Halloween 2009

Halloween was a first for us this year. A first meaning, we missed it. We, meaning Gary and I. Because of the wedding of dear friends Kimberly and Kevin, we spent the weekend in New Hampshire and Boston. The girls had the wonderful opportunity to spend 4 days with the ONE, the ONLY, GRANDPA! Flying solo for Gramps was certainly a leap of faith, but one he took with a reserved confidence. He did raise three girls. He can do this. Oh, ye of little faith. The weekend went off without a hitch. Who needs PJ's? And don't we all know that, after 3 feet of snow, the perfect shoes for a fairy princess trick or treating on Halloween are snow boots? Of course we do. Thank goodness for Grampa! Because if Mommy had been in town, poor little fairy Hanna would've had to succumb to ballet flats and very wet feet. With the help of Aunt Becca, our girls were able to enjoy the Halloween they know and love. It began with 3 snow days...oh wait, I digress. (Yes, between Oct. 27 and Oct. 29 Denver and environs received close to 3 feet of snow...) But Grampa didn't miss a beat. No school? Let's go to Becca's!

Sleepover's galore are the best when Eme and Hailey have matching jammies. The girls made such special memories at Becca's and gave Grampa a much needed break, I'm sure. Cousin time, when it involves a plethora of snow, no school, and a holiday, calls for the creative thinking of aunts and uncles. I am certain that these girls will forever remember their "camp over" with the Damiano girls on Halloween weekend.

And really, when Grampa is around, who else would you need to keep you safe from all of the goblins and ghouls? I can say from experience; there is no better hand to hold.

It was a wonderful four days for Grampa and the girls. The hugs that were exchanged when saying good-bye were priceless. Our girls are so lucky to have the memory of THIS holiday, with THEIR Grampa! They are blessed. As are we all...

Fall Family Fun!

Pause Soundtrack to the right before selecting Play

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Perspective

I started back to work this past July. Due to budgets cuts, the position that I held for the past three years was eliminated and I was "involuntarily transferred". Since then, it has been a pretty rough road at my new school. There's political stuff that I don't agree with, it's far away from my house, it is year round, and the special education team there is like a dysfunctional family. Needless to say, waking up everyday, getting my girls ready for school or daycare, and heading out the door has been quite the undertaking since I have absolutely no motivation to even go to work. However, I saw this the other day. I had seen last year and thought it was great, but I really needed it this year. It reminded me why I do what I do and why I have done it for the past 14 years. (Yikes). With this little boy in mind, maybe Monday won't be quite so disappointing. (pause my soundtrack to the right before hitting play)

Labor Day Weekend

Since we have been working like crazy people we decided to treat ourselves and spend the entire weekend at the Hyatt in Beaver Creek. We parked the car in the parking garage on Saturday when we arrived and didn't move it until Monday when it was time to head home. We slept late (well, as late you can with little ones), went hiking, wandered through the shops, enjoyed Oktoberfest, took naps, went swimming, spent time just playing and relaxing. It was so worth it. Everyone needs to pamper themselves once in a while.

Pikes Peak or Bust!

We were inspired today to head "down South" and visit Pikes Peak. Hailey has a thing about patriotic songs so she has been asking and asking to go visit the "birthplace" of 'America the Beautiful'. We are only about 45 minutes from Manitou Springs so it was a quick jaunt. We decided to make a day of it and instead of drive up Pikes Peak, we opted for the Cog Railway. There aren't that many of these in the world and this one happens to be the highest. Now, ultimately, Gary and I would much rather HIKE a 14n'r if given the option. I have summited 5 such mountains and attempted 6. Gary has summited 2 and attempted 3. (Together, we were deterred by snow on Mt. Wilson near Telluride in 1999). That aside, there is just something so satisfying about being above 14,000 ft. Even though we didn't work for it today, it was still impressive, breathtaking, and inspiring to see the world from that perspective. The girls? Well, they were excited about the train and very engaged for about 20 minutes of the hour and a half trip up the mountain. Then, it was wiggles and giggles until timberline. When we arrived at the top it was cold. They reminded us of this rather frequently. Who needs an internal thermostat when you have children to give you play by plays on the weather? The top of Pikes Peak is unlike any other 14n'r I have ever summited. There is a parking lot, a gift shop, and observation deck, and a snack bar. Quite impressive. I remember summiting Mt. Massive with my cousin Allison and we were so cold because it was starting to rain and there was so much electricity in the air that we could feel the shocks coming up through our hiking boots. After hiking for 6 hours, we spent a grand total of 7 minutes at the top, and then high tailed it down the trail. And so it goes. In retrospect, I would honestly rather walk up and down the mountain. After nachos at the train station, doughnuts and cappuccino at the top, and vanilla wafers in between; my waistline needs the hike in the worst way!

