Happy Birthday America

For us in midwest USA, it was a rainy Fourth of July. But, the rain didn't spoil our Independence Day celebration. We went to my folks for the annual parade, BBQ, and late night fireworks show. And even though we got soggy, we celebrated as planned with flag waving, yummy eats (thanks to my Mom), a few games, and beautiful fireworks show.

girls with my sis




The girls always look forward to the town July 4th parade. To an adult, hometown parades may not be too spectacular. But to a child- fire engines, people waving to YOU, horses, high school bands, and candy and goodies being thrown in your direction every few moments- it really is heaven. The girls loved it. Grace is a pro candy scooper upper- and got right in there with her little cousins. Maddie needed a bit of help- but was able to come up with enough Nandy to make her very happy.



girls and cousins





My sis and her fabulous boyfriend. He woke up early to golf with the guys, held his own plus, came home beaming (bragging) about his game (just like they always do,) fits right in! Actually, he is very sweet to my sister and they seem to be a really good match.So happy that she is happy!
My sis and N filled up balloons for the kids and they had a blast tossing them and getting more wet in the rain.


What is a Fourth of July celebration without a blue tongue? In one day, Maddie had more sugar than she will have the rest of July! She was celebrating Freedom.




And on this day, celebrating our country's birthday,I am very thankful for Freedom and all that she brings.

Happy Independence Weekend

The Fourth of July turned into a whole celebration weekend. Dave was off on Friday and we took the girls to the zoo. Nothing like a long holiday weekend and having extra fun time with daddy.

Every trip to the zoo requires a visit to the play zoo for face painting. Any guesses what animals the girls wanted to be?
Sweet sisters. Such a pair.

Some of our favorite animals! Both girls love the big cats and could spend our entire visit growling with them.


A special Dino exhibit is currently at our zoo. The huge creatures are very lifelike, are animated, and have sound effects. Grace loves it and has seen the exhibit twice now- Maddie hid very still in the stroller- not wanting to be dinosaur lunch.




We allowed the girl's to pick a special treat on the way out. The both wanted to continue their animal immitations and chose masks (pretty loud trip home in the car!) After much diliberation and internal strife they chose a snake and a wolf (all of the big cats are accounted for at home- treasures from past trips- so they had to branch out.)

A beautiful friday spent with my three wild animals.

A fun start to the long weekend! Happy Happy Birthday America.

Our wildflower walk

of all the flowers in the field, I pick you.

Sweet Spirit

Hoping that your summer days are sweet and lovely.

these are the days. . .

beautiful summer- you are all I ever wanted and more.

Happy Father, Happy Day!

Love you- times 2

Happy Father's Day!

Little Miss Independent

From baby to little girl so very quickly. My sweet Maddie is blossoming into a beautiful, curious, independent little one. She is beginning to pull away from us ever so slightly.

Until she notices that mama is not right behind her and then she comes running back to my side.

Bringing Home Boston

One of my closest of friends is currently in the Marshall Islands adopting her third child, Boston. My mind has been with their family and our prayers have been going out to them on this journey. My friend is one of the best mamas I know. Incredibly compassionate and loving- the kind of mom who always has the right words for her children. She inspires me daily and my heart is with her as she brings home her little Boston. She is as great a friend as she is a mama! I am so missing her while she is on this 5 week journey! (Yes- families must remain in the Marshall Islands for 5 weeks on an adoption trip!) But they are enjoying their special visit to the Marshall Islands- the birthcountry of now three of their children!

Follow their journey to Boston and beyond!

Year End Recitals and advancing on

Grace's Chinese school celebrated their school year by holding their year end recital in May. Grace performed several dances that the class learned throughout this last semester. She also celebrated her accomplishments with her Chinese language class and was presented with a little gold trophy of recognition (her first trophy!)

Grace has grown and matured so much this year. She really is a lovely dancer. She has good concentration and seems to truly love performing. Graceful and a little lady now.

And I always take such pride and joy out of hearing her Mandarin teachers give her compliments and positive remarks. We have worked so hard over the years to make learning Mandarin fun and something that she does second nature but really enjoys. She has been studying in one class or another since she was 22 months old and now at 5 1/2 she really is doing well. Now, when I am invited to sit in on a special parent's day class- I am floored at her abilities and how much she has surpassed me in my studies of the language. Her Sunday school teacher on this day was very happy with Grace's progress this semester and gave her nice praise. Grace loved being recognized with a trophy.

Grace and friends

and more sweet friends

Intermediate dancers




Advanced class



Grace with her Language teacher and some classmates

Grace's teacher recommended that she move up and join the intermediate dance class. She was happy to be joining the bigger girls with their fancier props and costumes. Mommy was happy that two of her closest friends would be also changing classes with her. Most of the fun (especially for mommy) is being able to see friends. So it was a little sad to hear of a class change and not being with all our friends. But we were so happy to hear that her instructor thought that she is doing well and ready to advance. She really loves her Sunday school and Dave and I love that she has this wonderful opportunity to learn about her heritage and to have fabulous mentors in her life.

Mei Mei starts school in the fall! She is more than ready as our Mandarin teacher has- oh so bluntly- pointed out to me several times this past semester (add that to my mommy guilt.) Both girls will be in culture camp this summer and I think that will be a good start for Maddie. And although dance is over for the school year, Grace will be in Mandarin immersion school two days per week again this summer.

So proud of our sweet girl.