The kids had a great time at the RiverTree Harvest Party, and of course, came home with five times their weight in candy!! Whee!!

The kids were so excited to be all dressed up for their Halloween parade at school! We had a pixie princess, a purple princess, a "ninja", "bling bling", and a punk rock girl.

I took these pictures on Marie Goodspeed's farm, near Colony, KS.

Great company and great food are always a great way to show appreciation... we sure appreciate everything that Matt and Jenn do for our congregation. And to whomever made the soup with the green beans and dumplings, yummm! That was extra delicious! :)

and dumplings, yummm! That was extra delicious! :)

The kids wanted to make sure to get some pictures with their dad before he leaves tomorrow, so we were glad to get a little break in the rain! Cottonwood Garden, with its Halloween decorations, made a great backdrop. And then their dad treated us all to El Charro. Yum! :)

great backdrop. And then their dad treated us all to El Charro. Yum! :)

The kids got a big surprise this afternoon when we went to pick up their dad at the airport. They hadn't seen him in over 3 years and he'll be in town all week.

It wouldn't be fall in Iola without Farm City Days! We rode on the Classique float, and there were tons of smiling (frozen) kids, having a great time! :)

I was lucky enough to be invited back to the Hedgehog Fest in Walpole, MA, to judge again! The students of the Agricultural High School do a great job of supporting Hamor Hollow and all their friends in putting on the show. I also got some pictures of Kelly & Shawn's kitties for Seph :)

in putting on the show. I also got some pictures of Kelly & Shawn's kitties for Seph :)

I was grateful that my friends toted me along for the fall '09 Night Train toy run (http://www.michaelbergen.com) ... it was coooold, but it was fun! Thanks Mikki, Richard, Di, Mark, Kristen & Mike! :) We started out at Jake's Place in Shawnee, then went to the VFW Hall in DeSoto, then Kobi's in Bonner Springs and Twister's in Bonner Springs (left early from Kobi's so we could get a yummy dinner before the crowds arrived), then to Red Eye in KC (now we know where the '80s hair bands wannabees hide... quick, wrap their heads in bacon....); and ended at the Speedway in Bonner Springs before the chilly ride back to Garnett. The moon was nearly full and beautiful, so it was a perfect night for a night ride!

:) We started out at Jake's Place in Shawnee, then went to the VFW Hall in DeSoto, then Kobi's in Bonner Springs and Twister's in Bonner Springs (left early from Kobi's so we could get a yummy dinner before the crowds arrived), then to Red Eye in KC (now we know where the '80s hair bands wannabees hide... quick, wrap their heads in bacon....); and ended at the Speedway in Bonner Springs before the chilly ride back to Garnett. The moon was nearly full and beautiful, so it was a perfect night for a night ride!

There is supposed to be a geocache in the vicinity of this train, but we didn't find it this time. Gotta get a clue and go back!

This afternoon, we made it to Cornstock to enjoy the festival. Never did find the guy walking around in the corn costume, but we did enjoy cotton candy, pet the animals, hugged friends, checked out tupperware, bought a marshmallow shooter, imagined how great it would be to have an RV, and headed home, tired and happy!

tupperware, bought a marshmallow shooter, imagined how great it would be to have an RV, and headed home, tired and happy!

We got the opportunity to spend a little time in the countryside, and Seph initially manned the camera, as she and the boys explored a 150 year old barn. Then she and I took turns with the camera when the rest of the family joined them, then went to wander down to the rail trail, just south of Garnett.

the rest of the family joined them, then went to wander down to the rail trail, just south of Garnett.

Eleven years ago today, the brilliant and beautiful Persephone was unleashed upon the planet... I mean, um, Seph was born. We celebrated her special day with the family tradition of dinner at El Charro!

Charro!

Today we experienced a Galilean service, at Lake Bassola, just south of town. It was amazing! Great company, excellent food, and David Bycroft preached from the water, to the sound of cicadas and crickets and a beautiful fall evening, bringing a message to think about our lives and priorities. I really appreciated the experience, and sharing it with everyone who came.

crickets and a beautiful fall evening, bringing a message to think about our lives and priorities. I really appreciated the experience, and sharing it with everyone who came.

We had 12 women turn out for our first Women's Fellowship Meeting! It was great to just hang out and talk girl talk, and to get such a positive message from Krista Thomason, who told us about her new book, "Determined Not To Be Desperate" and how watching Desperate Housewives made her realize how much we tend to be desperate for things that don't make us happy, and how awareness can help us focus on those things that do!

book, "Determined Not To Be Desperate" and how watching Desperate Housewives made her realize how much we tend to be desperate for things that don't make us happy, and how awareness can help us focus on those things that do!

