A Musical Weekend...

The past few weeks we have been keeping very busy with house projects, homework, yard work, homework, jobs, errands, homework and family logistics. Did I mention homework? So my posts have been sparse.

In fact we've been so busy that I forgot to post a picture of BW, who recently turned 18, yes 18. Man, I just don't feel old enough to have a child that old. YIKES!

So this weekend we all decided to goof off and just enjoy ourselves. SO MUCH NEEDED! I'd even dare to say that the boys were acting bored this afternoon. Good for the soul I'd say in this busy world we live in.

On Saturday night BW treated us to some babysitting services for LL so DB and I went to see one of our favorite Adirondack artists in concert at a local coffeehouse. A very nice evening. He even read some beautiful poetry before performing each song. Such a nice touch. Hearing his music just lifts my spirits and makes me SO appreciative of the wonderful childhood I had in the glorious ADK mountains. What a privilege to share them now with yet another generation.

Then after church today we went to a Fiddler's Jamboree. It took a little convincing but both boys came along too. After all, they both have learned to play the violin and viola from Mom and had lessons at school. But somehow I've lost them to the drums and guitar. Guess those instruments are much cooler in the guy world, LOL! There is still hope that I may get a violinist yet, LL has yet to discover her talents. I can wish! Nonetheless, we enjoyed hearing some talented musicians and LL had a ball dancing to the fiddle tunes. She even made a new friend who equally enjoyed dancing too.

It is now Sunday evening and we are all curled up into our favorite corners of the house. The fire is burning, the lights are dimmed, all are in their jammies. I love Sunday nights...


Happy 18 Big Guy, where does time go?


Snuggling with Daddy on Saturday Morning


Beetleboy's Cute Photo of Little Ladybug


Twirling to the Fiddle Tunes

Just Cuz..

Yes, this little one is HARD to get a good photo of. I mean you REALLY gotta work to get this smile. So, I had to post it, well just because she's so darn cute. I'd do ANYTHING for that smile! Thank you God for this precious child!

Leaf Peeping and Rock Hopping...

Last weekend we traveled north to view the fall foliage in our beloved Adirondack Mountains. As always Mother Nature did not disappoint. It was not quite "peak", perhaps a week shy but it was glorious nonetheless. We took along Chatterbug, who had not yet made a journey northward with us. Sharing something old with someone new always makes it seem in some way as you too are seeing it again for the first time. We find great pleasure in introducing these mountains to yet another generation.

Before I go on I must share a tense moment that happened just as we arrived. On Friday night we had a surprise visitor. It seems we took our neighbor off guard because we arrived at 10 pm, much later than normal. Setting up an RV is not really a quiet task either. Backing into position, removing the tow bars, four kids and a dog, you get the idea. So, looking out for our best interest, he called the State Police thinking we were vandals or burglars. Poor Daddybug! Just as he was coming around from behind the RV, hands in pockets because it was chilly, an officer shines a light directly in his eyes and says with hand on his pistol, "Would you mind removing your hands from your pockets?" You can only imagine both their thoughts right? Well DB quickly did so and asked the officer what the problem was. No sooner did the officer see our set up and realized we belonged there and the situation quickly de-escalated, WHEW!!! Of course, all this happened and I had no idea as I was in the RV setting up, tending to Little Ladybug and making snacks. Real threatening group we are right, LOL! In short it's good to know we have a neighbor who looks out for our property, be it ever so humble, in our absence.

So after the excitement was over, we decided it was too late for a fire and made ourselves cozy in the RV. LL and Beetleboy were tired from a long day. Boll Weevil and Chatterbug huddled in their tent, chatting till the wee hours I'm sure. That gave DB and I time to unwind. This has been much needed as I have been back in school, both of us working, and DB assuming much of the family care on the two nights I'm gone. He has been SO supportive and I tell him "Thank You" all the time.

Saturday morning we awoke (not so early) and made our way north to Tahawus near Newcomb. It is a beautiful area for viewing the mountains and the leaves. The boys had a great time exploring, LL did too.

So Saturday night was rather low-key after dinner. We made S'mores, chatted a bit by the fire and then retired.

On Sunday morning we decided to hike to the top of the ridge on our property, hence the name Cedar Ridge. This is by no means a true hike, but it's more than a walk so that's what I'll call it. At the topmost point of our land, years ago, my father carved his initials is a grand, stately birch tree. We've made this a destination point over the years. Likely and mostly because I was so surprised to have literally stumbled upon this tree many years ago. My father never told me this tree was there but I found it, God willing I'm sure. One time when I mentioned this special tree, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law must've made a mental note of it. On my birthday they gave me a beautiful copper leaf embossed with a face. Attached to this leaf is a poem called, "The Spirit of the Forest". Sadly I don't know who it is written by as it is not listed. Otherwise I would gladly give credit for these beautiful thoughts. When I received this there was great debate in the family as to where it should be placed. After a season or two of pondering it was decided that this special tree deserved such an adornment. Hence, our treks to the tree began. That was about 12 years ago I guess and we are still hiking there today.

