Labor Day Weekend 2010

We had a wonderful weekend pack with all kinds of activities. On Friday we started off the weekend with Nathan's first flag football game. I was very impressed with how he played. More than anything I enjoyed seeing him have success at something he doesn't think he's very good at. Each time he had a great play his coaches were right there to give him a high five and the look on his face was priceless. He had two games this weekend and they didn't win either one but you would not have known from the reaction of the coaches or the kids on the team. That's what I want most of all winning would just be icing on the cake.

Saturday Shayla's Daisy troop was invited to ride on a float for the Labor Day parade. Only three of the girls could make it but it didn't really matter the one's that came had a great time. Thankfully it was beautiful here on Saturday.

Nathan took pictures during the parade and did a great job. He took over 800 pictures. From what I could tell he really enjoyed the cars and getting a picture of what was on the side of each one. Flags were a big hit. He enjoyed telling me about all the different things he saw and I think he found something else he really enjoys.

We ended the weekend with some time with friends at our local town festival and swimming at a local park.

We only have two days of school this week so we have another fun weekend ahead. Can't wait!!!

Shayla's First Day

Today was the first day of School for Nathan and Shayla. They were both very excited and ready for school to start back. I still have pictures to post from the end of July and all of August. I get back to those in the next couple of weeks. Our day started out early. Shayla is going to ride the bus this year and thankfully the stop picks up at 7:15 instead of 6:05. She was worried about waking up early but we got in bed at a great time and the morning went very smoothly. She is such a riot most of the time today was no exception. I hoped to get to her bus stop early and I should have known that the bus would be late. So we had a great time just talking and taking pictures. She was excited about the bus and went right on when it came. It only ended up being 15 minutes late which is not bad for the first day of school.

I didn't get much detail about her first day. She said she had a great time. Each first grader got a treat cone from the German students. That was her favorite part. She really didn't have any complaints so I guess it was a great day.

Nathan's First Day of School

It is hard to imagine that Nathan is entering third grade. He is getting so big. He gets to sleep in a little longer than Shayla since his school is closer to the house and starts later. We had a great open house. This year it seems that everyone is ready for him. He was so excited to see his 1st grade teacher and resource teacher. His teacher for this year is very nice and gave him a big hug. Nathan is a hugger and loves it when he gets to see all the teachers. His eyes just light up. It makes me tear up every time. I hope that innocence and joy are around a couple more years.

From what I could tell his teacher went over all her expectations today. He even mentioned to me that I wasn't to load his back pack that his teacher said they were big kids now and that was their job. His goals for the year are to be more organized and work more independently. He had a great time at recess where he got to see some of his closest friends. Lunch must have not been very good because he didn't eat any of it and after school some how managed to lose his lunch box. After care must have been fun. He was excited to go back so it must have been a good day.

After the Wedding

After the all the beauty of the bride, flowers, church and guests it was hard to imagine an even more glorious site but the reception did not dissapoint. Held at a historical plantation right next to the water it was a perfect continuation of a wonderful wedding.

Wedding Part 3

We didn't have to get ready for the wedding untill later in the day. First we slept in until 9:30. Shayla is a great sleeper and would have slept longer but we had to get down to breakfast before they stopped serving. After breakfast Shay took a quick swim. Then we painted finger nails, curled hair and did a little make-up. All things she loves to do.
We got to the church just as the girls for the wedding were arriving. Shay got to see everyone and enjoy seeing the bride before she got married.
Both the Flower girls were very cute. They both did a great job.

It was a beautiful wedding.

Wedding Part 2

The rehearsal went quickly and everyone headed out for a dinner cruise to celebrate for the rehearsal dinner. The bride is in white on these pictures and one of her sisters is in pink. Shayla adores both of them and loved getting her picture taken. The rehearsal dinner was amazing with the historic area of Charleston as a back drop. We both had a great time eating, visiting and enjoying the boat.

Beautiful Wedding Part 1

Shayla was blessed to be the flower girl this past weekend in Charleston, SC. The setting, people and especially the bride and groom were amazing. The weekend for Shayla started with the rehearsal. Shayla loves to dress up and play princess so this was a dream weekend for her. She was smiling from ear to ear most of the weekend.

These are pictures from the rehearsal.

July 4th and More!

We enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July. The weather was awesome - wish it could have lasted longer. It is really HOT now. Rudy got a long over due bath. Both kids helped wash him and then played with their squirt guns while we walked him around to help him dry. It took forever for him to dry enough to go back inside.