We paid our respects to the Traveling Wall, which was in Garnett for the holiday weekend. Afterward, the kids got treated to bike rides by some friends who were there with the American Legion, as well as getting in some playtime with some of their favorite teenagers, who were also there. :)

as getting in some playtime with some of their favorite teenagers, who were also there. :)

Today we got some hyacinth bulbs and I planted my 3 glass vases and two pretty little pots I picked up on sale at walmart for $3 each. Then I repotted my bonsai. It's amazing the size difference between the ones I planted in tiny pots and the one I planted in a big pot! They are all in small pots now. I also found that I had a lemon cucumber planted in the garden, and our new tadpoles are doing well.

between the ones I planted in tiny pots and the one I planted in a big pot! They are all in small pots now. I also found that I had a lemon cucumber planted in the garden, and our new tadpoles are doing well.

We gave up hope a while ago, that our chinchilla, Florence, was pregnant. Today- she surprised us with this darling baby!

The kids and I had a lot of fun at the RiverTree picnic. Great company and lots to do- I look forward to the next RiverTree event :)

We got a great tip on a place to look for some tadpoles, so we went out in search! We found a few tadpoles and minnows, did some sword fighting with sticks, and enjoyed the scenery!

The kids (and Lyssa) were all smiles on the first day of school! :) This year we have K, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders- the only year they'll all be at one school. :)

The kids and I arrived in Lawrence a little early for our dentist appointment, so we stopped off to see the flowers and wildlife at the arboretum. The kids were so amazed at all the wildlife (especially the birds and frogs) so close to the city!

(especially the birds and frogs) so close to the city!

We went back to the first geocache from yesterday and WE FOUND IT! Yay! It was small and well hidden, and we got covered in little thistles. Took Karima and Lyssa with us, and had a grand time playing in the tunnel (think... great echoes...!) and playing with grasshoppers and other creepy crawlies. Looked for another geocache near Carlysle but didn't find it. We'll have to try again on that one when some of the scratchy, scratchy plants that the area is full of die back!

in the tunnel (think... great echoes...!) and playing with grasshoppers and other creepy crawlies. Looked for another geocache near Carlysle but didn't find it. We'll have to try again on that one when some of the scratchy, scratchy plants that the area is full of die back!

My mom sent my my birthday present 2 months early so we could enjoy it while the weather is still nice... a Geomate Jr! What's that? Well... it's a little GPS thingie that lets you find hidden geocaches all over the country. It steers you within 10 feet of where coordinates have been set for a geocache. Our first was a strike out- it should have been somewhere in that tunnel, but we didn't find it. We found the other two in cemetaries out in the boonies of Linn County! Too fun! :)

geocaches all over the country. It steers you within 10 feet of where coordinates have been set for a geocache. Our first was a strike out- it should have been somewhere in that tunnel, but we didn't find it. We found the other two in cemetaries out in the boonies of Linn County! Too fun! :)

Fair time, once again! We grabbed Seph's friend Bayleigh and went to see the baby barn and all the exhibits. And of course, we had to down our traditional curly fries and funnel cake. Yum!

The weather was lovely and we decided it was the perfect day for an adventure. We started by stopping off at the town square in Garnett to see the stump of the allegedly second oldest tree in Kansas, which was destroyed by storms last week, but they had already pulled the stump. :( I'd have thought they'd have preserved it for posterity. So we visited "baby Lady Liberty" as the kids like to call the statue, and then headed north to the blackberry farm. Yum! The people there were so nice, showing the kids how to find the ripest berries, and telling them they could eat their fill.

which was destroyed by storms last week, but they had already pulled the stump. :( I'd have thought they'd have preserved it for posterity. So we visited "baby Lady Liberty" as the kids like to call the statue, and then headed north to the blackberry farm. Yum! The people there were so nice, showing the kids how to find the ripest berries, and telling them they could eat their fill.

Jiejie celebrated her 7th birthday with dinner and presents at El Charro! They forgot to serenade her, but we had a good time anyway.

