Took the two littlest girls to see...

Elmo's new show in Sesame Street Live! It was very fun! Laney was screaming and screaming for Elmo -- (and trying to call him back every time he left the stage). She was a little apprehensive when the other characters would walk by our chairs (we had great seats on the floor of the arena), but overall she had a great time.

Landry loved the show too. The cotton candy was a big hit -- as usual. :)

We went with one of my dear friends, Katie and her sweet little girls (best friends with Landry & Laney). We had a great time!


Here are a few pics from the evening...

Colby won!

Colby competed today in his first Pinewood Derby Race w/ his Cub Scout troop. We were so proud of him and the planning he put into his car. He went with high hopes of winning, but he knew there were nearly 70 cars competing in the competition -- from his whole pack!

Well, at the end of the day, Colby had taken 1st Place in his Den ~ and 2nd Place in the overall Pack Championship! Go Colby!

Landry enjoying her new Wii game...

Merry Christmas!

We have been happily tucked away at our Michigan home for the last two weeks -- enjoying mountains of snow (we have about 30" on the ground at the moment), sledding, cookie baking, and more. It's been a beautiful holiday.

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family. I have lots of pictures from the day, but here are two quick ones I loaded just a few minutes ago. I'll add more later. Off to make another pot of hot cocoa.

Love to all!


(Laney -- in wonder at everything around her!)


(Colby -- watching his new radio control helicopter in the air...)

More Christmas photos...

Landry & her BoomPa

We studied the book Daniel's Duck this week...

This is a wonderful story! It's about a little boy named Daniel. Daniel is hurt when others laugh at his wood carving, until he learns that being an artist means different things -- and making people smile is a very special gift.

Lily & Colby enjoyed a variety lessons, including an art lesson in carving! They had a great time. :)

Happy Birthday Lily!

My numero-uno child turned 9 years old last week. Lily Jane was officially nine on October 27th. We celebrated all day long. Birthday breakfast and gifts...birthday lunch & more cards...and finally a huge family birthday celebration for dinner. Lily got awesome presents, but her favorite gift of all was a beautiful vintage manual typewriter.

Lily loves all things old-fashioned and she desperately wanted a manual typewriter (just like the American Girl character "Kit" uses in the stories.) She has been happily plunking away...working on articles for her newspaper. She has enlisted Colby to be her cub reporter. He has been working feverishly to track down quotes and sources, as well as sell subscriptions. :)

Here are some pictures from the birthday girl's special day...

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. :)