What a month!

May has been a very busy month, busier than most.  The month started off with Sophia performing in the school's Multicultural Night signing a song in Mandarin.  She learned the song by listening to it on YouTube and then practicing a few times with the group.

She competed in the final schooling show of the series.  She placed 3rd in the walk class, 2nd in the trot class and 1st going over the poles.  She won Reserve Champion for the spring series.  She loves riding but also just loves getting Mirage ready for the show, brushing her, helping to give her a bath, getting her stall cleaned and polishing the tack.

I was away for the weekend when the azalea bushes bursted into full color but Steve knows I take a picture of Sophia each year in front the the bushes.  He made sure I didn't miss the yearly photo opportunity and took the photo for me.  What a guy!

Sophia washed my car as part of my Mother's Day gift.  She had a blast doing this.  Our neighbor Katelyn helped her.  I think she had more soap on her than the car did.

The agency that we adopted with hosted a retirement part for the woman who has been the Chinese liaison for over twenty years.  Her both brothers traveled with each family as they met their child in China.  They were both at this event as well.  It was great to so many families that ATI and Xiumin have helped unite.  We were able to talk to Shihong who traveled with us and brought us to the hospital when Sophia was sick.

Sophia and I joined many girls from our Brownie Troop at the camporee.  Sophia and I went up for the day but had a blast.  I think Sophia might even consider staying the night next year.

Sophia started her swim team practice for the local pool.  The water is cold but she really enjoys the after school practice sessions and being part of the team.

Sophia made a project as part of her enrichment seminar at school.  This was on display during the Enrichment Fair.  She stood by her project for 30 minutes explaining it to the children and parents who attended the fair.  She also participated in an enrichment math class and was chose to stand by that project board for 30 minutes explaining that to the guest.  She was very proud of her work.

Sophia was in the in house Memorial Day show.  She did an awesome job.  She took 1st place in equation, 2nd place in pleasure and 4th place doing some Simon Says game with the horses.  Red, White and Blue... seems fitting for Memorial Day.  She also participated in a trail course which she loved.

To finish off this very busy month Sophia was in a play.  This was part of her after school Drama Kids class.  She joined the 3rd-5th grade class in January  because they thought she could handle the work.  She did more than handle it.  She really blossomed and it showed in the play.  She appeared confident and projected her voice.  I could not believe how clearly and slowly she spoke.  She said she was nervous but it did not show at all.

 Our air conditioning broke mid month.  We are still without air.  After working with the warranty company we will have a new one installed mid-June, with just a little help from the warranty.  We are NOT happy with the warranty company but we will take the little money they are giving us then canceling our policy.  Needless to say we have been sleeping with the upstair windows open.  The cats have been loving this.  Noelle is here now but it usually Shadow in the window.