Toward evening we shot off pet friendly fire works. That's what the kids called them because once it got dark we were surrounded by large beautiful but LOUD fireworks. We didn't have to leave the house to get a great show. The kids both enjoyed watching the display and we finished off the evening with our favorite show - Wip* out!

It was a great day. I am so thankful for my family and our country. To all the people that have fought for the freedoms we enjoy THANK YOU!

The next day both kids woke up not feeling very well. None of us have gotten back to the east coast time zone. We all enjoyed a movie in bed. By the end of the movie Shayla was jumping on the bed and Nathan seemed to be feeling better. Shayla later said she wanted to get her ears pierced. So off we went. She was very brave (more tears than I was prepared for) in her words. I was worried for a few minutes that we were going to end up with only one ear pierced but she came around. The second one went much better and she has not stopped telling everyone about her "Sparklie Ears"

More Pictures from June

June 2010

June was been a fun month. Both kids finished school and did a great job. They advanced to 3rd and 1st grade. The last two weeks were crazy with all the parties, field days and me running between the two schools.

Also at the beginning of June Shayla finished her soccer season. She enjoyed the social part of being on a team but the soccer part was not that much fun for her. We finished up our first year in Girl Scouts. This is one of her favorite activities since it is mostly socializing and she loves that. Nathan finish up his second year of Scouts and moved from a Wolf to a Bear Scout.

We jumped right into summer with Nathan attending his first Boy Scout Day Camp. It was incredibly HOT that week but he still seemed to have a great time. He enjoyed getting to ride with two of his friends. His group had great leaders. They must have done a good job because they won all kinds of awards. Shayla spent the first week going to camp at the gym and also doing preteam for gymnastics and her cheerleading with her cheer team.

June 18th was Shayla's third family day. We spent the day together and looked at many of the video's and pictures of our time in China. She loved the special attention. I can't believe it's been three years. She is such a blessing and makes me smile daily. Each day is still so exciting for her. She can find joy in just about any situation.

The second week we visited my brother in Texas and parents in Oklahoma. The kids would say other than seeing their uncle and grandparents their favorite parts were the Zoo with Uncle John and the spray parks in Oklahoma. We went to a number of movies and enjoyed spending time with family.

Enjoy the pictures.

Some of Our Many Activities Spring 2010

We've had a busy spring time. Shayla is doing gymnastics, cheerleading and soccer. Nathan is busy with school and Boy Scouts. Both of the kids are doing a great job at their activities and school. Enjoy the pictures. Happy Mothers Day to Nana we miss you and hope to visit soon.

Two Monkeys Jumping on Two Beds

Wordless Wednesday - With a Few Words!

Cheerleading year number two is over and it was such a great experience - great coaches, built confidence, was fun and enjoyed great time with friends!

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy Easter - He's ALIVE!!! Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25-26





We've had wonderful weather and great time with friends this Easter. Wish we were closer to family and hope they've had a wonderful holiday. I am thankful for the blessings God has given us. Hope Everyone has had a great Easter!

We're Still Here! Time Just Flys

I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last post. January - March are my busy times for work and this year is no exception. This is where my mom and dad get to see pictures of the kids so this post is all about them and what has happened since the first of January.



Nathan turned 8 years old in January. We decided to keep the birthday celebrations at home this year. He enjoyed a homemade cake, a few toys and his favorite a new Xbox game. I think this is the first year he was healthy on his birthday. A few of his favorite things from his seventh year include: Legos, Best Friend M, Boy Scouts, Xbox, Wii, DS (loves all kinds of video games), played flag football, started 2nd grade, still loves Parry and Pooh, amazes his mom at how smart and loving he can be.



It snowed for the first time in a year. Actually it was "Ice Snow" as Shayla decided to call it. The kids had to kick off the top layer to get a snow ball out of it but that didn't keep the fun away. They also missed a day of school which brought more excitement.




Nathan had his second grade performance. I can remember his kindergarten performance like it was yesterday. I can't believe he is 8 years old and half way done with second grade. The kids did a great job. I got there early and was very close to the front. Nathan was so excited to see me and kept looking over and smiling. I hope that innocence and love stays around for a few more years. It made my heart warm.




Shayla's school celebrated Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger. She attends a language immersion school. It is very impressive to see all the kids have learned and what to expect in the coming grades. She is always chattering in Chinese now. Her school is amazing.

Hope to add more events tomorrow. We are all doing well and wish every one a Happy Valentines Day and Happy Chinese New Year!