Welcome Addison Grace Xin......

Photo shoot!

2009-05-07T08:05:00.006-06:00

I had a fun photo shoot with my friend Kate's beautiful kids yesterday! Here are a few of my favorites.... Phoebe......

Max........

This and that....

2009-04-08T13:41:00.003-06:00

I wanted to put a quick mention in here about Russ and Alyssa's recent mission trip to Mexico. They just got home this past weekend, after working in a children's home/orphanage for a week with a group from our church. They had such a great time, and are already talking about going back next year. Now they know why I have to keep going back to China to care for the babies and nannies in Heng Feng! If you want to see pictures or read about what they did there, you can check out their blog here. I didn't mention their trip before now, because I wasn't real comfortable putting it out there that I would be home with just my 2 kids for a week! :) So........yesterday I had the chance to spend a little time with a bloggie friend Gretchen and her kids Elise and Carson! They were in our area visiting family, so we were able to meet up for lunch and a quick walk. Addie and Elise are from the same orphanage in China. After getting to know Gretchen through her blog, we also came to realize that we both graduated from the same small college in Illinois. Talk about a small world! Anyway, it was so fun to spend some time together. You know how there are some people that you just feel that instant click with and you feel like you have always been friends? Yep, that's how it felt! Thanks Gretchen, for squeezing us into your busy schedule. We hope to do it again next time you are in town. Our two Jianxin girls! They were SO cute together. And it was fun to learn about their similarities, including their hair. It is exactly the same! Carson, Addie and Elise in front of the sign where we went to college!

Spring is in the air....

2009-03-21T17:14:00.002-06:00

I love this picture of Riley and Addie...they were fishing in the pond behind our house. Have I ever mentioned what a GOOD big brother Riley is? He is so sweet with his little sister. (most of the time!) And Addie wants to be JUST like big brother......soccer and all! My latest assignment for my photography class was "sports shots".......it's a good thing I had a willing participant to let me practice on! Here are a few of my favorites...

Time for a break....

Is it just me.......

2009-02-24T08:53:00.002-06:00

Or does my baby not look like a baby anymore? She is becoming such a big girl......

Bubbles....

2009-02-20T14:52:00.003-06:00

I'm taking a photography class with my neighbor, and am loving it!

So these pictures were more about me playing with the settings/lighting, etc on my camera, then the bubbles.

But I still thought they turned out pretty cute. So here they are!

A weekend getaway...

2009-02-16T15:58:00.007-06:00

It has become a tradition for us to go away every President's Day weekend. We usually end up at our favorite beach town in Michigan.

Here are a few pics from our weekend away....

The kids wanted to go back to the dunes and beach on our last day, but we made it far enough to snap this picture and then left. It was SOOO cold! We are ready for summer!!

Going back to China.....

2009-02-09T14:27:00.002-06:00

I know I have mentioned many times how much my heart is in China. Last year, if you followed my blog, you saw that I had the opportunity to go to China on a missions trip through Visiting Orphans. You might have even followed our trip on our trip blog.

This year I have an amazing opportunity to co-lead a team back to the same orphanage in Heng Feng! I am so excited to go back. I know we were able to make a difference for the orphanage, and especially for the nannies there, with the financial contribution that we made. We were able to provide for (among other things), solar panels to put on the roofs so that the nannies could take warm showers. Can you imagine? The littlest things that we take for granted......

We still have room on our team, though time is running short. If you would be interested in going with us this year, please leave me a comment with your e-mail address so I can get more info to you. You can also read a little more about last years trip, and this years plans if you go to www.visitingorphans.org click on the China trips and then the Heng Feng 2009 trip.

I'll be sure to keep you posted on our trip and blog this year. We leave June 5th and return home the 16th. Above all else, I would appreciate your prayers!

Xin Nian Kaui Le!

2009-01-26T20:26:00.002-06:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Addie is not feeling so well today, so we spent Chinese New Year at home tonight, and ordered take out. Luckily, I had her wear her Chinese outfit to church yesterday and got a quick picture!

Happy Year of the Ox!

My Riley.....

2009-01-25T14:37:00.005-06:00

Want to know why Riley can't stand it when it's too cold to be outside?

This is what he spends all of his free time doing when there is snow on the ground......

This is in our backyard. He builds his own ramps, and ices everything down before he comes in for the night. He told me today he wants to be a "Christian snowboarder" when he grows up! How cool is that?

Yep, that's his grinding rail for his skateboard!

Um, yeah......this one didn't end so good!

I love my guy!

Meeting Leah!!

2009-01-23T21:59:00.002-06:00

Tonight, Addie and I got to run to the airport and meet our friends on their way home from China, with their new baby - Leah. They were on a quick layover heading home to Cincinnati, but it was worth it to have a few minutes to meet Leah, and see my friend Dawn and her family!

Addie, waiting and watching for her friend Bekah!

Here they come!! Dawn sprained her ankle a few months ago, so she got a free ride through the airports...

Here's Leah!!!! She is ADORABLE!

Addie loved "baby Leah"....

and I'm sure you can tell it was not a good ending to this picture....

But Leah was a good sport, she hopped right back up and kept on smiling. What a sweet girl!

And now it's January.....

2009-01-21T14:29:00.005-06:00

Can't believe we are already well into January. Where does the time go?

Here is a little of what we've been up to since the holidays....

Getting together with one of my very best friends....we've been friends since 4th grade.... and now our daughters are best friends! (if only we didn't live so far from each other)

We spent New Years Eve with my sister and her husband, had a great time!

Russ's mom and dad came out for New Years. This has become our tradition with them, and we love having them.

Guess who's (thinking about) sleeping in a big girl bed? We talk about it LOTS, and I think she's had 2 naps in there......the rest of the time, if I ask if she wants to sleep in her big girl bed, the answer I get is "tomorrow" or "later"!

I know she won't be in her crib when she's in high school, so I'm not pushing it!

We have had TONS of snow this year....

And it has been REALLY cold......cold enough to cancel school even. This is Riley's biggest nightmare, he can't stand to be stuck in the house!

Christmas Fun!

2008-12-29T15:13:00.005-06:00

We spent Christmas this year at my dad's cabin in the North! We had so much fun playing outside, and just being together. It felt like a winter wonderland. I don't know about any of you, but it seems like the older I get, the more precious my time with my family becomes.

This is where we spent our week......

Story time with Grandpa....

A present from my sister and her family. I think the look says it all!

Snowmobiling! We snowmobiled on Christmas Day. The trails were great, and we had them all to ourselves...

I LOVE this picture. I especially love the little footprints....

Riley will fish anytime, anywhere.....

We went skiing the day after Christmas, and again had great snow, and the place seemed empty.

Playing with our new Christmas present, the Wii!

Thanks Bekah!!

2008-12-23T11:20:00.002-06:00

I LOVE my new book!!! It will be great for our long car ride today.....

We love and miss you lots!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T08:36:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Some funnies.....

2008-12-07T22:05:00.005-06:00

I love, love, love my camera, and love to take pictures. I thought it would be funny to post some of my pictures that DIDN'T make it to my blog! Hope you get a laugh......

Alyssa's version of a milk moustache, but with egg nog......ew!

Addie's idea for a Christmas card......

Riley's idea for a Christmas card!

Look at that grin.....

Alyssa's idea for a Christmas card!

Tubby time......and you never know what you might find under a 3 year old's shirt at the end of the day! (it's stickers, and we had no idea they were on her!)

