August update

Wow!! August has come and gone very quickly. We had another busy month. Katie headed back to NJ early this summer to attend band camp and practice. We all miss her. She charged Sophia with watching her stuffed animals and Sophia is doing a great job checking on them every few days and ensuring they get enough "lovin" until Katie comes back.

We went to the County Fair where Sophia just jumped from ride to ride. She had a blast. She made new friends on almost every ride she went on. She is very daring and never seems to get tired out! We also went to a minor league baseball game seeing Sophia got a free ticket from her summer reading program. She thought the game was neat but really enjoyed the fireworks after the game a bit more. She wants to go back but only on fireworks night.


Sophia had fun playing with Baba at home this summer. Melissa gave her some of Damien's old trains and tracks to add to our set. Sophia and Baba were able to build a huge train track with it.


Sophia got into her make-up case this summer. Isn't she stunning?
Sophia has been talking about becoming five. She can't wait for fall for several reasons. She loves jumping in leaves, Halloween and, of course, her birthday. We walked by a party at the local park last weekend and they had ponies there and each kid got a ride. Guess what she wants to do on her birthday!!! Not sure how we are going to convince her to do something else. She also knows that the local horse center gives lessons starting at age five. She is anxious to go for a free trial lesson. We are hoping it ends there.

Steve had a couple of fun trips back in time for his French and Indian War re-enactments. He loves these weekends. Sophia and I are going to visit him this weekend. We are looking forward to that.

Gettysburg

We went to Gettysburg this summer for a couple of days. Katie had wanted to see it again seeing as she was about five the last time she went. Steve is up for anything history related and Sophia and I have never been. Steve planned a great trip for us.

We toured the museum and battlefields. The kids had a blast climbing on the rocks at Devil's Den and Little Round Top. We took a double-decker bus tour which Sophia loved. We went in some shops downtown.

As a little side trip, we went to the Land of Little Horses as something special for Sophia. It turned out to be a really interesting place with all sorts of animals and lots of very small horses. We all enjoyed it.

We stayed in a cabin at a campground. The campground had a swimming pool which was a little chilly but we made use of regardless of the temperature. We had a campfire at night complete with smores. It was really a great family weekend.

China Sisters reunion

All five families who traveled to China with us four years ago got together again this year. We stayed right outside Harper's Ferry, WV. It was amazing to see everyone. The girls have grown and matured so much over the past year. We even had an addition to the group this year. One family adopted a little boy in 2009. He had a blast with all the girls even though he was out numbered.

The weekend was very hot but that didn't slow down the girls. They all played so well together. We gave them some water balloons and wet sponges to stay cool. They picked raspberries at the retreat center.

The parents were able to sit back and chat while the kids all played. It is interesting to share stories. The bond the kids share is special. I know that the parents all feel connected in a special way after sharing of the amazing journey to China to bring our children home. It is also special to have the support we offer each other now that we are back.

We hope to do this every year. There is even talk about where we will go next year. Someone even brought up all going back to China together as part of a homeland tour together when the kids get a bit older. How cool would that be?