On Monday, the kids from down the street brought me a baby bird that had fallen out of its nest. It was young, half-feathered, all dried out, and had a horribly broken leg. I thought, "Surely, this thing won't live." But I had to try. I spent that night just getting water down it; opening the beak with my fingernail and getting it in drip by drip. I didn't expect it to be with me when I woke up on Tuesday morning, but it was, and it gaped- "Feed me!" It's been eating voraciously and continuing to make progress since then. Not sure how functional that one leg is going to be, but it definitely has circulation in it as it can move its little claws on that foot. So exciting to see it flourish!

thing won't live." But I had to try. I spent that night just getting water down it; opening the beak with my fingernail and getting it in drip by drip. I didn't expect it to be with me when I woke up on Tuesday morning, but it was, and it gaped- "Feed me!" It's been eating voraciously and continuing to make progress since then. Not sure how functional that one leg is going to be, but it definitely has circulation in it as it can move its little claws on that foot. So exciting to see it flourish!

Jiejie, Rain, and I got invited to enjoy fireworks with the Halls and some of their friends. :) We lit off about 100 sparklers of our own, then sat to watch the light show as 4 other families on their block also had huge presentations!

block also had huge presentations!

A month or so ago, the kids and I rescued a whole mess of little tadpoles from a pond that was drying up behind Seph's friend Lyssa's house. They lived in a bucket in amongst the shade trees for a long time, and eventually, we got a little pond set up for them. Over the course of time, a lot didn't make it, but I was so delighted today when I discovered that one of the hardy little survivors has nearly transitioned into the cutest, teensiest little frog! :)

long time, and eventually, we got a little pond set up for them. Over the course of time, a lot didn't make it, but I was so delighted today when I discovered that one of the hardy little survivors has nearly transitioned into the cutest, teensiest little frog! :)

There was a great turnout of about 75 hedgies at the Midwest Hedgehog Show, and we had a wonderful time with old friends and meeting a few new folks! I was especially proud of my Frank, who came home with the ribbon for Reserve Best In Show!

with the ribbon for Reserve Best In Show!

Today my baby turned 5! She was sooo excited and she starts kindergarten this year. She's growing up so much! She wasn't too sure about the ice cream up the nose stuff, but loved her presents.

We have a lovely little garden spot in the front that's never really been planted fully; I had roses that only made it through two winters and mostly it became invaded by "volunteer trees" that were starting to get a bit unruly. My parents and the kids pulled out all of the old stuff, took out the old mulch, put in dirt, and planted anew! It's lovely now :) Oh, and two pictures of me and the kids before their Saturday night performance snuck into the folder ;)

starting to get a bit unruly. My parents and the kids pulled out all of the old stuff, took out the old mulch, put in dirt, and planted anew! It's lovely now :) Oh, and two pictures of me and the kids before their Saturday night performance snuck into the folder ;)

All five kids (and all their dancing friends) had HUGE smiles (well, except maybe during the "serious" ballet) at dance recital this year! They did great!

It's that time of year again, and this time all five kids are dancing! Today was their first chance to get fully dressed up in their costumes, and next week will be filled with practice, leading up to the big event!

the big event!

My millenium memorial day baby turned 9 today! We celebrated with dinner and unwrapping of the presents at El Charro. Z decided he'd be good about getting the ice cream on his face, and boy did he get it good!! Tee hee!

it good!! Tee hee!

The kids and I went out to Kalida and Yates Center to get some photos. Got some very cute ones, and really brought out the kids' personalities!

Today "the big 3" kids and I rode on the girl scouts float in Iola's Memorial Day parade. The boys got razzed by their friends in Boy Scouts, until I called out to the leader that my guys know that the best place for a boy to be is surrounded by pretty girls- then they all laughed and agreed Z & B have it good!

the best place for a boy to be is surrounded by pretty girls- then they all laughed and agreed Z & B have it good!

What a day! It's official that my last baby isn't a baby any more- Rain graduated from preschool! Her teachers all say that she was a ray of sunshine, always smiling and always loving- and a little smartie pants! Way to go, Rainy bug!

smartie pants! Way to go, Rainy bug!

I got fascinated with all the nik naks and the garden, and just had to take pictures!

The one thing I asked my parents to do, if possible, when I came to visit, was to go to the ocean. Thankfully, the weather was very cooperative (81 with a breeze to keep it from being too hot) and there was a kite festival going on, to make things interesting!

there was a kite festival going on, to make things interesting!