Busted! (again!) That's Alyssa's purse behind Addie, and that's Alyssa's gum all unwrapped on the floor. oops!

Don't let them fool you - they love getting their picture taken.....

It's not easy getting a good picture of a 3 year old standing still!

Does this look like trouble, or what?

Ok, so there's nothing funny about this one. But she's so stinkin' cute, I couldn't resist putting it in here anyway!

Adoption Video

2008-12-04T13:38:00.005-06:00

I'm so excited to have this video to document our adoption of Addie. It's amazing when you watch it to see how far she has come. It's long, so make sure you have a little time to sit down if you want to watch it! And a special THANKS to Staci for making this for us! This is something we will always treasure. (now bring on that TA!)

Let it snow......

2008-11-30T16:17:00.003-06:00

Our first snow of the year......and the kids couldn't wait to get out there!

(and I couldn't wait to try out my new zoom lens! I love it...)

And I had to throw this picture in here, just because I loved it!

Thankful for......

2008-11-29T16:35:00.004-06:00

family.......

fun......

my dad and his grandsons......

husbands who do the dishes.......

my sister (and her yummy pies!).......

hilarious memories.......

cousins.......

our health.......

love.......

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Gotcha Day Addie Grace!

2008-11-20T13:22:00.004-06:00

Two years ago today, we walked into the Civil Affairs building in Jiangxi, China, and met this precious little girl. Time really does fly, because it feels like yesterday that we were still waiting and hoping for a referral. What a gift Addison has been to all of us. She has touched so many hearts and lives, and I pray that her joy and laughter and love of life has inspired others to consider the possibilities of adoption and to give more orphans the chance to have forever families. I have been so blessed to be able to share our story with many people, and it has been my passion and my joy.

God is so Good, and we praise Him for this life that forever changed ours!

Happy Gotcha Day Addison Grace!

These pictures are the first glimpses we had of our daughter. She was only 5 months old. They are the only pictures I have of Addie before we got her at 13 months old.

Gotcha Day! Our first few moments together.....

There were no smiles on this day from our little XinSi

What a long way we have come................

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

2008-11-14T11:45:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet girl! You are loved!

Fall Soccer

2008-11-06T15:38:00.005-06:00

We finally finished fall soccer last weekend. I'm hoping to have time now to get back to my blog, and to catching up with everyone's blogs that I haven't been able to check in on for so long. I have missed you all! 2 kids playing soccer, 5 practices a week, and 2-3 games every weekend has left me exhausted! I'm enjoying the next few weeks off before indoor season starts. Then it starts all over again....(at least only one of them plays indoor!)

Trick or Treat!!

2008-11-01T14:27:00.002-06:00

Addie is THREE!!

2008-10-19T18:44:00.006-06:00

Once again, I am behind on blogging.....I don't know how some of you keep up with yours like you do! I'm trying.....

Addie turned 3 a few weeks ago, and we had a few little celebrations. This year, she really understood the concept of her birthday, especially the cake and presents part! (that's my girl!)

We had so much fun celebrating ADDISON, and are still amazed that God chose us to be her family. We are blessed.

Can you tell she LOVES pasta? So we met my family at our favorite italian place, and let her have at it!

Addie's monday morning playgroup friends ate cupcakes to help her celebrate.

When we got home, she found the leftovers.....

then mommy took them away! (so mean)

Celebrating at home with our family...

Guess who made the cake? I'll give you a hint - it wasn't me! (isn't he a good daddy?!)

The Princess!

For Laura.....

2008-10-12T12:50:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the M&M's!!!! heehee

Where have I been?!

2008-09-26T12:54:00.005-06:00

In case anyone is wondering where I've been........I have one easy answer - my CAR! I thought life would slow down once school started, but Addie and I have somewhere to be pretty much every morning of the week. And when the older two get home from school, we are usually rushing back out the door for soccer practice or some other meeting or event. Our weekends have been packed with soccer games. This weekend we have 4! Mix a 2 year old into that, and things get a little more hectic. But honestly, to me, it's "happy chaos", and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

We have been trying to spend as much time outside as we can, before we have to hibernate for the winter. So here are a few pictures of our outside fun........

I am finding it very hard to get a good picture of Addie and I together! She is one goofy girl....

And how about trying to get a picture of a 12, almost 13 year old?! Impossible!

And when Riley is not playing soccer, this is his second love:

Addie likes to join in the fun!

And here we go again, trying to get a good picture.....oh well, we tried! :)

Please pray...

2008-09-16T12:16:00.001-06:00

please pray for this family in China right now, and for their precious daughter..... http://www.roomforatleastonemore.blogspot.com/ I know God can move mountains, and this family desperately needs God to move mountains on their behalf.

The Arboretum

2008-09-11T12:23:00.004-06:00

Addie and I spent yesterday morning at our local arboretum with our good friends, "Miss Becky" and Lauren. The girls had so much fun running around, and especially getting wet. It was a perfect day.

Time for a little snack.....

Checking out the BIG bugs!

To all of my blogger friends in Texas, I am thinking of you and praying that Ike will go away! Stay safe. (especially Beth, Paul, and Alli Rui)

And to JinXiu and her mommy, I miss you and your blog.....

Let's Dance!!

2008-09-08T12:55:00.002-06:00

Sisters....

2008-09-04T19:51:00.002-06:00

Guess who......

2008-09-03T07:49:00.000-06:00

got Addie dressed yesterday morning?

Six Flags!

2008-09-01T07:57:00.004-06:00

On Saturday morning, we surprised the kids with tickets to Six Flags (thanks Aunt Lisa!!).

We had such a fun day. Riley was finally tall enough to ride every single ride, and let me tell you, he rode EVERY single ride! I'm sad to say, I must be getting old.....those rollercoasters aren't quite as fun as they used to be. Talk about a headache!

What's wrong with this picture??

Addie made a few little girls mad because I let her put her toes in the water, and their mom wouldn't let them! What can I say, she's my 3rd child! ha

Time for a break...

Notice Alyssa's expression after getting off the roller coaster!

This is the roller coaster they were on.....

This is the only shot I got of Addison in the boat.....right before she almost jumped ship, and we had to take her off!

Mommy and Addie riding Scooby Doo's mystery machine....

It was a fun day.........

Back to School!

2008-08-27T20:49:00.002-06:00

I can't believe how quickly the summer flew. Today was the kids first day back to school. I'm happy to get back into a little more routine and structure, but I'm still not ready for summer to end. Hopefully we'll still have a few more weeks of summer weather. I don't feel like I got enough this year. Anyone else feel that way?

It was a bit traumatic for Addie today when the kids left. I didn't think she would even notice, since they are in and out all day with their friends. But when Alyssa left, she just stood at the door and sobbed. She finally calmed down in time for Riley to leave. Then it started all over again. Riley came back in the house once, and Addie said "my Riley came back". It was so sweet, except then her Riley left AGAIN, and the sobbing started all over. We ran a few errands, and kept busy for the morning and that seemed to help. But she has been on edge all night, crying at every little thing. Hopefully this will pass quickly!

Alyssa, ready to go.....

Riley, with very sore teeth, ready to go......

And a picture of Addie, just cause she's so cute! :)

Before.......

2008-08-26T18:44:00.002-06:00

After...........

Yep, my guy got his braces on today. Sooner than his older sister, too........

