The Cottage and Chloe

Doug's family rented a cottage north of Muskegon for two weeks during the end of June and beginning of July. We went up as a family over the 4th of July, but before that I took the girls up with Hannah's friend Chloe for the day. Even though the weather wasn't great, we had a good time. Hannah was excited her twin cousins Chelsea and Hillary were there for part of the day. Both Hannah and Chloe took great delight in playing with them in and out of the water. On our way home from the cottage, Chloe and Hannah conspired to extend their time together to include a sleepover. It didn't take much convincing, so Chloe ended up spending the night. I love the last picture of the girls snuggled together sound asleep.

Catching up on June

On June 27, Doug and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. We headed to one of our favorite spots, Petoskey, for a couple of days. It was so wonderful to get away and spend the weekend with just each other (in other words without any children...aaaah!). We had a great time! Thanks, Dad and Mom for watching the girls for us.

11 years and counting...wow!

The view from our hotel room

The girls and I enjoyed a visit to the Gardens with our friends Shane, Jenna, Kaitlin, and Chloe. It was an extremely hot and humid day so we spent lots of time in and by the water activities. We all had loads of fun!

I love this picture of Hannah in her Chinese hat. She looks so serious and contemplative

Tea for everyone (in the shade)

The beginning of the end...good thing we brought a change of clothes

What do you mean I'm not supposed to be walking in here?

Now this is the way to cool off

As a family we had our annual Whitecaps outing through Doug's work. As usual we invited my folks as a way to thank them for watching our girls. This year Hannah also brought her friend Grace. It was a great night...even though it was so hot!

Grace, Hannah and Frankie. They also got to see Crash. Ava runs the other way whenever they come near.

Nothing like Dippin's Dots on a hot night

On Father's Day we were at our reunion for Ava's travel group so we celebrated later with one of Doug's favorite meals. We made beef tips and noodles with corn, bread, and cheesecake. We gave Doug new luggage since his other carry-on bag (actually mine) broke. Happy Father's Day, Doug/Daddy! XOXOXO

We also had fun seeing some old friends and making some new ones. We babysat a little girl named Megan one day while her mom taught at Heritage Camp. She's only sixth months older than Ava so they had a blast. Hannah's friend Gwyneth came over to play after camp one day and the two little entrepreneurs set up a stand to sell water and popcorn (all on their own...including the sign) to raise money for Bethany and kids in need. For the bargain of $1.00 (ha!) I got a sip of water and a kernal of popcorn...they still have a bit to learn but the right idea is there! We also enjoyed seeing some dear friends of my parents that we haven't seen in years.

New friends

The little entrepreneurs with their sign that says "Mune for Cids and Nes" which translates to Money for Kids and Needs. Way to go girls!

Dad and Mom with Rog and Karen

First Haircut

We decided it was about time Ava had her haircut for the first time...it had gotten so long and the ends really needed to be trimmed. We went to Miss Joanne just like we did for Hannah's first haircut, but that's where the similarities end. As happy and excited as Hannah was at her first haircut, Ava was sad and apprehensive. She needed to snuggle on my lap with a treat and even that didn't help much. It was the quickest cut I've even seen and amazingly was pretty even. Thanks Miss Joanne!

A "before" shot

We still need an "after" shot :-)

Ava's Travel Group Reunion

This past weekend we traveled to Indiana for our 2nd reunion with Ava's China Travel Group. Five of the eleven families were able to make it (we were sorry it didn't work out after all for Ben's family to make it). It was so great to see everyone again and relive the memories of our time in China. On Friday night we enjoyed catching up and hanging out at the hotel. On Saturday, we toured around Notre Dame in the morning and headed to Tom and Jen's in the afternoon. The highlight of the evening was the bounce house Tom and Jen rented. The traveling snow cone truck was a close second.

On Sunday, Patti's Dad Bill and his wife Carolyn hosted a delicious brunch. At the brunch we tried to get a group shot of all the girls - not an easy task. :-) In the end I think we got some cute ones. This year we provided the t-shirts and Karen Sch. sent adorable bows. The bows were great...but we wish you could have been there too! Thank you Jen & Tom, Bob & Patti, and Bill & Carolyn for planning and hosting our wonderful reunion!

Heritage Camp

Last year at Heritage Camp, Hannah said she wished it would last 100 days. Although that wish didn't come true, we were glad that it was once again time for Heritage Camp. Hannah went with her friend Gwyneth but also enjoyed making new friends. She had a great week! I love that Hannah is able to connect with other Chinese children and celebrate her Chinese heritage. I helped out with supplies this year and hope to get involved with teaching at some point. Hannah asked if I could be her teacher at HC someday - I thought that was sweet. Guess I should probably be her teacher while she still wants me to be. :-)

Hannah with Makayla, Gwyneth, and Allie

Performing with all of the China campers

Hannah's new friend Allie who came all the way from Florida to attend Heritage Camp (Hannah has a new pen pal)

Hannah and Gwyneth with Gwyneth's brother Peter

Elizabeth, Hannah, Rachel and Hannah - reconnecting with children of our friends, Frank and Debbie.

Savoring Summer

Beaches, ball games, sleepovers and pools...these are what carefree days of summer are all about!

Life is a Beach

Yesterday, we spent the day at the beach... and what a beautiful day it was! It finally felt like summer is here! We joined our friends Dan, Trish, Lia and Chloe who are staying in a condo on the beach. Our girls were delighted to play together in the sand and water and soak up some sun. Hannah and Lia went swimming even though the water was freezing. Ava had fun dipping her toes in and jumping the waves. I'm looking forward to more summer days like this! (I just realized I never posted this last week...oops!)