~ A HAPPY FATHER'S DAY ~

Happy Daddy's Day!

We made daddy a yummy breakfast of pancakes and freshly picked strawberries (our neighbor has a wonderful garden and let the boys pick strawberries the night before! Thank you "T" ). It was a warm, but overcast day and we had plans to visit Poppy and Gma and then head out to a quaint little town by the water (near our old stomping grounds!).

Trying to get a picture of my pretty princess. . .

She's always "in action", which makes it difficult!

The boys told Mia to "smile like Belle",

she has a sippy cup with Belle, from Beauty and the Beast;

and according to Mia - this is how she smiles!!

I put Mia in our "photo spot" in the livingroom -

but she gazes out the window. . .

"Can we go out, mommy?"

Mia was happy to run around outside and play while the boys got ready to go to Poppy and Gma's house, where we ate and gave Poppy his presents!!

I brought over daddy's favorite - carrot cake!!

It's just yummy, if I don't say so myself :)

Grandma is an RN and always concerned about her family.

After hearing about "daddy's" last blood pressure, she

decided to check for herself. Eddie was happy to help.

I'm relieved to report his pressure is just fine :)

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful father (who I neglected to take a photo of with his grandkids! Sorry Dad!) You are and have been a devoted and loving father and I couldn't adore you more!! You are so very special to me - we love you!!

After our visit, we headed off to a little town by the water. We had such fond memories of strolling around this town when we lived in this area years ago; the park, the boardwalk, looking at the boats - it was so nice to go back with ALL of our kids. Eddie was just 8 weeks old when we moved to our current house. . . we took a picture on Father's Day 5 years ago when he was a teeny tiny baby:

It seems like yesterday. . .

Anyhow, here a few photos of our day:

"We want ice cream!"

"Yum"

"Yum"

"YUM!"

Back at home again and into the pool!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

WE LOVE YOU!!!

~ YEAR-END SCHOOL "STUFF" ~

The other night Eddie had some special time with his dad. It was "A NIGHT WITH MY HERO" at his preschool! My little guy was so excited, daddy was leaving work early and coming to his preschool to have dinner. They served heroes, of course, macaroni salad and root beer ~ the kids sang to the dads and "E" was all smiles when he walked in the door with his hero :) The kids each made their dad a shirt that said "My Hero",

with their handprints !

Yes, I cried when I saw it!

Daddy you are OUR hero!

Today, Mia and I were invited to Anthony's class to talk about the Beijing Olympics. Mia and I wore our Olympic t-shirts and we gave out goodie bags at the end. Anthony has been very interested in the Olympic Mascots; Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying & Nini. We have had a lot of fun on the Beijing Olympic sight learning the meanings behind names and symbols. Maybe I will do a post about it when they actually begin (August 8th).

Anthony shows off his sister
(Eddie was in preschool)


With Anthony's class

It was so sweet how the kids adored Mia and showed such interest in our info. Thank you to his teacher for having us!

"That was fun mommy!"

The kids school year is really winding down. "E" has his graduation next Friday and the week after that is Anthony's last week of 4th grade ~ wow! It has been a busy school year from the beginning when we first brought Mia home, Anthony's broken arm, Eddie's school adjustment. . . it's been a productive and busy school year!

~ HOT, HOT, HOT ~

We had a very hot and humid weekend. The temps were in the 90's and we spent most of our time outside in the pool, bbq-ing or at Anthony's baseball games ~ it was hot!

Eddie got this blowup firetruck which attaches to the hose

for his birthday. Daddy finally got to inflate it and the kids had a ball!

(Notice Mia "washing" her hair!)

Fireman Eddie

Mia + a blade of grass on her face + water = FUN

On Sunday I was able to bring Anthony to his last baseball game before the playoffs begin. Mia was napping and Eddie and Daddy were in the pool ~ off we went, just me and my big boy!

I savored every moment and was able to watch the entire game from beginning to end. I was able to give "A" my full attention! Usually, I have the two little ones with me and I am busy running after them or feeding them. It was the middle of the afternoon and extremely hot, so the coaches called the game after the 4th inning ~ thank you ~ it was much too warm for the kids to be out playing. We came home and. . . after a quick change, Anthony flew into the pool!!

Hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed their weekend ~ as much as I did :)

~ A FIRST. . . AND A LAST ~

FIRST TIME IN THE POOL: Happy to sit on the side. . .

Daddy is funny . . .

Oh, the belly!

~ Bathing Beauty ~

Daddy finally convinced her to go in . . .

Lounging Lady

Mia was very hesitant at first when we sat her at the edge of the pool. She shook her head and made it known that this was as far as she was ready to go. She sat there and played and watched the boys enjoy the water. Then. . . she stood on the first step; and the rest is history! I just love sharing in these firsts with our girl ~ we missed many; however there are still so many more to come.

THE LAST OF THE SCHOOL YEAR:

Anthony had his last band recital last night. I was amazed at how well they all played, and how far they've come from their last recital in March. They were awesome! I was so very proud of my boy!

That's my Ant!

I also had played the trumpet during elementary school and up until high school. It was and still is a wonderful instrument. I was thrilled when Anthony chose to play it in the beginning of the year. I have such fond memories of playing with the band ~ everyone in harmony ~ the excitement ~ I saw it in his eyes last night and it brought me back. It means so much to this mommy that my boy will always have these wonderful memories and know that feeling :)

~ INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY ~

Today, June 1st, is Children's Day in China! "It is the most memorable day of Chinese kids all over the country. Almost all entertainment places such as cinemas, parks and children museums and palaces are open for free to them. Elementary schools throw celebration parties while parents shower them with presents." "The whole country celebrates with cards, presents, special foods, parades and other activities. Although schools remain open, children do not attend class and are free of homework. Students particiapte in a wide variety of activities to strenghten allegiances to their country and just have fun".

Yesterday, Mia and I along with Meaghan Grace and her mommy, Michelle venured into the city (NYC) to the Chinese Consulate to celebrate International Children's Day! We were invited to represent our agency's (GWCA) New York division. We were honored and very excited to dress the girls in their silks once again.

Michelle, Meahgan, Mia and yours truly!


These blow up/robotic mascots of the Beijing Olympics
amazed Mia!
They actually walked around and I was surprised she
wasn't afraid.

There were also these plush mascots (this one is Bei Bei).
I did say "plush", therefore, Mia felt them and rubbed them
and just loved on them. . . is was real cute.

"You don't want me to put my finger where??!"
Oh, she loves to push my buttons!!!

When we entered the banquet hall we were

greeted by Ambassador Peng Keyu and Mrs. Peng.

Mia wanted no part of them...sorry!

The girls kept busy,

running,

playing,

laughing!

Mia shows Meg the contents of her pocketbook!

Our local FCC's Chinese School performance

Graceful performance,

maybe it will be

Mia and Meg one day?!

Big smile!

Hugs for my baby girl!

It was so nice to spend this special day with my daughter (my daughter :) and for us to share this celebration with Meggie and her mom ~ we enjoyed our time together, that's for sure!

I never knew about this celebration before and I'm so honored and glad to have been a part of it. I'm sure you can read more about this on Meaghan Grace's blog ~ I wasn't able to listen to the speeches; as I was busy chasing after a certain energetic 2 year old!

HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY, especially to all the little ones without a family or waiting to be united with their forever families!