What's next, dating? I don't think so!

She just KNEW......

2008-08-21T14:51:00.005-06:00

When we were camping this weekend, my niece Brooke, Addie and I were watching the beautiful colors of the sun setting over the lake we were on. Just to the left of us, though, was the most amazing, huge MOON coming up over the horizon. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. Brooke and I both tried to take some pictures, but nothing we took seemed to do justice to the beauty we were beholding. You can't tell in the pictures, but the moon was larger than life.

Now we spend a lot of time in our family talking about God and Jesus, and Addie often asks "Where's Jesus?", and we talk about Heaven and God, and how Jesus is in Heaven with his Daddy, God. But to my knowledge we have never talked with Addie about God creating anything. As we were looking at the moon, I asked Addie, "Do you know who made that beautiful moon?" And without a moments hesitation, she practically yelled "Jesus did!!" I couldn't believe my ears. How did she know this?

Romans 1:19-20 (New Living Translation)

19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Wow, talk about the faith of a child.......I stand amazed!!

"Jesus" !!

Psalm 19:1-2(New Living Translation)

1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

Beautiful!

2008-08-20T13:55:00.002-06:00

2008-08-20T08:15:00.003-06:00

If you are having trouble accessing my blog, be sure you have me bookmarked as www.2china4addison.blogspot.com I originally started this blog without the "blogspot" in the address, and I think that one has expired. Hope that helps if you are having trouble!

Camping

2008-08-18T16:23:00.008-06:00

We spent this past weekend camping with my sister and her family, and some friends of theirs. It was a nice break to get away and spend two whole days on the lake. School will be starting next week, soccer has started, and we are not ready to say good-bye to summer yet....

Some of you have asked about my new camera. It's the Canon Digital Rebel XSI/EOS. I'm still playing around with it, and figuring out the settings, but so far, I have no complaints, and I LOVE it!! My last two cameras have also been Canon's, so I guess that is the brand I like! When I find something I like, I stick with it.

Here are some pictures from our weekend....

Brooke and Alyssa, cousins....

Addie and Aunt Lisa, studying the bugs on the boat!

Addie and Luke (cousins)

I love this picture!

2 boats and a waverunner made for a fun weekend!

Going for a swim

Making dinner!

Addie and Brooke at sunset.....you wouldn't believe the full moon we watched come up, it was beautiful!

Addie sat in the tube, but we didn't actually pull her behind the boat. Sitting in it was good enough for her!

Soaking up the sun!

Have I mentioned......

2008-08-14T11:52:00.005-06:00

how much I LOVE my new camera?!! We are so busy, running between band camps, soccer camps, soccer practice, dentists, orthodontists, and keeping up with a 2 year old.....but I am still managing to at least keep snapping some pictures! Here are a few of our latest....

This looks like trouble.....

hmmmm.......see who's at the end of the paper?! :) Yep, trouble!!

Riley at the skate park.....and yes, he should have his helmet on - bad mommy!

Painting. Riley was so sweet, he came downstairs with Addie all dressed in one of his old soccer jerseys so he could paint with her. How could I not take a picture?!

My newest way to get Addie to smile so good for a picture? I say "Don't smile" !! Look at the great shots I get! :)

Happy Referral Day!!

2008-08-10T17:45:00.010-06:00

I will never forget that day, 2 years ago, and that phone call. As soon as I saw our adoption agency on the caller id, I started shaking. We had been on our agency's "interested family" list for the China special needs program for quite a few months. As different families received calls every few months, we wondered when it would be our turn. We wondered which little girl God had already chosen for our family....so many questions, so many prayers, so much waiting. Just 2 weeks earlier, our agency (America World Adoption) had received 4 "surprise", out of the blue Special needs referrals. I watched as families posted on America Worlds Yahoo group about their referrals. I tried not to question God......but why weren't WE getting a call? A family posted about receiving a referral of a little girl with a hemangioma on her face. They said it looked like a little birth mark. I was so sad......our Riley had had a hemangioma on his back. We knew exactly what that was. We had seen doctors about it. We were educated and informed! But God had chosen another family for this little girl. I called our family coordinator to ask her about this, and she told me we had only said "minor special needs", but we hadn't specifically said we would consider a child with a hemangioma. I told her to add it to our application. She told me they RARELY get this as a special need. Then told me again, to make sure I understood, they RARELY get this as a special need! Ok, I understood, but please add this to our list. This was a no-brainer. Two weeks later, our phone rang. It was our family coordinator....I was shaking! She asked me if we would be interested in reviewing the file of a little girl with a hemangioma on her hand?! WHAT?? Yes, they recieved another file! Were we interested? Are you kidding.....let us see our daughter! Less than an hour later, Russ was home from work, the kids had been called in from playing with their friends and we were looking at the pictures of the cutest little Chinese baby we had ever seen. She was our daughter!!

3 months later, we were on a plane to China. We were so blessed to be able to travel with the family who had adopted the little girl with the hemangioma on her face(Lucy). Had it not been for Lucy's referral, we would not have known to add the SN of Hemangioma to our application, and we would not have gotten our referral for Addison. Was her referral really a "surprise" to our agency? I suppose it was. But was it a surprise to God? Definitely not!! I truly believe God brought Addison into our family, through that "surprise referral" of Lucy...... 2 years later, and we are still in touch with Lucy and her mom and family. They have become some of my dearest friends! Isn't it amazing how God works, how God blesses, and how God shows himself to us in the best of ways?! This is a picture of Addie and Lucy at the beach last month.....

And here are a few more pictures of Addison now.....she is such a joy to our family. She is a perfect fit for our family, and always has been. I don't think any of us can imagine our lives without her in them. Thanks be to God.....for He is never surprised! How we love this little girl, and how I love to re-tell her story of how she became a part of our family!

Psalm 78:4 .........we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

We love you Addison Grace Xin!!!!!!!!!!

Wisconsin!

2008-08-03T15:35:00.012-06:00

We just got home from a weeks vacation in Wisconsin with my family. I loved being on vacation, but I REALLY loved playing with my new camera! :) I took well over 500 pictures. yikes!! I tried to narrow down my favorites to just a few (10 or less), but as you can see, I couldn't do it! Just trust me when I say, I could have posted tons more, and thankfully I didn't. So here goes....

We spent lots of time fishing, it was too cute watching Addie fish, and watching Alyssa, Riley, daddy and Grandpa teach her how!

We also spent lots of time playing on the lake with more of my family....

Riley learned that he LOVES to wakeboard, he says its just like snowboarding.

Alyssa with cousins Madi and Matt on the tube!

Addie loved playing with her cousin Maggie!

We also spent one day at Lake Superior. It was beautiful, and the water wasn't as cold as it sometimes is.........

Russ's favorite part of the week is always the "all you can eat fish fry" at Bent's camp. Rich, we took this picture for you, you were missed!

All the cousins, after the fish fry, and after Tanner fell in the lake!

Riley brought

his dirt bike up with us, and Addison had as much fun on it as he did....

Me and my dad! :)

And these are the rest of my favorites from the week.........

See why I couldn't pick just a "few"?!

I love this picture!

2008-07-23T20:37:00.001-06:00

I took this picture last week while Alyssa was at camp, and just love it. I only wish she could have been in it, too. I know it's not as good as Melanie's work , but I think she might even like it too!