If Walls Could Talk...

I realized today that my house says alot... ...my kitchen

...the girls bathroom

....the girls bathroom

...Hanna's room

...above Hanna's bed....

...above Hailey's door in her room

Hailey's wall...

...above Hailey's closet

...Hailey's room...

...above Hailey's window

...above our bed

...in the stairwell

...in the family room

...in the kitchen...

I suppose I've said enough...

August...Already????

Where does the time go?? It is hard to believe that August is already half over. Not a lot has happened in our little corner of the world but, enough though, I would guess. Hailey started 2nd Grade! That is even harder to believe. She absolutely loves it. When I picked her up after the first day she said, "2nd grade is STUPENDOUS!" What more could a mom want to hear? She has a wonderful little group in her class; most importantly her best friend Madison. They were not in the same class last year, so this is a treat for both of them. Hanna moved up to her new Pre-K class today. Her daycare center forgot to tell us that today was the day, so her milestone is not as well documented, well, at all!. That will have to come another day. (Sigh). Otherwise it has been work, work, work around here. My new job is taking its toll on me, my family, and my house. It's a good school and the people are nice, however, the Special Ed. Department is just a little dysfunctional. We've been in school for six weeks now and I have now become a scheduling expert. I have an entire file on my desktop that contains no less that 10 different schedules. Absolutely ridiculous. It's mostly because of the year round system. I won't bore you with the details but it certainly makes an already difficult job that much harder. Lately, my theme song has been "Something More" by Sugarland. It is so true on so many levels.
We had a fun weekend up in Vail. It was kind of our finale weekend as Football season is upon us (**&%*&^$%$#%@$&^)! Gary ran Vail's 10K at 10,000 ft and the girls and I hung out at the top of the gondola playing, reading and waiting for the big finish. It was a beautiful day to run and be on top of the mountain. After the race we drove up to Shrine Pass (top of Vail Pass) and went for a hike. The wild flowers were gorgous. The girls had fun making up names for all of the different plants. And there was a lengthy conversation about what bear's eat. Of course Hailey chimed in that only 4% of a bears diet is meat so we were all probably safe...except Hanna...she's about 4% so a bear would probably just eat her! That's the way to take one for the team Hanna! Gary and I about tripped ourselves we were laughing so hard. Hanna, in her true form, hadn't a clue what was going on...but she was leading the pack! After our hike we continued in the car down into Redcliffe and had lunch at this really funky little place called Mangoes. Although there are not many reasons to head to Redcliffe, the fish tacos are very outstanding!
We are getting back into our routines for the school year. Homework, housework, workouts...no wonder we are so tired by the weekend! Press on! (and YEP, still raining...)

A wonderful day with Wonderful Friends

Our first day in Atlanta we had the chance to reconnect with Nicole and Chris. We traveled together in China 2 years ago. Nicole and I first contacted each other through an online group when we realized we would be traveling at the same with our agency. We then met up in Bejing and toured and laughed and maintained normal together for those days. Nicole and Hailey really connected since Nicole and Chris had their darling MaKenna back home in Georgia with Gramma and Grampa. Our tours and times in Bejing were memorable ( again our camera died). We were together during all of the sights, sounds, yes, smells, of Bejing. Then, we parted ways when they left Bejing for Nanchang and we headed further south to Guangzhou. We each spent a week having the life changing experience of meeting our littles ones at Civil Affairs buildings. We fumbled through our days until the Davis family ( as well as the Arial's from NC) arrived in Guangzhou to finialize their paperwork. It was more laughs and tears as we made our way through the maze of parenting via adoption. It may seem strange to connect so closely with someone, but so much was alinged for us. We were in a new country, we were seeing amazing sights, and we were there together as we prepared to welcome a new child into our lives. Although Tommy and Hanna are 6 months apart and came from different provinces, we share the same "Family" day which, in the adoption, is like having the same birthday. Being far away from home and having a life changing experience certainly creates a life long friendship. We wish we could've had more time with the Davis' on our recent trip to Atlanta. But the best part, was picking up right where we left off. There is nothing that compares to the feeling you get when you are with true friends. We cherish so much. Wonderful day, wonderful friends. Another blessing to count.

