Taking pictures

I have been trying to improve my photography skills lately. I have been a little frustrated that I haven't been able to find anyone to get some lessons from but I'm still on the look out. In the mean time I have found some cool photography sites that I have been able to get some tips from. So I'm trying to take my camera out of automatic some and start playing with some of the manual settings. Here's a couple recent pictures.

If you have any tips or suggestions...please send them my way. Have a great night.

PS...One of our travel mates is headed back to China this week to bring home their daughter. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers for safety during their travels as well as a smooth transition for their new additon to their family.

April so far..

We had our annual Easter egg hunt at my friends house.

Emily having fun searching for the eggs.

Lunch provided some much needed fuel for our egg hunt.

Lastly, Emily was very excited to finally be able to make it across the monkey bars without any help. She has been trying since last year and was finally able to do it. I was so proud of her.

March fun

March came in with a little snow storm. It was just enough snow for us to have fun. Emily had fun sledding down a little hill in our backyard.

Abby enjoying making a snow angel.

We went to the Mystic Aquarium in CT. It was a really nice aquarium. Not too big but just the right size for two 4 year olds and a five year old. That's their cousin Jason that we brought along with us. Our favorite part was getting to pet a sting ray.

We also got to go to the circus. The elephants were Abby's favorite part. It was their first real circus and they had a great time. They keep asking when we can go back.

Abby and her friend Ashley at dance class. They both have a great time in class together.

Emily has been taking gynastics for a couple months now. She really enjoys going each week. It's fun to watch her get to do all kinds of activities as she's our "monkey" and is always climbing and hanging on stuff.

Well that was just a taste of the fun we had in March.

Pictures

Emily and mommy at Navy Pier in Chicago

We got the girls these ballerina dresses at Carters and they love to spin and twirl in them. Probably the best thing we've gotten them in a while.

4th of July (I thought this was a very appropriate shirt for Emily as she wants to do everything herself)

Emily and Abby on the 4th

How sweet is that!! They were watching the fish at Shedd's Acquarium in Chicago

Abby and Wendy in Chicago

Emily on the giant Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier (I don't think I have ever been so nervous, Emily is always curious and I was so nervous she was going to try and open the door or lean out. I couldn't wait for the ride to end!)

Abby and Emily @ Navy Pier

2008 China Sisters Reunion

Emily and Sonja petting a goat at the zoo. Emily finally got up the nerve to pet one... at first she wouldn't have anything to do with them.

Miss Abby showing off her cool shades.

What have we been up to???

I always have the best of intentions to keep this blog updated. I just usually find myself with too little time. That and by time I check out everyone else's blogs that I follow, it's time for me to get to bed. It has been a busy few months. In June we went to Milwaukee for our China sisters reunion. It was great to see all the families again. Eleven of the twelve families were able to make it. We are hoping to meet up with the family that couldn't make it in October when we head to TN and KY. The girls had a blast playing with each other and it was so nice to chat with the other parents. It really makes me wish that everyone lived closer. We are already looking forward to next years reunion. Emily and Abby continue to go to school 2 days a week. They will be starting a Christian pre-school in Sept. We are looking forward to them learning Bible songs and stories...they enjoy what they learn in Sunday School now so it should be a nice addition. It's hard to believe that the summer is half over. I don't know where time goes! We haven't done much of anything too exciting after the reunion but we are hoping to fill up some time real soon. We have plans to go down the shore with family (the girls love playing with their "boys") so that should be a blast again. We also hope to go up to NY state for some fun in the country. The girls had a ball when we did that last year so we're looking forward to another grand adventure. (Smores' anyone...) That will bring us through the end of summer. We're hoping to squeeze in a lot of fun this fall and plan on making it a priority. Any suggestions for fun things are welcome. What's you're favorite thing to do with your kids? We hope to maybe hit Hershey Park and a zoo or two. Apple and pumpkin picking. We'll see how we make out. I'll post some pictures a little later. Again, I'm going to try and blog more often (I know...you've read that here before) I guess I don't always feel motivated because there aren't that may of you out there that follow but for those of you that do...THANKS!!! Please drop me a comment to let me know you were here. I would love to check out your blog if I don't follow yours already. Take care and good night from NJ.

Maria Sue Chapman

As many people have heard, Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter was killed in a tragic accident. It's hard to fathom how this could happen or how they are going to adjust to life after but as a Christian I know that the only answer can be found in their faith in God. I think we all feel their loss so deeply and wish we could tell them how sorry we are. Since that's not possible, I found a good recommendation on another blog. If everyone that feels sympathy for them heads over to Shaohannah's Hope and makes a donation (even if it's only $10) it could go a long way to helping adoptive families (people that are very close to the Chapman family's hearts) This is the link if you wish to donate. https://secure2.convio.net/ccsh/site/Donation2?idb=627612270&df_id=1560&1560.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr007=ej3gq4au45.app6b This is just another reminder to live in the moment. Enjoy your kids and give them an extra hug. You never know how life can change in an instant. I know I'm trying to remember this even when it's hard and Emily maybe isn't doing things that I want her to do. I'm going to try to be less frustrated and try to look at the big picture.

My how time flies!

We had a lot of fun at an Easter Egg Hunt. Abby and Emily had a blast.

Emily was much better at it this year.

Emily has "learned" how to put her own barrettes in her hair.

Abby having fun playing with her Leapster.

We have been keeping busy as usual. I'm not sure where the time goes. I always mean to keep my blog more up to date (I secretly envy those that are able to post most days of the weak) but once again here I am a couple months later posting an update. I really am going to try to be better about posting.

That leads me to my next topic. If you've stopped by our blog, please leave us a note. It's always nice to meet new friends in blogland. So feel free to introduce yourself. I'd love to stop by your blog and meet. The adoption world is a wonderful place and it's so great to meet all these forever families and follow your journies.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned for another update soon.