I'm SO excited because I got a new camera tonight.......the Canon EOS Rebel XSI. My first SLR. So be prepared for lots of pictures in the future on my blog.....I have to put them somewhere!!

If anyone has any good tips, I'm always up for suggestions, Thanks!

Another day at the beach!

2008-07-21T15:56:00.006-06:00

This time it wasn't at the ocean, though, it was at the "Great Lake"! (one of them, anyway). We met up with Kendra, one of my best friends since 4th grade - we won't talk about how many years we have actually known each other - and our families had so much fun hanging out, going out to eat, and out for ice cream. She has 5 kids (her oldest stayed home, but she had her niece with her), and my 3 were with us, so we got quite a few looks with all of our kids walking around! Our daughters Alyssa and Cassie have become the best of friends, they are only 2 months apart in age. It is so fun seeing them form this special bond, just like their moms! Alyssa went home with them for the week, so once again, my Alyssa is gone for another week. I miss her!

Addie and Lily, playing football like their dads!

Addie and her buddy Bailee....

Eating ice cream at our favorite place!

Our kids!!

This was the only way we could get a picture of Riley and Bailee together....we let them make bunny ears! (their moms have plans for these 2 someday....shhhh!)

Our families!

Fun Summer Days!

2008-07-15T21:12:00.007-06:00

Alyssa is at camp this week, but here is a little of what Addie and Riley have been up to.....(mostly Addie, because Riley is usually off with his friends!)

Ready for a bike ride with mom and dad!

Fun day at the pool with Auntie Kate and Phoebe.....

Are they cute or what?!

This is at Riley's last baseball game of the season. Addie is having a very serious conversation on her cell phone with "Auntie Kate, Pineapple, Bunny, Mommy, Daddy, and Grandpa" (according to Addie!)

Riley.......

This is Riley's award ceremony at the end of the game. Addie wanted to sit right down with "the team"!

Riley and his buddy Tyler.....

More Beach...

2008-07-08T20:51:00.006-06:00

These are the last of my beach pictures, I love these pictures of Addie.....I want to remember her like this forever! I'm so glad I got these great shots.

4th of July at the Beach!

2008-07-07T15:03:00.008-06:00

We just got back from a week in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. It was a great week, and a much needed vacation. Here are a few (ok, more than a few!) of my favorite photos from the week....

Crab legs, Yummy!!!

Deep sea fishing..... This is where Riley spent most of his week......on his skimboard! Our family of five!

Alyssa.....so pretty! We spent a day with our friends from China - Lucy, and her mom Laura.

Becki and my sister in law Lisa. We had so much fun together!!

Alyssa - riding the waves... Sisters!

Cousins! Happy 4th of July!! Alyssa and cousin Ginny with their hair wraps! Thanks Aunt Lisa! :)

Beijing, China

2008-06-27T13:46:00.008-06:00

Our last few days in China were spent debriefing and doing a little touring in Beijing. It was an odd time, as we were ready to be home and see our families, but we were also really missing our babies in Heng Feng..... Julie and I in Tianamen Square Brooke, Becki, Amy and Julie in the Forbidden City The Imperial Gardens behind the Forbidden City

The Chinese Acrobat Show The Great Wall!! Brooke at the very top! The little tiny buildings you see below are where we started our climb!

We are the group that climbed to the TOP!! These are two of the buildings for the Olympics that will be in August. The swimming arena and the "Birds Nest" behind it. Last night hanging out together..... Before we headed to the airport we stopped at a Tea House....

then had our last meal at the Hard Rock Cafe in Beijing! It was a great way to end our trip. Becki and Brooke (she made me pose like this!) Flying home..... Home sweet home......first stop - Pizza!! So now I'm wondering........how much longer until I can plan my next trip to China?! I'll keep you posted!

2008-06-26T08:41:00.003-06:00

Here are more pictures from the streets in HengFeng.... This picture is a little blurry, but it's a dentist office, right out in the open, with a patient sitting in the chair, getting his teeth worked on! This little girl stole my heart, too! Every day I would walk into her room, and her nanny would hand her to me! We called her LaLa, her Chinese name was JiaLa (or something like that!)This is a nanny couple with "my" little guy!

On the last day, we presented the nannies with gifts we had brought. They were so excited, it felt like Christmas morning! And the best part of our trip.....sharing God's love in words, songs, prayers and cuddles......

Our last night in Heng Feng....notice the waitresses, wanting to be close to Brooke!

China...

2008-06-23T14:15:00.007-06:00

I have no idea where to start with posting about China, so I"m just going to post some of favorite pictures......I think they are pretty self-explanatory. My heart is in China. I can't explain it, but China felt like "home" to me when I got there, and now I am missing it, and the people there. I can't wait to go back.... It was amazing to see the beauty in the simple as we we took a 4 hour bus ride from the airport to Heng Feng. The people there have so little, yet we were so blessed by their kindness and gratitude. I loved that I actually got to see real life in China this trip. On our adoption trip, we spent most of our time in hotels and at tourist spots. This trip I really felt like I got a taste of "real China". I just want to go back and see more and more of China, and share my heart with the people in China. It was definitely a trip I will never forget, and it definitely won't be my last trip there, either!

Here are a few pictures from our drive to Heng Feng....

This is the view from our hotel room window in Heng Feng....

A few more pictures of everyday life in and around Heng Feng...We seemed to create a huge crowd everywhere we went.....I don't think the people in Heng Feng are used to seeing Americans!

Headed to the orphanage......(Charlene and Julie, this "back of the bus" shot is just for you! ha) Babies!!! This is one of two little boys in the orphanage that we worked in. He stole my heart! More pictures coming soon.....

Home from China

2008-06-19T15:04:00.004-06:00

I'm home from China, and trying to get my body clock set back to the right time zone. It seems a little harder this time around, not sure why.

I had such an incredible trip to China, I don't even know if I can describe it all. I have so many pictures, too many to put in one post. I'll try to write a few posts over the next few days and post more pictures. But first I have a question......several people have told me they tried to link my blog on theirs and couldn't. Is there a setting or something that I need to change, so that people can easily link my blog? Thanks for any help!

These pictures were taken the day we left for Beijing. This is my niece Brooke, who is 13, and came with me to China. We had such a good time together. I'm not sure if she is more like my daughter, or my sister. We had a little ritual of jumping on every bed at every hotel we stayed at. Does that give you an idea of the fun we had together?!

Gone to China!!

2008-06-05T16:06:00.002-06:00

I haven't been able to blog the past week or so because our modem died, and we were reduced to dial-up! We are spoiled! So if I haven't commented on your blog lately, now you know why! I will be in China for the next 12 days, loving on those babies in the Heng Feng SWI!! If you want to check out our trip, you can find us at http://www.reachingheartsinchina.org/ I"ll post updates when I return.

I'm cute, right?!

2008-05-27T20:50:00.003-06:00

So this morning, I decided it would be fun to dump things today! I started with a water bottle....I dumped it in mommy's coffee. And she REALLY likes her coffee in the morning, so she wasn't too happy. I was pretty good the rest of the day,other than my usual fun times of whining and hissy fits, that's FUN! Then tonight we ate dinner and while mommy was cleaning up and doing dishes, I dumped my plate on the floor. Little pieces of corn and pineapple, all over the place!! hehheh She wasn't too happy about that either. She made me stay in my booster seat while she cleaned it all up. I helped by pointing out each piece that she was missing. I guess she didn't mind that, because then I got to go outside with my sissy for awhile, while mommy stayed in the house. We hunted for worms for the new pet turtle. When we came in the house to feed the pet turtle, there was a glass of milk sitting on the table. Well, I thought I could help by feeding turtle the milk. Guess what I did? Yep!! I dumped the milk right in his tank! He looked kind of funny in all that white water. Alyssa didn't think it was too funny, and mommy said it was time for bed.

