Chinese Mid Autumn Moon Festival

Tonight we celebrated The Chinese Mid Autumn Moon Festival with our FWCC group. It was a beautiful afternoon and evening. This was an actual picture of the moon that we could see at the festival. Nickolas won one of the games. The older children had to put grapes in their mouth and say Chinese Mid Autumn Moon Festival in Mandarin. Who ever could put the most grapes in their mouth and still be understood saying the phrase was the winner. Nickolas had twelve grapes in his mouth! Meilynn played a traditional game with eggs. The person who didn't break their hard boiled egg was the winner. Meilynn broke hers with the first try. Meilnn enjoyed making a lantern for her flashlight. We all walked the trail with our lanterns to view the moon and stars through the telescope. We had a great time celebrating The Chinese holiday.

I couldn't help but think when I was looking in the sky at the moon..... I thought about how this same moon shown in the skies of China eight hours ago. This made me think of Meilynn's birth parents and how grateful I am for the gift they have given me. I just want her birth parents to know that Meilynn has a lot of wonderful people in her life that care about her and love her so much. She is experiencing so much, learning every day, she is growing into a beautiful pre schooler and is filling our lives with so much joy and love. I really can't imagine my life without her, but at the same time my heart aches for her birth parents and what they are missing. I hope somewhere deep in their hearts they know how much she is loved by her forever family. Our two families will be forever connected even though we don't know who they are.

Band Day

Friday night was band day at the high school football game. Elementary, middle school and high school bands all where on the field playing together. It is always a great performance. This year with Nickolas being in middle school, he got to sit in the stands and play during the football game. We are so proud of our drummer.

Fort McHenry

Today we decided to visit Fort McHenry. It is so close to home but it is a National Park we have never been to. We didn't get to see much because they were closing for a special celebration this evening. One thing Nickolas got to see was the Fife and Drum core. It was interesting for him to see now that he is a member of the middle school core. Since we didn't get to take the tour we will have to make another trip to the park. After we left Fort McHenry we spent the rest of the day at Inner Harbor.

First Day of Preschool

Today was the first day of Preschool. We were only there for an hour and I could stay with Meilynn. She seemed to be very comfortable in her class. I tried to stay to the side to see how she would react to the other children. You can see from the pictures she did great. The children had time to play, they did circle time, read a book and had time to decorate their folder with their hand prints. It was a great first day of Preschool. The real test will be on Friday when I have to drop her off and leave. I am not sure if she will make it for the two and a half hours. Maybe I should be more worried about mommy! This is going to be hard for me! I will let you know how it goes on Friday. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

First Day of Middle School

I can't believe today was the first day of Middle School for Nickolas. I can remember his first day of Pre School! When I look at this picture I can't believe the young man he has become. Nickolas didn't want me to take our traditional first day of school picture on the front porch. There were people at the bus stop and he didn't want them to see me taking a picture of him on the first day. I think my heart is broken. I know I have to let go and be happy I could take the picture inside. My little boy is growing up!

Nickolas on the first day of seventh grade.

Sunset in Naples

We enjoyed time on the beach watching the sun set. It was just a beautiful evening. I think it was probably on of my favorite times at the beach. It was cooler and we just enjoyed each other and the beauty that God created. It was tranquil.

Naples, Florida

We spent the week at my dad's in Naples, Florida. Meilynn started to love the pool and ocean. The kids swam in the pool daily. Meilynn used her vest and she now will swim around the pool on her own. She made such progress this week. Nickolas always enjoys his time at grandpa's, it is hard to get him out of the pool.