Today was Easter and I decided we should get out of the house and do something fun after church. So, I loaded the kids into the car and we went "on an adventure." They moaned and groaned all the way there that they were bored and wanted to go home... until we got there. The Independence Zoo is small, but admission is free and it was fun, even in the rain! We had Easter dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Chanute. Nontraditional, but lots of fun :)

there that they were bored and wanted to go home... until we got there. The Independence Zoo is small, but admission is free and it was fun, even in the rain! We had Easter dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Chanute. Nontraditional, but lots of fun :)

My friend Chris came out from Wichita, to go on an adventure with me and the kids. We headed out to see the early spring scenery and the lakes... and got an exciting side adventure when we got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere at Toronto Lake... and the jack was stripped. Took some creative thinking, but we finally figured out some modifications using various things to juryrig the jack and make it work... then it slid due to the rocks under it, and just when we were starting to start over, finally someone else came along with a better jack! Whew! What an adventure!

tire in the middle of nowhere at Toronto Lake... and the jack was stripped. Took some creative thinking, but we finally figured out some modifications using various things to juryrig the jack and make it work... then it slid due to the rocks under it, and just when we were starting to start over, finally someone else came along with a better jack! Whew! What an adventure!

We spent two days of our spring break with the Tong family in Rago, KS- absolutely fun, with 9 kids running around (Zury was with grandma and grandpa, so we borrowed Lyssa to round out our crew, LOL). On the way home we stopped off at Riverside Park in Wichita to see the native wildlife and stretch our legs on the playground before we headed home. Tons of fun!

On the way home we stopped off at Riverside Park in Wichita to see the native wildlife and stretch our legs on the playground before we headed home. Tons of fun!

An afternoon drive through southeast Kansas gave a number of great photo ops. We found the ladybugs in the bakery room at Fort Scott, the buffalo were just north of Pittsburg, and the brick ruins were in between Moran and La Harpe. :)

in between Moran and La Harpe. :)

Binni turned 10, with great big smiles! Nicole and her family came over to share cake and ice cream.

The kids told Santa everything they wanted for Christmas. :)

These are pictures from the kids' church Christmas play.

We enjoyed yet another Merry Christmas in the Means-Burleson household. The kids were sooo excited to see their stockings and all the presents on Christmas morning. I think the biggest hit was Rain's bilibo!

bilibo!

Four happy little elves (one was sleeping) trimmed the tree, and let mama put on the topper! Our tradition is to do this the day after Thanksgiving. :) After trimming the tree, the elves were very happy to toast with hot cocoa!

happy to toast with hot cocoa!

We attended the kids' friend Patrick's 8th birthday party at Hallmark's Kaleidoscope in Kansas City. It's an amazing place where kids can create all kinds of stuff- very cool!

The first set of pictures were taken a few days before Halloween, when we went to the Haunted Haybales in LaHarpe with Seph's Girl Scout troop. That was so much fun! The next set was taken on Halloween. The kids told me I had to dress up so... well, that is the actual Lee Jr. High School letter girl uniform I wore in 9th grade and it still fits 27 years later, LOL!

Halloween. The kids told me I had to dress up so... well, that is the actual Lee Jr. High School letter girl uniform I wore in 9th grade and it still fits 27 years later, LOL!

I had the great fortune to be invited to judge the fall Hedgehog Fest in Walpole, MA (thanks Hamor Hollow and all your sponsors who made it possible). I had a wonderful time, and the hedgehog costumes were beyond cute!

were beyond cute!

We joined up with several of our friends' families (and a few new people/families) to celebrate our common love of hedgehogs. Kids and adults all had way too good a time, as you can see!

Our cleaning lady invited us to her church's fall fest this year, and we're sure glad we went! I only knew two people when we started, but kids and humor are great icebreakers and we soon found ourselves having a grand time. :)

ourselves having a grand time. :)

Seph hit double digits and she was all smiles. She says, "It's good to be a tween!" On her birthday, we celebrated with the traditional El Charro dinner. Then, on the weekend, we had a slumber party and I took 10 kids to see the Iola Community Theater production of High School Musical. No photos allowed of that, but got some pics at the party. They all had a great time!

and I took 10 kids to see the Iola Community Theater production of High School Musical. No photos allowed of that, but got some pics at the party. They all had a great time!

We took advantage of the temperate but overcast weather to take off into the countryside for a photo shoot. We ended up stopping at the Neosho River, near Piqua and at the gates of Kalida. I think there are at least a few great shots of everyone!

there are at least a few great shots of everyone!

