Long weekend vacation

We took the kids to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin recently for a last minute getaway before I went back to work. The first night, we stayed at an indoor water park, which had a "countryside view" of horses. It was so calming watching the horses graze in the distance. Avery absolutely loved watching them. She was squealing with excitement when she first saw them - adorable. After we checked out of the hotel, we went to a petting zoo and also let Avery ride a pony. She was a little scared, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Nathan is talking more each day. I feel like every day he says something new. Here are some of the latest things: "Can you find a fish?" and "What are you talking about?" and "I have something for you." And last night he told Avery, "Get outta my room!" Yes, he was mad. Avery knows how to press every one of Nathan's buttons and she had harassed him, and he had had enough. Gotta love the sibling fights. It happens to all of us who have siblings. They both really need to start school, so that they can focus on something other than tattling on each other. Sigh. And life goes on....

Beach and boat ride

We are fortunate enough to have some good friends that have a boat. We spent the morning at the beach, and in the afternoon, we took a boat ride. Both of the kids got to drive the boat (with our friend Jeff behind them) and they were very excited.

Avery is our thrill seeker, and clearly you can see she is loving life. Nathan was probably concentrating on not trying to hit anyone. It was a great day.

Tomorrow, I go back to work. I am thankful for my time off with the kids. There were some amazing days, and some very tough days. And I would not change a thing.

I feel that Nathan has grown so much since we met him 2.5 months ago. His English continues to amaze me, and he is keeping up his Chinese with our sister-in-law. Avery has struggled at times not being the only one anymore, but slowly she is understanding what having a brother is all about. Next month, Nathan will start first grade and Avery will go back to preschool. They are both ready, and I think that the structure will be good for them both.

So the coffee pot is set to brew at 6am. Yes, caffeine is my friend.

America the Beautiful

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. We took the kids to the fireworks, and they had a great time. They were running around before the fireworks, chasing daddy and the other friends that we were with.

We also went to the 4th of July parade that we attend every year at Eric's uncle's house. It was amazing to watch Nathan, and to be present with this boy who is now an American citizen. I was feeling a sense of pride for him, an opportunity that he will get to be whatever he wants to be, and I was humbled by him having freedom. Sweet freedom.

Wordless Wednesday