Hawaii - Part 2

Some more pics of our time in Hawaii.  We are now packing up the place and getting ready for a long trip back to a much colder climate (but it is home :)).  Had a great trip, Emma had a blast and really enjoyed the beach.  Hope you enjoy the pics and hope to see many of you soon. 

Another picture daddy?  Will you stop already?

Last day at the beach.  Can't wait to get there.

This is actually the moon setting yesterday morning. 

Emma texting during sunset at the Beach House Restaurant.

Don't be fooled.  This is the ONLY time she wore her hat.

Hawaii

Yes, it has been a loooong time since my last post.  Finally managed to get some downtime and a chance to post some recent pictures of Emma.  I'll post the pictures since I know that is what is most important.  More commentary to come :). 

Turning 2!!!

Yes, Yes, Yes.   I realize that it has been a looooong time since anything has been posted.  We have gone through Halloween (did not want to wear a costume - but loved handing out candy), Thanksgiving, Christmas (afraid of big fat bearded men in red suits who try to break into your house through the fireplace) and now her second birthday.  She has been healthy and talking more and more each day.  Will try to update some additional pictures later, but wanted to get something up to share. 

"Why is auntie's sweatshirt singing to me? - Hmmmm"

Emma learning to blow bubbles in her water ... 

Presiding at the head of the table for her birthday. 
Let the 2's begin. 

I call this her "angry, powty, model pose". 

Enjoying her cake.

Loves her "choo choo" trains.  Cake before meeting
Emma's face. 

Loves her bunny!

One more ...

 Had to add this one of Emma "posing" in the clothes and shoes daddy bought in Boston.  Never expected to be so excited about pink sandals :).

A few more pics!

That's right - more pictures already!  We had  fun weekend hanging out in town.  Hanging out on the porch of our new house on Friday night, doing a little shopping, and wandering downtown (suburbs :)) through the weekend.  I know I have been promising video and hopefully will get to that later this week, but here a few pictures from the last week that I thought you'd enjoy.

"Come on in Dad". 
Emma with her Team SOLID shirt daddy ordered.  This is dad's
cycling team that he has Emma signed up for in 2024 - let the countdown
begin. 

Mom and Emma hanging out with Sue, Fernando and Nicholas.

"Hey people - have a seat, we need to talk..."

Emma sporting her casual weekend dress and fashionable sandals.
I think, she thinks the baby monitor is a phone.  She tried to talk into
a LOT of electronics - and listen to them closely.

Now who doesn't enjoy reading a grocery receipt. 
Kids find fun in EVERYTHING.

August 15th - 1 year ago

Hard to believe, but it was exactly one year ago tomorrow that we were first matched with Shi Fang Xia (you now know her as Emma Jane!).  Things have been busy so sorry for not providing more regular updates.  Emma is doing really well and continues to be an absolute joy.  Hard to believe that the girl in the pink plastic chair, is now the girl in the pink dress and sandals. 

She met more cousins from Ohio at a family wedding outside Columbus in early July.  We all survived a 7 hour car ride, and we gained a better appreciation for her "limits" :).  The summer has been very hot, so not as much time outside as we hoped, but we make the most of the time we can.  It has taken her a while to come around to her blow up pool, but it is definitely growing on her.  And most recently, she made a return trip to the Brookfield Zoo so she could practice her Lion Roar!

Emma at about 8 months old just after "referral".

Sporting her pink sandals and dress, with Goldfish never too far behind.

"I am tired of sitting, take the picture already or I am outta here!"

Loves to arrange her stools, pretty much every day.

Getting ready for the wedding, and practicing throwing kisses.

Emma on the dance floor.  For the record, this is the "angel" just prior to the MELTDOWN.
But who expects to stay at an entire wedding with an 18 month old.

Fourth of July.  No one is going to steal her spot or toys with this serious look.

Any idea how long it takes to blow this thing up?!
Glad she is learning to love it ...

"How do I get in? Or am I trying to get out?  A little confused.

"Shouldn't they be paying ME to do this and not the other way around?"

Time for a little lunch.

See you all soon ...

Lillacs, Memorial and baths

I know, I know - it has been a while.  Is anyone still out there?  Things have been pretty busy, but Emma continues to do great.  She is loving the yard and being able to get outside.  She was a little hesitant with the grass at first, but now she is running around and thoroughly enjoying it.  She went to her first parade the other day on Memorial day, and had a chance to meet several of her new neighbors (at least they will be later in the summer when we move into the new place).

And if you get far enough through this set of pictures you will actually see a picture of the three of us (in front of our new house).  We need 10 pics before October.  Sounds easy, but this is number three after 7 months.  They can't have food, bare feet, or alcohol (you decide which has been the limiting factor :)). 

Hope everyone is doing well and I will try to update again in a couple of weeks.