for her recital

Hannah with her flower bouquets

Hannah with Grandpa and Grandma B.

Hannah with Papa and Nana R.

A proud family with their little ballerina