We're a Little Bit Chicken Fried

We had a wonderful trip to "The South" and enjoyed every minute seeing so many great friends and spending time with Gary's family for such a special occasion. Our trip started with a wonderful day reuniting with friends from our China trip in 2007. We spent the day with Nicole and Chris and their two beautiful children Makenna and Tommy. Tommy and Hanna shared the life changing experience of joining their forever family in China. Everyone had so much fun. It was like we didn't miss a beat and picked right up where we left off. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family to share such a wonderful experience. We can't wait to follow along as they travel to China for the third time to bring home another little Davis boy. Best wishes Chris, Nicole, Mackenna and Tommy! We spent a couple of days in Carrollton, GA, on the west side of Atlanta with great friends Kevin and Kim. It was fun to reconnect after our sun filled days in Mexico. They have a beautiful home and were the most gracious hosts. Hailey has decided that she would rather live with them than here. Way to go Kim! You have the spoiling thing down! They were officially declared Aunt Kim and Uncle Kevin (well, Schlepy, but another story). We enjoyed a relaxing evening at their home, the slip 'n slide, sprinklers on the golf course, and Braves baseball. We can't wait to see them again when we celebrate their wedding in New Hampshire in October. We also had the chance to catch up with Gary's friend Julia and her family. Julia was the very first baby sitter Hailey ever had when she was only 3 months old in NYC. Gary and Julia could tell many stories about their days in PA classes at NY Presbyterian. Stella is her little 2 year old bundle and so much fun. Of course there was touristy stuff to keep the girls entertained. The American Girl store was an absolute hit with both of the girls. If you are a Daddy with daughters...Gary's only advice is hold on tight to your wallet. It was obvious that he was not demonstrating southern chivalry when he attended lunch in a pink cafe...he was supervising the spending!
A very special day was an afternoon spent in Birmingham. I've kept in touch a lovely family who traveled only two weeks after us to meet their daughter in China. She and Hanna were in the same orphanage. It was shared by the nannies that their cribs were near each other. We were also joined by another little girl who, although younger than Isabelle and Hanna, was also at the same orphanage. We were thrilled to meet Amanda and Julianna and hear about their wonderful visit to the orphange this past February. It relieved so many fears, knowing that our little girls were a place so filled with love. We all met at a beutiful little park and had a very touching time sharing stories about our little "Shan Wei" sisters. We hope to always stay in touch as these little girls clearly share a special connection.
The rest of the trip was Wedding Palooza in Opelika and Auburn, AL, Gary's cousin Logan was married in his 'Mrs' hometown and celebrated with a fun band in the perfect southern setting. We enjoyed catching up with Gary's aunts, uncles, and cousins. Alabama certainly knows the meaning of "Sweet Home". A lovely time beneath the southern pines and sweet magnolia. Who says you can't go home????

Mountain Fun

We spent the weekend of Father's Day in Vail with great friends, the Coghills (Annie, Jeff and Kailea).  Our plan was to go camping at Piney Lake at the base of Mt. Powell, but the weather didn't cooperate.  We tried to wait out the storm in the restaurant nearby, but it become very clear (or more and more foggy) that the rain was not going to let up.  So, it was back to Mountain House, where we did our best to simulate our camping experience...with the exception of the U.S. Open being on TV and drinking our wine out of actual wine glasses instead of paper cups. On Father's Day the sun was out so after a great breakfast (thanks Annie),  a hiking we went.  Muddy fun was had by all.  The best part of the weekend was the moose we saw as we were leaving our campsite.  All things have a happy ending.  Had we stayed and camped, we would've missed this rare sight.  Super cool I say.  I love those ugly beasts.

Summer Fun in Grand Junction

Last week the girls and I made our annual trek to Grand Jct. for "hometown" time with Gramma and Gramps.  Hailey participated in the Missoula Children's Theater production of Pinnocchio and we spent our days just toodleing around "happy valley".  The weather was beautiful.  It was nice to finally see the sun. We went to THE mall for mani/pedi's with Gramma, story time at the library, bike rides, hot tub fun, a morning at the Math and Science Center and a beautiful evening downtown for yummy pizza and the farmer's market.  The girls were pretty exhausted at the end of the day. The other reason for our visit was my 20 year high school reunion.  It was really fun to catch up with so many old friends. In all honesty, high school really wasn't my thing, but the weekend reminded me what great people I went to school with.  I am blessed to have had the experience I had.  I see that now.  At the time, I was too insecure and self absorbed to actually appreciate the time I had with such a wonderful group.  What I've learned now is that home, in the truest sense of the word, is where your heart is. Even if it did feel a little trampled on at times, it made me who I am.  Home transcends...it is the ultimate trump.  And I like that.  A lot.

Happy Birthday Hanna Mei!

Today marks Four Years Old for our little Hanna Mei!  She is growing so fast.  We had some fun celebrations yesterday.  There was the requisite birthday lunch at Red Robin complete with a serenade and an ice cream sundae. Then, family came over for dinner last night.  Today we are packing up for a weekend in the mountains.

Hanna is all over being four.  She has been waiting and waiting for her special day to arrive.  She finally "gets" the whole birthday thing.  The first couple of years she was a bit overwhelmed by the day, but now she is just soaking it up.  We love you Hanna Mei!  Wishing you a wonderful year ahead full of many amazing moments.  We are so blessed by you!