Here is that poem:

It’s peaceful and calm,
the trees seem endlessly reaching upward to touch the sky.
Branches sway slowly,
creating an orchestra of leaves bustling together
as a gentle breeze passes by.
This is the “Spirit of the Forest”
whose watchful eye
provides peace and a safe haven for all who enter.

It so beautifully sums of our little slice of the Adirondacks. Praise be to God for making these glorious mountains.

Up, Up and Away...

This weekend was our annual camping trip at the airport where the ADK Balloon Festival is held. Last year LL had just come home and this was her first BIG outing. We look back fondly to last year and likely every year as this marks her coming into our family and the extended family too!

Balloon Festival 2007
Not too sure about those balloons!


The airport is closed for the weekend and hundred of RV's are given the privilege of parking right on the grounds to experience the balloons up close and very personal. In fact, our club sponsors two balloons.

A View of the RV area

On Friday night everyone is busy setting up and getting reaquainted after one whole year has passed. All the while we eagerly anticipate the next day's launch of the balloons. DB and several others work very hard all year to be sure that we enjoy a safe, fun weekend. It's alot of work but SO worth it.

The Prez, DB and LL doing the rounds

On Saturday morning it was a gorgeous, clear and chilly Fall morning. We woke at 5:30 am and stumbled to the trolley with coffee and donut in hand. As soon as we got to the airfield we were awake at the maginificent sight of all the balloons inflating. No matter how many years we do this, it's still spectacular.


This year Uncle Fix-It had the special treat of going up in a balloon that our club sponsors. He shared with us after he arrived back (safe and sound, Praise the Lord) that the flight was wonderful. They landed in a farm field and were greeted by the family who owned the farm. A table was spread with a delicious breakfast for the pilot, passengers and the chase crew. How gracious of this family! And it is tradition that when a balloonist lands in your yard to have a champagne toast to celebrate the occasion. How nice for Uncle Fix-It! He will surely remember this for years to come.


Uncle Fix-It Ready to Go!


Up, Up, and Away!


From Inside the Basket

Once Uncle Fix-It took off we enjoyed some of the specialty balloons.

In Awe, having fun with Cuzin' Higgly


The Beagle

The BumbleBees

One HUGE Polar Bear!


Our Favorite, The Not-So-Little Ladybug!!

Once all the balloons had taken off we went back to the RV's for some breakfast via the trolley. The trolley is alot of fun for the little ones because there is a special seat up front where the bell ringer sits. Guess who, got to be the bell ringer this time?


Waiting for Trolley with our friends from Vischer Ferry Station


Our Little Bell Ringer

After lunch and nap we decided to let LL try and brave the bouncy bounce and slide. Several months ago she had a truly traumatic experience on one and has not set foot on one since! She was a brave girl and after some, OK lots, of coersion she went on.


Apprehension


More apprehension...


I did it, still not happy though!

As if the morning launch were not enough, there is also a 6:00pm launch, weather permitting. Well, the weather did not disappoint, and neither did our location. We have a gorgeous view and can sit and actually eat dinner while the balloons go aloft. What a treat!

The View from the RV Area

As Saturday drew to a close, Mother Nature treated us to the beautiful sunset over the airport. Truly a sign of what was to be tomorrow, don't you think?

Breathtaking!

Well, I wasn't wrong. Sunday morning was just as beautiful as the day before. We awoke to this lovely sunrise!


Making one more trip down to the airfield to get a few more shots of our favorite ballons before they flew away for another year, coffee and donut in hand again. Life is good!


Who'd have thunk, Ladybugs and Dogs are Buddies


Now that would be one massive garden, LOL!


One more glimpse at our pretty Ladybug

As our weekend drew to a close I couldn't help but notice the wide range of ages, each having an equally wonderful time. Now THAT'S special! Thank you God for all things, big and small.


BW and Molly

There has been a strange sighting on Lindy Lane...

This morning there was a report of a gremlin roaming the lane. Have you seen such a thing?


If you see this critter call 1-800-IAM-CUTE

Where does time go?

Since the kids and I have been back in school, time seems to fly! I've missed posting photos from our last few weekends so this is my time to catch up.

