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I love to laugh and love with my family, read, exercise, cook and sew, all the while giving thanks to God for his immeasureable love and faithfulness to me.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Gotcha Day 2016

We've gone from this
to this
8 years ago this loving, smart, strong, stubborn girl met us in a hotel meeting room, across the world in China.  We were instantly head-over-heels in love with her!!  We still are ;)

As we do each year, the girls put on their silks and we headed down to AsiaTown for dinner to celebrate becoming a forever family.
The Noodle's Gotcha Day generally falls right around the Mid-Autumn Moon festival.  When we were in China, we were the only family who actually was able to meet their daughter on the pre-determined date.  Everyone else had to wait an extra day because of the holiday, but in our province (Fujian) they were willing to move forward with the adoption without waiting.
One the night we were there, there were many families and college students eating out and celebrating so that made it even more fun!
 This is the look when you're about to eat some serious yummy food.  Bring it!
An empty plate but a full heart--I'd like to think she's swooning over how she feels so blessed.  In reality, she's expressing her love for all things noodle, dumpling and rice related.  Ha ha!!
 And then there's this one--ready to dig into plate #2!
 Sometimes you  just need your mama to feed you baby-bird style.
I am forever grateful that God brought this girl into our lives.  She is a blessing and it is an honor to be her parents!  

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

First Day(s) of School

We made it through the first week of school for everyone. Big exhale!
The Noodle started last Monday.  Overall she was ready, but there were some nerves.

She's catching the bus with her good friend, who also lives in the neighborhood.  J meets everyone at the corner and then walks them down and waits until they hop on the bus.
Mei Mei had her Kinder orientation on Monday (J stayed with her) and then she started on Tuesday. I took her to school that day and got her settled before I went on my way.  She was ready.to.go!
Both are now loving school and enjoy their teachers.  When J walks everyone down, he hands off Mei Mei to the neighbor and she goes with her good friend and then about 45 minutes later, they catch the bus.  The routine seems to be working for all!  Yay!
Here's to a great school year!