So, what on earth does one do at a Spinach festival? We were more than a little curious, so we thought we'd check it out this year. We started out by eating some delicious spinach yummies (well, Z wouldn't try- but the rest of us loved the spinach pizza, spinach dip, and spinach balls). Then we looked at the booths, which included crafts and a gymnastics exhibition, climbed in an old Vietnam era helicopter, looked at old cars, did some crafts, and finally- they turned us loose on free paddle boat rides. The boys and Jiejie never did get the hang of steering, so after we messed with them by playing pirates and bumper boats, we sent the life guards to board their craft and bring them in, LOL.

wouldn't try- but the rest of us loved the spinach pizza, spinach dip, and spinach balls). Then we looked at the booths, which included crafts and a gymnastics exhibition, climbed in an old Vietnam era helicopter, looked at old cars, did some crafts, and finally- they turned us loose on free paddle boat rides. The boys and Jiejie never did get the hang of steering, so after we messed with them by playing pirates and bumper boats, we sent the life guards to board their craft and bring them in, LOL.

The kids were VERY excited to start school today, as you can see... (hey, how did #6 sneak in there, LOL). :)

We joined up with Lots of Love Exotics to host an educational booth at the Tails on the Trails event in Lenexa, KS. We had a great time meeting the other vendors and showing off our hedgies! The kids loved playing in the water, and all the many kid-centered events that were hosted.

loved playing in the water, and all the many kid-centered events that were hosted.

The kids and I were out bright and early to ship hedgies, and got treated to this lovely rainbow!

We took our annual visit to the Allen County Fair this week. It was small, but it was nice to see that they have mostly recuperated the fairgrounds after it was wiped out in the flood last year.

Today, Seph gets to move into her own room! :) We took the "little room" and I made a basic design for the loft bed, had parents come and help me (Allan made major improvements on my original design and built the frame), then I painted it and we FINALLY got in the high density foam mattress today... looks like Sepphie's going to be sleeping in true tweenager style. :)
Update: had to add a picture to show where Seph slept the first night she had the opportunity to sleep in her new loft...

and built the frame), then I painted it and we FINALLY got in the high density foam mattress today... looks like Sepphie's going to be sleeping in true tweenager style. :)
Update: had to add a picture to show where Seph slept the first night she had the opportunity to sleep in her new loft...

Jiejie turned 6 this year! We celebrated with traditional dinner at El Charro's (didn't get pictures of that), then opened presents and ate cupcakes at home. She was sooo excited with all her cool stuff.

stuff.

Binni, Jiejie, Rain, and I took advantage of the 3 day weekend to head to St. Louis. We got a steal on a room at Candlewood Suites for $30 per night on priceline, and we got to visit the Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, Grant's Farm, The St. Louis Zoo, and The Butterfly House. Wonderful! :)

Museum of Westward Expansion, Grant's Farm, The St. Louis Zoo, and The Butterfly House. Wonderful! :)

We met up with my friend Becca and visited the Old Shawnee Village museum. The old buildings were really fascinating. Binni got so creeped out by the undertaker's office that he wouldn't go in. The garden was marvelous, full of wonderful smelling herbs!

garden was marvelous, full of wonderful smelling herbs!

Grandma and grandma came to visit for the weekend (and to take Seph and Zury back to Maryland with them for 3 weeks). While they were here, grandpa worked like a whirlwind on getting projects done. He got the whole family helping to paint the back deck!

got the whole family helping to paint the back deck!

We were very happy that the Woodwards (Jalan, Angus, Geneva, and Nina) were willing to veer off course on their summer trek to visit! They only got to stay one night, but the company was great! :)

Rain had a great birthday, and got spoiled rotten by everyone! She was a bit surprised to get her ice cream up the nose at El Charro, but took it in stride. I can't believe she's getting so big!

Today was a very exciting day- the girls got their dance recital photos, and got to wear their costumes for the first time! Look at Jiejie in that GORGEOUS dress... I want to cry with joy when I think of all she has poured into being able to get to this point, where she gets to dance on stage!!!! Zury's costume didn't come in yet, but is supposed to arrive before recital!
Updated 6/17/08: Got some photos from the dress rehearsal added, as well as picutures of mama and Jiejie before the show, and of Z's costume!

of all she has poured into being able to get to this point, where she gets to dance on stage!!!! Zury's costume didn't come in yet, but is supposed to arrive before recital!
Updated 6/17/08: Got some photos from the dress rehearsal added, as well as picutures of mama and Jiejie before the show, and of Z's costume!

Despite only having two friends show up, Z's 8th birthday party was a whole lot of fun! We played frisbee golf, blindfolded obstacle course, and capture the duckie, as well as playing with bubbles and taking advantage of being at the park.

taking advantage of being at the park.