But, hey, I"m two and I"m cute.....right?!

Bubbles!!

2008-05-25T21:56:00.006-06:00

I'm sure this will be more pictures than you need to see about bubbles....BUT...I started playing with a few settings on my camera and loved the way some of them turned out, so I'm posting them anyway!

This is where I changed the setting on my camera, big difference, right?

I love the way Addie is sitting so patiently, waiting for the bubbles! Ok, enough patience...I must do it myself now!

And at the end of the day....don't forget to take time to smell the flowers!

We are praying...

2008-05-22T08:14:00.004-06:00

Please join us in praying for the Steven Curtis Chapman family....there are just no words right now. This is the recent blog posting from the adoption agency we used..America World. (link on sidebar) In Remembrance of Maria Sue Chapman Dear Families,Our agency grieves with you as we mourn the loss of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter, Maria Sue. It was an honor for our agency to have assisted the Chapman family as they brought such a precious life home. I use the word precious because this tragic event has reminded us all of how precious life truly is. We join you in prayer that the Lord of this Universe, who holds the whole world in His hands would be as close as possible to the Chapman family during this time of mourning. We would like to give the Chapman family something formally in rememberance of Maria on behalf of America World and our families. What better way than to give to the agency the Chapmans created to bring more precious lives home like Maria? So, at this time, we encourage all of you to give to Shaohannah's Hope. They have created a special fund in memory of her called the Maria's Miracle Fund. Christ as our Comforter,America World Adoption I hope you will consider giving in memory of this precious life.....

Want to come shopping with me?

2008-05-21T13:34:00.003-06:00

I"m not too hard to shop with....even though my mommy did have to leave wal-mart early last night. We waited in the car while daddy finished shopping. I thought it was fun screaming and whining all through the store. I guess that's not so fun for my mommy and daddy. They said I was " sturbing all the people" (whatever that means)

I was better at Sams today. I only threw one container of strawberries all over the floor. heh heh!! And I only spit one food sample into mommys hand when she didn't have a napkin. I was a good helper today. I watched my mommy smelling the pineapple and cantelopes before she chose the best one, so I figured I could help her by insisting she let me smell everything she put into the cart. She thought that was a good idea, and let me smell everything! Isn't she nice? My mommy said if I was good, we would get lunch when we were done. So I was real good. I love to share lunch with my mommy. We shared pizza today, and it's really funny when my mommy cuts up bites for me then I insist on eating hers. I just wanted to share my little bites with her. And since I was so good to get lunch, I knew it would be ok when we were done with lunch to throw a little hissy fit about getting back into that shopping cart. Here's a little tip - if you make your legs as stiff as you can, she can't get them back through the holes where you're supposed to sit! heh heh.

So, like I was saying...anyone want to come shopping with me next time? It'll be a real good time, I promise! :)

By the way, does anyone know what my mommy means when she says "it's a good thing she's so cute?" hmmm.......

Happy Anniversary!

2008-05-16T14:03:00.000-06:00

6 moves, 3 kids, 2 guinea pigs, 1 cat and 14 years later....I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Addie and Ella...

2008-05-15T08:04:00.003-06:00

Ella is our neighbor. She lives just 2 houses down from us, and she is only 2 months older than Addie. They are the best of friends.....and they are also helping each other learn how to "share"! yikes!! Aren't they so cute together? We're so glad to have them as neighbors!!

Happy Mothers Day!!

2008-05-11T17:12:00.004-06:00

To all the beautiful women and moms in my life, Happy Mother's Day to you! Today is always a little bittersweet for me, as my mom isn't here to celebrate with. But I thank God for the years He gave me with her, and I thank Him for the joy of being a mom myself now. How I love being a mom! I always wanted a lot of kids.....and I think to some people having 3 kids is a lot. I could always go for a couple more! :) (but my practical side says probably not) But to Alyssa, Riley and Addie.....you are My Blessings and I thank God for you and the joy you each bring to me. This is my sister and her family. Lisa, I am SO thankful for you! And you are one of the best moms I know. I hope I do half as good a job with my kids as you are doing with Luke and Brooke! Love you!!

Soccer.....

2008-05-10T13:03:00.004-06:00

Our saturdays in the spring and fall are filled with soccer. For that matter, our weeknights are filled with soccer, too. It is a busy time in our house, but we love it! It has been so fun to see how much the kids have improved over the years. Next year Alyssa will be able to try out for her Jr. High team at school. Both kids have asked to try out for travel teams, and both kids have been asked to try out for travel teams. But Russ and I have always felt pretty strongly that our Sundays are reserved for church and family. And since travel teams play every Sunday, we have never let them try out.....But even playing on rec leagues, it's been amazing to see the skills both kids have gained, and we are so proud of them....

here's a few pictures of our Saturday morning soccer......

Alyssa played goalie this morning, her least favorite position!

Riley broke away and (can I brag a little?!)....he scored!! And the best part about early morning soccer games? The donuts after, of course!!

My baby girl.....

2008-05-07T10:05:00.004-06:00

It feels like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant with her.......now she is 12 going on.....20?

A few random things....

2008-05-01T19:05:00.005-06:00

Here is a little of what we've been up to lately...... This is Addie and Phoebe. My best friend from college, Kate, is Phoebe's mama! Kate and I have been through a lot together. We have laughed and cried, shopped (lots!), eaten lots of meals(and chocolate!) together, visited each other all over the country, talked, e-mailed, and basically shared our lives for the past 14plus years. Never in my wildest dreams would either of us have guessed that we would be adopting little girls within a year of each other, and living 30 minutes away from each other, too! What a bonus. I'm SO thankful for Kate and her family. And we love SeeBee like crazy! Oh yeah, and we like brown and pink clothes, too! :) Riley fishes pretty much every day now. In between skateboarding, rollerblading, soccer and baseball, that is.......this boy does. not. stop. EVER!

Addie likes us to hang out in her playset with her. She has the best daddy in the world, and he hangs out with her every chance he gets. I love him! My friend Despy and I worked on our dossiers for China together. She just got back a few months ago with her new daughter, Tianna. Isn't she beautiful? I LOVE her big eyes!!

Addie reading to Tianna. They sat still for about 3 seconds the whole time we were visiting, I was just lucky to have my camera ready! (notice the book is upside down that Addie is reading). I love this picture!

A little more outside time...... And finally, we got to meet our newest little friend "baby Aidan". He is SO sweet! AND, he will be getting a big sister (or brother) from China, too! We're not sure when, but we can't wait!! So that's a little of what we've been up to. I am going to Indiana this weekend for a retreat with my China team. I"m so excited to meet everyone in person, and talk more about our trip. 5 more weeks, and I"ll be in China!!

China....

2008-04-27T19:39:00.003-06:00

It's been almost a year and a half since we were in China. In 6 weeks, I will be back there again, to work in an orphanage, and bring some love and relief to the nannies that give so selflessly to these precious children. I'm getting more and more excited about being back in the country that gave life to my 3rd child. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to go back to this place that has left a permanent handprint on my heart.