On Labor Day we went to our camp, Cedar Ridge, and spent it with 31 of our closest friends, LOL! What a crowd, but what fun! We did our traditional breakfast buffet on Sunday. It's alot of work, but so worth the reward. Perhaps next year we'll put a sign out and get a return for all our efforts. It's not as though we don't have enough to share!

This year was a little different in that our neighbor FINALLY ventured over to our camp for a visit. We've always been friendly but it was nice to have him truly join us for a bit. He lives alone so I'm sure our group is overwhelming, but I know he enjoyed our company too. In fact, he made us a nice sign for our camp with the name Cedar Ridge on it. How thoughtful and what a suprise. When we gushed and thanked him profusely, he humbly said, "Oh, that didn't take any time at all." Right! But that's just the kind of guy he is, quiet and humble. True Adirondack Folk, I guess.


If you only knew how many laughs this nut has generated...


Me and my BFF Kiki


With the Cuzin's at the street dance


Did someone say, "Go play in traffic?"


The Line-up, or at least a few of them...


Yum, breakfast is served


Mimosa's ADK-Style

A Joyful Reunion...

Let me begin by saying that though I'm late in creating this post it sure isn't because it is not important! I'm back in college now and my days are sometimes breathless. I simply wanted to be able to do justice in my depicting this wonderful event. You can't rush a good thing!

THE ANHUI SISTERS REUNION


Rosebud


Little E!


Doodlebug


Doodlebugs Big Sister, Desheng Darling



Lovebug, Little Ladybugs Bengbu Sister


Little Ladybug

On August 21 we had a delightful reunion with all of the "Anhui Sisters", I'll affectionately call them. Anhui is the name of the province where all of our daughters are from. They did come from differents towns or cities but the bond they share in being born in this beautiful province will remain with them forever. As I look back on our trip I remember a man named Jordan (not his Chinese name I'm sure)who ran a store in Guangzhou asking where is our daughter from. We replied the Anhui Province. He quickly smiled and said, "Ah, Anhui girls are beautiful...and spicy!" Well we didn't know how to respond to that! In fact, we remained silent for an uncomfortable second or two. Then he quickly added that what he meant was that girls and women from Anhui often have a rosy complexion from the spicy food that is native to the area. And, that they are also known for the distinctive shapes of their mouths; they have beautiful lips. Well, after that we settled down a little bit. In the US if someone is called "spicy" it's not necessarily a flattering term! Such was just one of the many cultural difference we encountered on this journey of a lifetime, now just a little over one year ago.

As I think back to the day that we all became parents to these beautiful, healthy, robust, bright (did I mention beautiful) children, I pray I'll never forget the amount of joy we felt. The most obvious being that we finally got to meet our daughter, Chun Xue, who we waited 19 LONG months for. She was then, and still is, all we had dreamed her to be and so much more. But clearly a close second to our own joy was witnessing that of the other families who were there with us. Three of the five of us were already parents. But two were first time parents. Seeing the moment that God designed for them when they were to become parents was one like NO other I'll ever witness again. The privilege in sharing that will remain in my heart forever, it is sacred.

So this is why all of this now extended family of ours is so special. There is NO WAY you can share a two week journey to China to each receive your child and not be bonded together forever in heart and mind. I'm sure all of the others would agree. For one year I have watched their blogs, read their emails, or seen photos shared. But nothing compares to being together in person.

On Friday night four of the five families were reunited. One family was delayed due to work. On Friday we enjoyed our first visit by having dinner together, watching the girls play and letting the siblings get to know each other too. It was wonderful! We all stayed as late as we dared then headed back to our hotel for much needed rest. Bright and early the next day we met up with the last family at breakfast along with the other family's too. It was just like being in China. We discussed how everyone slept, the girls moved from table to table to chat, the parents swapped stories. How wonderful to relive those precious days but with MUCH less anxiety and uncertainty. After breakfast it was decided that we would all go to a local zoo. Then after that our host family planned a picnic at the park near their home along the Potomac River. What a lovely spot! The girls and big kids enjoyed themselved immensely. The weather was gorgeous too. Then it was on to the pool. The girls had a blast in the water. We were short one family who needed a little extra rest. But we all got back together later after naps and some down time for dinner. Our host family prepared another tasty meal and special dessert. The girls played til they were exhausted. Then we sadly said our good-byes to our host family as everyone had to be on their way early the next morning. Three days went VERY fast with all that fun! On Sunday morning the four family's had one last breakfast together at the hotel, then we sadly parted ways. I pray that we will be able to doo this again. Annually would be wonderful but with the distance between us all I'm afraid that's not realistic. All I can say about that is Praise the Lord for the internet! So I guess that sums up this special weekend in August.

We took LOTS of photos to preserve this precious time together. A slide show is to follow, ENJOY!