Random Things...

It seemed that summer went so fast, oh how I hate to see it go. These are a few moments that I love to recall. Just a few random things...after all this is why I blog.



Scaredy Dog!



Dancin' in the yard, embarrasing the kids



Cute couple



Coach Ross




Who's that cute pet?



Wild abandon



Brian Gibney Band



Fifty is Nifty!



A Night at the Commons



Our Tiny Resident

Lovely Miss Stephanie

Farewell Rosie

Basking in the goodness of it all...

~Kate-Lyn~

China Sisters Reunion 2012

Each year since 2007 when we adopted the girls in Hefei, China we have gathered together to celebrate. And celebrate we did! Very few things are more enjoyable than watching these six girls spend time singing, laughing, playing and just being girls -- all together, under one roof, for three joyful days. The next best thing is all us parents doing the same thing, laughing, playing and just being together. All together.

Matching t-shirts for all

Feelin' the Love,

~Kate-Lyn~

Lovely Annapolis, MD

Back in July we visited Annapolis and the Naval Academy for a mini-vacation. What a lovely area, I hope we can visit again sometime soon. When we arrived it was quite warm and everyone was eager to get out and explore the area. So we set off on a quick shopping excursion which proved to be fruitless. We did, however, learn our way around a bit. Not long after that it was time to choose a  restaurant for a seafood dinner. We chose a place named Mike's from the travel guide. It is right on the water and highly recommended. They were right on all accounts. Having been cooped up in the car for 6-ish hours we decided to eat on the outside patio. Well...that proved to be very warm. VERY warm for these upstate New Yorker's. But we made the best of it and the delicious food made it all worth it.

After leaving the boys at the Naval Academy we began our walking tour of downtown. It is so quaint with the historic buildings, rich history and New Englandy atmosphere. We really enjoyed the boat tour of the Chesapeke Bay which provided a much needed break from the heat.

We found an AMAZING sweets shoppe for a mid-afternoon snack

Reminiscent of China, for those who know what I"m talking about

The lacrosse fields as seen from the bay

Beautiful Bancroft Hall where the boys stayed

The Chapel and one of it's many beautiful stained glass windows

Another highlight of our visit was a night at the Medieval Times Castle. Naturally this was the one thing that Miss Grace was eagerly anticipating. Horses, knights, the Princess, the King, the horses. You get the idea.

Because she was so excited we decided to get front row seats for dinner and I am SO glad we did. Our knight was the RED knight. A most brave, respected and feared warrior (or so they say at the castle).

 During the show, after each of  his skillful acts of might and bravery, he would present a young lady with a flower.Miss Grace watched coyly as each received their flower but none came to her. Then during his last act the King presented the RED knight with a banner which said "Queen of the Tournament" which was to be presented to one special "Lady" in attendance that the knight chose himself. The RED knight presented the banner to Miss Grace. She was absolutely stunned, then froze when he rode up to her with it on the end of his lance so her father had to receive it in her place. It was so cute and she was silent almost the entire rest of the night with awe.Maybe it was the excitement of the show, the incredible horses, the falconer (a young Asian woman--now she wants to do that too!) or the whole Knight-thang. I've never seen her this way but I'd say our visit to the castle made quite and impression on her.

Truly a "Knight to Remember", LOL!

The next few days we spent touring the Naval Academy, shopping, enjoying the pool and exploring the area by car. It was a great time, very relaxing, and I'm sure we will go again.

Still Recalling the Awe,

~Kate-Lyn~

A Special Day to Remember...

Last weekend Miss Grace and her BFF Elizabeth had a very fun time at an long awaited event that has been on their calendars for some time.

I have said it before that last year in Pre-K their teacher stole their hearts. And it is totally safe to say that she held them in a special place in her heart as well. So special in fact that she asked them to be in her wedding. This momentous day finally arrived on August 4th and oh the joy!

They started the day at the hair salon. Miss Gigi made them feel like movie stars. Then they went out for lunch. Chinese food of course. And just when they couldn't stand it anymore... it was time!!!!

We drove to the beautiful old church with much anticipation. Upon arrival we met the brides Mom and she looked absolutely beautiful, just like her daughter. Now the excitement really began to build! What a hit they made in their dresses (lovingly made by Cousin Darlene and yours truly).

The special part of the wedding that the bride chose for them was to deliver the gifts to the alter.They totally took this job seriously, but naturally added their unique charm...

Regretfully my photos of the bride and groom did not come out clearly due to my inexperience with the camera when no flash is permitted. I did salvage one of the bride and the girls, thank God! The handsome groom is shown in the background. What joy!

Such a wonderful couple. So much lies ahead for them. Oh what a blessing to witness such goodness!

This is truly a day that our little ones will remember, forever. If only you could have seen their faces when Miss Beth appeared looking absolutely stunning and every bit a "Princess for a Day". Then again, you should have seen the look on the Grooms face, LOL!

Lingering in the Fond Memories,

~Kate-Lyn~

Navy Lacrosse - Annapolis, MD

This Spring Ross had a difficult decision to make - play lacrosse or travel. After much personal debate he chose to take the summer off and travel. He also got a part-time job for the first time. As much as this concerned me I decided to stay out of his decision. He worked and trained very hard during the season which was a tough one, I'm not gonna sugar-coat it. I think he really needed a mental break as well. To keep in practice though he enrolled in the Navy Lacrosse Positional Training Camp. Initially I thought, well another lacrosse vacation. We'll make the best of it as always. Then I began to look into the area and began to get excited. Not just for him to receive such excellent training but for us as well to visit such a beautiful area. But more on that in another post.

The highlights are captured here:

Signing In, Getting Their Gear

Ready to Go

Here They Come

Drills

What a view, I'd have a hard time focusing!

 On the drive home we got all the details on the boys week and I'd say it was a success. Each learned a lot about the Navy, leadership, teamwork, character, integrity and of course lacrosse. Our Ross even got two "looks" by area colleges and they have contacted us already. I guess this is when it begins.

He is so ready, I am so not!

Proudly born in the USA,

~Kate-Lyn~

Fourth of July 2012

With the Fourth of July this year being on a Wednesday it sure wasn't the same. Many of those who would normally join us could not be there. But...we made the best of it nonetheless. Oh, and I must add that we celebrated with some new folks from down home that came up north. It was like having our neighborhood pick itself up and move 86 miles north. That was fun!

All in all, it's pretty hard to have a bad time on the Fourth in our beautiful little village. Even if I did have to work the next day, I had some might nice memories to take with me.

Relishing the Moment,

~Kate-Lyn~