But as I think about China, and the people of this country, I always think back to Thanksgiving day, 2006. We had had Addison for 2 days, and we were taken to a local village to see what life was like in rural China. I"m still awed and humbled as I remember the people we met that day. They were filled with joy, with pride, with contentment. If you saw the conditions in which they lived, you might be in shock. But they welcomed us into their homes and village, without apology or embarrassment. When I think about all that we have here, and how ungrateful I can be sometimes, I'm embarrassed at myself. I hope the pictures and memories from that day will always be a reminder to me of what is truly important in life. And it's definitely not my "things"!

Who needs an amusement park..........

2008-04-20T20:29:00.004-06:00

when you can play with big sister in your own backyard!

And.......congrats to Riley on his Hat Trick Saturday!! (3 goals, with no one else scoring from either team, in between)

10,000 hits and some catching up!

2008-04-18T13:02:00.004-06:00

My counter shows our blog has had 10,000 unique visitors! That is amazing. I would love to hear from you if you are checking in, please leave me a comment...... I have been working on another new blog that would be more for our family and my own ramblings, but I love posting on this one too much. So I think I will be getting rid of my other blog and trying to make this one more about our family of five, instead of just Addison. I"m sure my other two kids will appreciate that, too! :) So stay tuned, you may see some changes coming soon. (if I can find the time!) Here are some pictures of what we have been up to lately.... this is celebrating Riley's 10th birthday at home....

And one funny conversation Riley and I had last week.....Riley was telling me about his friend that brought his guitar to school and played a song for the class. He said now all the girls like his friend, because they are "into that". Then he said "Oh, and the girls all like me too, because they are also into the athletic, shaggy-haired guys" !! Oh, if only we could all have that much confidence!

I"m praying now for the "right" girl for my Riley! :)

2008-04-13T14:30:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I'm getting ready for the day on Friday morning, and Addie comes into my bathroom, cute as can be, and hands me this newspaper page..........

My response...."Sweet girl, you go tell your daddy he'll have to choose - mommy, or a puppy"!

It's actually a joke in our house that whatever Addison asks for, Addison gets. (just ask our older 2 kids!). So they always say if she wanted a puppy, we'd go right out and buy her one, even though they have been asking for years. Russ doesn't really want a puppy, but he does like to joke about it! Pretty funny, eh? (or at least HE thought so!)

2008-04-10T08:22:00.003-06:00

Sweet Melanie of Blossom Memories did a little magic to a few of my pictures of Addie. I just can't believe the cool things you can do to pictures now with your own computer. Now if only I could do this myself! :)

A day in the city...

2008-04-06T08:08:00.006-06:00

We finally had a nice spring day, so we loaded up the car and headed downtown. We spent most of the day in Chinatown, and little bit of time at Navy Pier. It was so much fun being in Chinatown. It felt a little bit like being back in China. Same smells, same foods, same shops. Well, sort of! Russ even got scolded for not having Addie covered with enough blankets! (meanwhile, we were all sweating!)

Here are a few pictures from our day...

Addie spent a little time playing outside before we left..

Chinatown... Navy Pier... And a little goofiness at the end of the day...

Addie loves her brother Rah Rah (Riley) ! Although he's not sure he likes being kissed in public! :)

More Easter...

2008-03-30T21:18:00.003-06:00

Here are a few more pictures from Easter Sunday. Alyssa and Riley were sent on their own little scavenger hunt through the house, and Addie was entertained looking for her eggs in the family room. This girl LOVES chocolate! So being the mean parents, we loaded up her eggs with goldfish! It's a good thing we did, too, because she insisted on opening each one as she got it, and then munched away.

Easter baskets at the end. We got Addison a little Mr. potato head set, but it includes Mr. Potato, Mr. Corn and Mr. Carrot! Did anyone know they made these? They are hilarious, and so cute. It's not easy getting a good picture of 3 kids! Alyssa and Riley are always so patient, but this is a rare picture, where Addie is almost smiling. You can see in the next two pictures what she usually does when we try to get a good one. Um....can you say "2 year old"?! ha After church, we met all of my family for Easter Brunch. It was so nice being with everyone. But there was a big dressed up Easter bunny walking around, and Addie was absolutely petrified of him. He couldn't even come into the same room, or she would completely melt down. Poor baby!

What a nice day we had celebrating the joy of the empty tomb! Happy Easter everyone....He is risen!

Happy Easter - Part 1

2008-03-27T09:06:00.004-06:00

The day before Easter, our church held a Easter Egg Hunt. It was supposed to be outside, but because it was snowing (!) the day before, they held it inside. Addie had a great time, though she didn't quite get the idea of hunting for eggs. As you can see, they weren't too hard to find,either. But she was more interested in playing with the toys in the room. After the eggs, she decorated a yummy cookie, ate her cookie, and visited a petting zoo! What a fun day she had. There were little chicks hidden is some of the eggs. Addie took one out and immediately kissed it! Decorating cookies with Daddy....

Last winter picture....

2008-03-18T20:53:00.004-06:00

I HOPE this is the last winter picture I post for a LONG time. It has been a really long winter here, and it's still not supposed to warm up anytime soon. I think we are about ready to move south again! I forgot to post this picture from February, and it was too cute to pass up. So here you go, and may the next post be filled with green grass, flowers, and sun! (hey, a girl can dream, can't she?!)

She cracks us up!

2008-03-09T20:57:00.003-06:00

This was so funny, I had to post it. Addie was being so sweet reading to her daddy tonight, I had to get it on video. Wait till you see what I got on video, though....pretty funny!

More Addie and Ivy...

2008-03-05T14:30:00.002-06:00

I put this collage together with a few of the photos from the professional shoot. We didn't seem to get any really good "smiling" pictures, but I love the tea party shots. It was as much fun for me to watch Addison playing tea party as it was to get the pictures! Anyway, I'm having fun playing with the pictures on my own computer. I need to get a good photo editing program, if anyone has any good suggestions...I'm open! Thanks.

Tired of winter?

2008-03-01T08:03:00.006-06:00

So are we! I put this together for my own sanity, hope it gives you a taste of warmer days coming...........(by the way, it's my first attempt at "movie making"!)

2008-02-24T17:25:00.001-06:00

I saw this video on my friend Shelley's web site. I am getting ready to go to China this summer for 12 days. The team I am on is going to work in an orphanage, helping to care for the babies, and children. I am humbled and excited for this opportunity to tangibly share God's love, by caring for the needs of the orphans and their nannies. Watching this video (put together by a ministry called Open Doors), just makes me all the more excited to go. I can't help but wonder what God has in store for China. I"m excited to watch. Then I start to wonder....will I be a part of the change? Will my children? Please pray with me for the country of China, and the strong leaders He might raise up in this country, the birth country of our precious Addie Grace! A piece of my heart is there, and always will be......

Addie and Ivy Ling....

2008-02-22T15:42:00.004-06:00

Today I took Addie to get her pictures taken with her American Girl doll, Ivy Ling. I think they turned out pretty cute. I won't get them back for a few more days. But here are a few I took at home before we left. I think they look sort of alike, what do you think?

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-16T08:20:00.003-06:00

It feels like every day is so busy in our house, and valentine's day was no exception. Alyssa had a band concert at school that night. But we managed to have some chocolate fondue when it was all over! After all, what is valentines day without chocolate?

