Landry -- The Husker Fan

Can you tell what Laney is working on now?

2008-09 School year begins...

Today we began our school year. Lily is 8 and in 3rd grade. Colby is 6 and in first grade this year. And Landry is 3.5 and she is officially in pre-school, taking part in much of our day and enjoying her own lessons in Before Five in a Row.

We had a big breakfast as a family -- with each family member getting to pick at least one thing for the meal. After we ate, we gave the kids their backpacks...loaded to the gills with all new school-supplies. They loved opening everything and seeing what Troy & I picked out. It was a lot of fun. Summertime is such a special, relaxing season, but I think we're all happy to be back to a regular routine.

1 year ago today....

we were laying eyes on Laney for the first time. Jin YuRao was so tiny and quiet, but so trusting. We had no idea what a sparkling, loud, funny, mischevious and joyful bundle we were receiving. But we knew she was our girl -- no doubt about it!

Today is known, in the adoption community, as our Gotcha Day annivesary. It is the day we finally, after so many weeks and months of paperwork, nerves, and excitement were able to meet and hold our new baby!

The first time I held Laney in my arms my heart melted. She just felt so right! And now, one year later, I can honestly say the attachment has grown stronger than I could have ever imagined.

Tonight we will be celebrating with a family dinner -- using placemats and settings we bought while we were in China just for this purpose!

My heart is full ~ overwhelmed and thankful. God is good.

The local library in Ludington is one of our favorite spots in town. It truly is a library of libraries. Not only do they have a fabulous collection of books (clearly, a critical component of any such institution), but the librarians are awesome and they always prioritize children first! The activities and things the staff thinks up are so much fun.

The next large project at the library is a new children's expansion! We are very excited, as are many folks in town. As the funds are raised and plans are made, the library has marked out the new building area with a little picket fence. They've encouraged children in the community to come by and paint the pickets -- making the spot their own. What fun! We called some friends nearby and we met up at the library today to join in the artistic endeavor. My kids had a ball! Here are some shots from the morning.

P.S. You'll notice Laney is sporting a fancy new haircut. She went into the Looking Glass yesterday and her stylist Katie did a fabulous job. We think she looks adorable (as always) and the new bob keeps the hair out of her eyes (something she was very annoyed by).

Colorful, beautiful fence!

Sweet Lily --- I love that girl!

Colby being silly and enjoying the day.

Landry decided she wanted her picket to be solid fire-engine red. A bold choice for a bold girl!

Purely random pictures....

The pink goggles (and two huge bicycle helmets) make it inside for some silly sister fun.

Today we went to visit a local cherry farm that also has a beautiful herb garden. The center of the garden (where mom & Lily are walking) features scores of different plants. The outer rows of the garden (coming out like spokes from a wheel) were just luscious, dense rows of lavender. It was really magnificent.

Laney liked the garden and she enjoyed wandering around by herself...sniffing the plants and making "mmmm" sounds. :)

A few more photos to share...

My children can spend hours playing in the dunes. They love to go on hikes and make up stories. The dune grass makes them feel quite alone and brave as they venture far from our spot on the beach. 

Laney -- catching up on some reading. 

No trip to our home in Ludington is complete without at least one run to House of Flavors for some delicious ice cream. This was Laney's first time to enjoy it with us!

She was quite happy. :)

These are the days of the endless summer...

Landry -- wearing the favorite pink goggles. She and Laney share them back and forth...and neither of them actually use them in the water. Just for looking "Cool." :)

Lily -- looking cute and working on her moat.

Landry -- teaching her self to surf -- sort of.

Colby working on his upteenth teepee frame.

Flashing her cutest grin....in hopes for a 2nd bag of fruit snacks

Colby and Landry enjoying some food at the fair...(I need to take more photos of Lily...she's always running about)

Laney ready for her close up...and a dive into the lake

Laney sees her first seagull. "What's that?"

Laney is a beach baby...

Another great day at the beach....

More pictures from our first day...

Lily & Laney enjoying some sand time...and building driftwood forts

Colby getting a little help from his big sister...

This is all Landry wants to do. I don't blame her. Is there anything better than digging in the sand?

Mom mom took this shot of me. (From the back! Not nice mom! LOL!) But I share it because it shows much of the driftwood and debris from the recent floods here in MI. It also illustrates how much I miss my husband right now. I'm on my cell talking to him and wishing he was here.

We've arrived at our summer house...

Okay, so no excuses. I've been terrible at updating the blog lately. I'm hoping on this vacation to spend some time journaling and uploading more photos of the kids. Here is one I snapped this morning of Laney. We arrivived in Michigan last night and this was Laney's first glimpse of the beach. She was thrilled! She hopped out of the car, wriggled out of my arms and yelled "Oh, WOW!" I"m off to fix my crew some lunch and I will add more photos this afternoon. Promise.