Bill & Janis Annual Visit 2009

We had a great time with my Billy & Janis on their annual overnight. Charlie, Shelly and Bob joined us the following morning for brunch. We all enjoyed ourselves.

Other Winter Fun

On a half day in November we headed back to Megan Ling's preschool, where her beloved dance teacher, Miss Elizabeth teaches on Fridays at noon. The magic is clearly still there for both of them, as noted by the squeals of joy from each!!

The little friends were so happy to be together again.

Daddy has been home with us all month, as he has a break from travel. Yippee!!

Over the several weeks, we have added to our family. The hermit crabs belong to Mary Alice. She has done extensive research on crabitats and crab needs and she is a wonderful caretaker.

This is Fiesta and the white one is Scout. They like to climb all over each other.

This is their crabitat. Yes, a real word.

And this past weekend we got two gerbils, Coal and Marble. They are so adorable and they also like to climb all over each other. They are a shared responsibility for the whole family.

 The cat babysits for us..... don't worry, the top is velcroed on.



This is a video of Matthew running a race at a track meet. He won his heat. Watch his long hair blowing in the wind behind him.

A Video for Chaoyang SWI

Last night, our friend came over to help us communicate with the Chaoyang Social Welfare Institute, Megan Ling's home for almost four years before she joined us 18 months ago.

We were trying for the second time to connect with Mrs. Liu, head nanny, via Skype, but like the first time we tried, something prevented her from joining us. It is very difficult because China is 12 hours ahead of us, and in our nighttime, they are busy with morning routines for the children. Since we could not see her online, we decided to make a video that she could watch and share with the staff. I share it with you in all it's raw beauty! It is a true picture of Real Life with Megan Ling.

Thanksgiving Memories

In November, we went on our annual trip to Georgia, to visit my brother's family. We always have a wonderful time reconnecting with each other and we are gratefully thankful that they provide such a wonderful retreat year after year.

Activities included Yoga with Cindy

Cooking with Marty

Hair with Amanda

Mandel Bread with Aunt Sue

Lots of snuggling!

Oreo Turkeys with Mary Alice

And Musical fun for All.

Like it or not, when we returned home, I greeted my 42nd birthday, with the required chocolate cake!

Aunt Linda & Uncle Tom

We had a lovely visit with Eric's Aunt & Uncle this weekend!

More Halloween Fun!

More cookies. Some are Megan Ling's, some are Mary Alice's, some are mine.
Guess which are which!

Very nice costume, Misty!

You too, Jazzy!

The Chef is IN


Waiting to Trick or Treat!

The witch joins the group.

Pretty Princess

And dear friend, Dortothy!

All around a very fun evening was had by all. Megan was fascinated by the whole "get candy at every house" thing. At every house, after trick or treating she walked down the driveway a little ways and then turned around and looked back at the house. It seemed like she was thinking "Wow, that's cool".

Halloween Fun

We enjoyed carving pumpkins this weekend.

Here are some proud carvers........

And proud pumpkins......




This one is strutting his stuff. I will give you one guess who did it.....

I chased away a squirrel yesterday who was chewing the Turkey's foot!
Ouch! What nerve!

And these beautiful creations were made by... Guess Who......

This is a darling girl who asked to be a computer, and
after Mommy worked hard to make one, now says
"I don't like it".....

Here is her newest thing. She says to one of us "Okay! You say Yes and I say No! Go!" and then we Yes/No back and forth for as many exchanges as we (not her-she never tires) can endure. She loves this game and there is no need for anything to argue about, the YES/NO is enough in and of itself.

Other cute things Megan Ling is saying now are "WoW, Mommy!", "M, M, M says "Cuh" and "Mine, Yours and Yewis" (meaning Louis, a boy in her class)! She also gives me a daily run down of all the kids who are "no here" and "here" in her class. And she calls all of her teachers by their last names...... She is really enjoying school and life in general. And of course, we are enjoying her.

Homecoming Dance

Proud of my handsome boy!

Grand Old Flag!!

Summer Orchestra

This is a video of Matthew's summer orchestra program. They put on an amazing concert for us. It's made up of kids in 5th-9th grades. It ends abruptly, unfort---

A Great Summer

First Day of School

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for the lapse in updates, but I will try to fill in the blanks between July and September.... Now that the kids are off to school again, I just might have moment to do so.

For now, here are the photos of back to school time at our house.

Megan Ling is all set to go!!
Mary Alice and Matthew could do without the photo session!