Xin Nein Kuai Le! Happy New Year Part 2!

2008-02-07T23:03:00.000-06:00

Xin Nein Kuai Le!

2008-02-07T15:43:00.001-06:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!

For Aidan!!

2008-02-05T16:17:00.001-06:00

We know you like to check out Addie's pictures, so we thought you might like to see how your relationship has progressed! By the way, did you know you call Addie on her kitchen cell phone every day? Yep, she picks it up every day and when we ask her who she is talking to, she always says "Aidan"! We're ok with that, just don't call after 8pm, ok?

2008-01-29T22:07:00.001-06:00

Pictures first...........questions later!!

Sneaky!!

2008-01-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

Addison loves chocolate....I mean REALLY loves chocolate!! (she takes after her mommy!) And she recently found my hidden stash of Lindt chocolates in my nightstand drawer. I have caught her eyeing them a lot lately, and one day she got a hold of one and unwrapped it and popped it in her mouth within a matter of seconds. Because I had told her "no", she got a time-out. But I don't think it mattered, because she spent her time-out enjoying the chocolate in her mouth. :)

So a few days ago she was in our room, and was being very quiet. This was the conversation that followed........

Daddy: Addison, did you get into mommy's chocolate?

Addison: (with a mouth that looked stuffed and chocolate drool going down her chin)........no

Daddy: Are you sure you didn't get into mommy's chocolate and eat some?

Addison: shaking head no

Daddy: Addison, was mommy's chocolate good?

Addison: YES!!!!

Daddy: Addison, did you like mommy's chocolate?

Addison: Yummy!

It's a good thing she's so darn cute!

Happy 2008!

2008-01-05T19:50:00.000-06:00

2007 was such a fun year for our family. It was filled with so many "firsts" for Addison, and we have really enjoyed every single moment. Well, maybe not 'every' moment.......but most of them! Here is a little glimpse of how quickly Addie has grown and changed this past year. As always, we give thanks for this little life, and the joy and laughter she has brought to our family. January(07)

February:

March:

April

May:

June:

July:

August: September

October:

November: December:

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-31T15:55:00.001-06:00

Lessons from a two year old....

2007-12-14T15:57:00.001-06:00

My girls!

Last week I was rocking Addison before bed and singing "Jesus Loves Me" to her. (her new favorite song!) While I was singing, she started signing "Grandpa" on my forehead. I wondered if she was somehow connecting Jesus and Grandpa together. Right before I lay her down I was whispering to her, and telling her how much we love her, and how much God loves her. As soon as I said "God", she started signing and saying "Grandpa" again. As I laid her down and walked downstairs, something hit me about what had just transpired. God really is like Addie's Grandpa right now! Even though she doesn't know Him as her "father" right now, through Russ and I, God is like her grandfather!

I love to think about my Grandpa Walton and how he loved each of his grandkids so unconditionally. He didn't have to discipline us, he just had the joy of loving us and smiling as he watched us grow. I like to think about God looking down on Addison's life right now, with that Grandfather-ly twinkle in His eye, and just enjoying watching her blossom and learn and grow in our family. I know that there will come a day when Addison will understand and be accountable to God for the decisions and choices she makes in her life, but for today, I think that God is looking at Addison through those twinkling, accepting and non-condeming eyes of a grandfather. How I love to think that God just loves her right now in her own simple way, and I pray that someday we can introduce Addie to God as her own personal father in heaven! What a privilege we have been given.

First Snow!!

2007-12-06T15:52:00.000-06:00

We had our first real snow of the season this week. The kids were SO disappointed that school wasn't canceled! Addison thought it was really neat, as long as she didn't have to be in it that much! She liked it from the car and looking through the windows at our house....You will see in the last picture, what she "really" thought of the snow!

Disney reunion!!

2007-11-30T14:45:00.000-06:00

While we were waiting for our referral of Addison last year, I was a part of a yahoo chat group set up through our agency for all of the special needs families that were waiting for referrals, or had received referrals. When we received our referral I was able to connect with quite a few of the moms who received referrals at the same time. Our plan and hope was to all travel together to China, and we had an awesome 3 months of chatting while we waited for our Travel Approvals from China. Unfortunately, all of our travel approvals didn't arrive at the same time, and so our group was split into a few different travel groups. We were very disappointed, to say the least. During the wait, our agency actually named us the "chatty group", as we had a lot to say each day!! When we all returned from China, our bond was even closer. So we set up our own yahoo chat group, and have stayed in constant contact ever since. These women have become so special to me, and I consider them each a special friend. We have all become aunties to each of these little girls, and have loved watching them grow up this past year.

All that to say.............we have been planning a reunion at Disney since before we even had our girls home from China! It was so much fun to finally all unite the weekend before Thanksgiving, to see the girls we had traveled with, and to finally meet in person those I have been chatting with for over a year. It was an awesome trip, and we are already planning our next one. Not all of our friends were able to make it to this reunion, so it's a good thing we have more planned in the near future (once a year is definitely not enough!)

So, 8 little 2 year old China girls, and their mommies at Disney, we were quite a sight!!

Here are a few pictures from our weekend, and a link to a video that one of my friends teenage daughter made of our weekend. It's a little long (10 minutes), so watch it when you have some time!

Enjoy!!

Addison and AnnaClaire on the flight from Charlotte to Orlando. They were so cute!

Addison and Mia....

Beautiful Lucy.......

Addie discovered she LOVES jumping on the trampoline! Addie and Shaoey were happy to be together again....... This is our whole group. We had such a hard time getting a good picture of all the girls. This is the closest we could get........

Disney!!!!

We had a "Cinderella dinner", so we dressed up all the girls as Princesses......Addie and Bekah, the 2 Jasmines.......

Adorable Mia, waiting for her new big brother to come home from China!

Good bye friends....hope to see you again soon!

Happy 1st Gotcha Day Addison!

2007-11-20T19:46:00.000-06:00

Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard

Addie's visit with Shaoey!

2007-11-07T16:56:00.000-06:00

Our friends that we traveled to China with last year, drove here all the way from Louisiana this past weekend, and spent a few days with us. We had so much fun catching up, hanging out, and watching the girls play together. It was unbelievable how well the girls played together....they definitely have a bond with each other. They just left this morning, but we miss them already. Luckily, Addie and I are flying to Florida next week to spend a few days with even more of our China friends, and Charlene and Shaoey will be there, too. It made saying good-bye a little easier. Here are some pictures from our time together...... Checking things out...

Starting to warm up to each other.....

Having a blast together!!

Getting into trouble?!

All Clean! Aren't they sweet?

Saying Bye......but not for long! See you next week, friends!

Happy Halloween!!

2007-10-31T19:27:00.001-06:00

Visiting the pumpkin patch: Princess Jasmine:Marie Antoinette and the Scream. Notice Addison is not in this picture? She is terrified of Riley's costume. He left the house before she got up from her nap! Trick or Treat!!! Look at all of Alyssa's candy! Halloween is fun! Nigh Nigh! Can't wait till next Halloween!

Long sleeves?

2007-10-19T08:08:00.000-06:00

It has been a strange fall, but we did get a few days last week with long sleeve weather....I had to snap a few pictures of my girl in long sleeves while I could! It feels like I've been waiting a long time to break out the cool weather clothes. I think these are my favorite pictures yet of Addison! She just keeps getting cuter. (of course, I might be a little biased!)

Happy Birthday Addison!!

2007-10-07T15:29:00.000-06:00

Addison is TWO!!!! We had such a nice day celebrating Addison's 2nd birthday yesterday. I just can't believe my baby is 2 years old. Last year was such a bittersweet day as we celebrated her birthday, knowing she was waiting for us on the other side of the world. What a difference a year makes. It was such a joy to celebrate this little life and the gift that she is to us, with our family and some of our dearest friends. Addison we are so thankful for your life, and that you are now part of our family. Happy Birthday Sweet girl! May God bless your life, and give you a piece of the joy that you have given to us. We love you!

Funny Girl!!

2007-09-08T12:36:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures to show you how funny this girl is......we are always laughing around here!

You want to take a nice picture of me outside? Ok, how's this??

Oh, now you want me to sit pretty on the slide? How about this?

I can be goofy no matter what I'm doing... Yes, I can feed myself...... See!! Want to see my belly?

I don't think you got it, let me move a little closer! Just one more picture? Nope, see ya!!

We're Back!!!

2007-09-02T12:54:00.001-06:00

In case anyone is still checking (??)!! Our camera broke in July, just before we left for our vacation to Wisconsin, and we finally got it back. So now I am busy trying to make up for lost time and pictures! I can't believe summer is just about over. Alyssa and Riley started back to school last week, and I think Addison is ready to get back into a more normal routine. She continues to amaze us every day with how well she has adjusted, and with how much she continues to change, and learn. Just in the past few weeks, she has started saying more and more words. Her favorite words at the moment are "UP" (meaning pick me up, ALL the time!), and "yeh-yoh" (yellow). Don't be too impressed, she thinks EVERYTHING is yeh-yoh! Here are some pictures so you can see what we have been up to the past few months...... Hanging with Daddy.... Swimming in my pool... Here is Addison watering the flowers on the deck. Can you see how much mud has been splashed up from all the water? And can you see how wet her dress is?! She loves "watering", and helping out daddy! Thanks for my beautiful dress Julie (and Maddie!) Addison's first taste of "ice cream" (sorbet) at our favorite place in Michigan - Oink's! We do feed this girl....really!!

This is my very favorite picture. Addison LOVES Rah Rah (Riley). He is such a good big brother,too! First day of school for Alyssa and Riley...

Pretty girl! (isn't she getting big?)

So many "FIRSTS"!!

2007-07-09T13:36:00.000-06:00

For the 4th of July this year, we spent the week at the Jersey Shore with Addison's Grandma and Grandpa Carlson. There were so many firsts in one week for our sweet girl: First beach trip, first time playing in the sand, and the waves, building sand castles, and burying her feet. She loved the beach!! This was her first 4th of July complete with fireworks and sparklers. All she could say was "WOW"!! She had her first time going to the boardwalk, and she had her first corn on the cob. What a great week. Here are some pictures from all of Addison's firsts:

Pretty Pink Toenails!

2007-06-24T21:20:00.001-06:00

My Brown Eyed Girl!

2007-06-10T21:09:00.001-06:00

SIX months!!

2007-05-20T20:12:00.000-06:00

Dear Addison,

It's so hard to believe that you have been a part of our family for six months. I remember "gotcha day" like it was yesterday, and yet it feels like you have been with us forever. I don't grieve for the months we spent apart, but I rejoice for the months we have had together. You have filled a void in my heart that I didn't even know was there. You bring so much joy and laughter and fun to our family. You have stolen all of our hearts. Today, you started saying Alyssa and Riley's names. They have waited a long time to hear you say their names......Ah LaLa and RiYah. You are adorable!

I don't know what the first 13 months of your life were like, but you have such a strong and determined spirit, that I know you are adjusting to your new life beautifully. I thank God for you every day, and for giving you the will to overcome your fears. In the past 6 months you have learned to sit, crawl, walk, and now you are trying to jump. You have learned how to hold a bottle, and how to eat real food. You have learned to give kisses, hugs, say mama, dada, bottle, and lots of other words. You have learned to sign please, thank you, more, help, potty, shoes, all done, mama, dada, stop, go, cereal, friend, drink, bottle, milk, beautiful, and nigh-nigh. You have learned how to blow bubbles in the pool, and to go underwater without being afraid. You can go in the nursery at church, and stay the whole time. You have been to New York, Colorado, and Michigan. And you are learning how to pray. When we say prayers at dinner, you fold your hands and squint your eyes closed. When I rock you in the rocker before bed, I tell you about all the people that love you, and I always tell you how much God loves you. As soon as you hear me say God, you fold your hands and squint your eyes, so we pray together before bed. Those are such sweet times to me that I will hold in my heart forever.

I hope you will always know how loved and treasured you are. We love you with all our hearts, precious baby girl, and we thank God for the gift of you.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Some fun pictures.........

Addison learned how to "smile".....

And to think, 6 months ago she didn't know how to eat! Now she can eat and talk on the phone. Smart girl!

Daddys girl!

Happy baby!

We would love it if you would leave a wish/prayer/comment for Addison. I plan to print them all out and put them in her album. thanks!

Pictures...

2007-05-01T20:09:00.000-06:00

Is this a cute little coat or what?! Like my piggy tails?

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" Psalm 19:1

Easter, ski trip and more!

2007-04-10T15:50:00.000-06:00

Addison on Palm Sunday.........

This is Addison checking out the ducks in our back yard. As soon as she saw them, she said "baby" and kept signing 'baby', it was so cute....... Sisters.......... We took Addison on her first ski trip to CO. last week. We all had such a great time, and we were lucky enough to have lots of family out there to stay with her so Russ and I could ski. She did so good with babysitters for 3 days, and she loved seeing all the snow....... TWO grandma's to babysit!! And Uncle Dick and Aunt Donna..... Cousin Luke..... and Brooke On Easter Sunday we rode a lift to the top of the mountain for a Sunrise service. It was incredible!! Cold, but worth it. What a way to celebrate our saviour being risen from the dead... Riding the lift back down....Addison's first ski lift ride, and definitely not her last!!

Happy Easter from the Carlsons!!!

Spring Break

2007-03-31T20:15:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy few weeks around here with spring break and the kids having some time off school. We were finally able to get together with our friends from Wheaton who also have a little girl from China. You can see pictures of the girls here .

Aunt Lisa and Uncle Eric came to visit from PA., and then the kids and I went to Michigan for 3 days to visit some friends......

Look how big Addison looks next to Aidan!

Riley is such a great "big brother"!

This is at our friends, the Davito's, in Michigan.

Addison is now walking more than crawling, and sleeping and napping less. She still isn't talking much, mostly babbling. We were eating dinner the other night and she patted my arm and said "Mama". We were all so excited and made such a big deal out of it, that she patted Russ's arm and said "Mama", too! Ok, so we're still working on that one. (she also thinks SHE is mama, and Riley is mama!)

Wearing her "I love America" shirt, from her GREAT Aunt Margo and Uncle Dave!

Could she be any cuter?!?! (yes, we're a little biased!)

Spring!

2007-03-15T21:02:00.000-06:00

We had at least 2 days this week that felt like spring. Addison loves being outside! We are definitely looking forward to summer. And, Addie learned how to drink from a straw this week. I guess she will go from the bottle straight to straws, since she wants nothing to do with sippy cups. What a funny girl! Oh, and by the way, I did not fix her hair to stand straight up in the swing picture, it was really windy that day. :-)