Zury turned 8 on May 29th! We took him out to dinner at our traditional El Charro to enjoy the "ice cream up the nose" (which he skillfully- but not gracefully- avoided) and unwrapping presents from mom and dad, then came home and unwrapped presents from grandma and grandpa!

mom and dad, then came home and unwrapped presents from grandma and grandpa!

The kids are playing softball for the first time this year. We were lucky enough to find the "All Star Miracles" which is a team in a league that takes all players- it's all about playing and not about winning, so they all get to play at their own speed. Great for my kids who have challenges to physical activities, and great for my kids who need to understand that sports are about sportsmanship. Everybody wins!

about winning, so they all get to play at their own speed. Great for my kids who have challenges to physical activities, and great for my kids who need to understand that sports are about sportsmanship. Everybody wins!

On May 3rd, I had the great honor of judging the 2008 MA hedgehog fest! I stayed with Elana & Jason (and their two darling boys!), and Elana graciously chauffered me around while I was there. The show was so amazingly fun, I haven't been to one in ages!

was so amazingly fun, I haven't been to one in ages!

Our new puppy has been settling in wonderfully! Hoss is a 6 month old weimaraner that was relinquished by his first owner. They sure missed out on a great dog!

We got all three big kids on the same soccer team this year- they are the Iola Lions! :) Thankfully there have been enough breaks in the rain to be able to play a few games this year.

We attended the KC Pet Expo on April 19th, and helped Laura and Becca out some with the Hedgehogworld.com booth. Can't wait to go again next year!

It's been waaaay too long between visits so we were very happy to get to visit the Tongs at their farm. The kids bid farewell to their little chickens and were very happy to see that Morgan and Ting were very willing to take on their care.

were very willing to take on their care.

On our last morning in Branson, we saw the Amazing Pets show (they let you take pictures, as long as they aren't flash... I took these from the 10th row!!) and then went to Bass Pro, ate a country buffet lunch (mmmmm!!!) and headed down the road.

buffet lunch (mmmmm!!!) and headed down the road.

In between riding the ducks and going to see the Hamner Barber magic/ventriloquism/comedy show (didn't get any pictures of that) we were lucky enough to get to visit with the Blitches and the Shetleys for dinner at the Shetley's home. We are all families who have adopted kids from Ethiopia through IAG. There were 13 kids and 5 parents all together, what fun!

for dinner at the Shetley's home. We are all families who have adopted kids from Ethiopia through IAG. There were 13 kids and 5 parents all together, what fun!

The next thing we did was Ride the Ducks. They are vehicles that were used in WWII and the ones used in Branson are that old!! They go on land and sea, and they give you a free quacker to make LOTS of noise with (the kids loved that).

noise with (the kids loved that).

On Day Three, we tried to get tickets to Amazing Pets, but it was sold out. So we got tickets for the following day and went to the fish hatchery next. They raise thousands of rainbow trout to stock the area lakes and rivers.

the area lakes and rivers.

After driving down what seemed like about a million miles of winding country roads, we almost arrived at the Blitch's house, where we were going to stay. Half mile from their home, the road was completely flooded and not passable in a minivan. So, we turned around, retraced back to the highway, and found a hotel room at JR's in Branson. Getting out of the van never felt soooo good!

completely flooded and not passable in a minivan. So, we turned around, retraced back to the highway, and found a hotel room at JR's in Branson. Getting out of the van never felt soooo good!

Day two of spring break... pouring rain, a little thunder and lightning. 6 kids and one mom determined to see a cave. One half mile in the rain. Cave too wet and slipper to go into, but we made it there, darn it!! Every article of clothing, including underwear, was soaked to the skin... but we had an awesome time! (And, you see from the pics, we weren't the only crazy people out there, hiking in the storm).

there, darn it!! Every article of clothing, including underwear, was soaked to the skin... but we had an awesome time! (And, you see from the pics, we weren't the only crazy people out there, hiking in the storm).

During the afternoon, the rain cleared enough that we were able to visit Wilson Park in Fayetteville and run off some of the kids' energy on the walking trail, playground, and art castle. Very cool! We were glad we brought the scooters.

We were glad we brought the scooters.

Our first stop on spring break was at the Precious Moments Memorial Chapel in Carthage, MO. We had an extra family member ("the borrowed kid"), Travis, along for the trip. :)

The kids really, really, really wanted to experience raising up babies chicks so... I called a friend with a farm and asked them if she'll take them off our hands when they get too big to stay in the house and she said, "Sure!" So, here they are... two little leghorn pullets and two little black australorps pullets. Wonder how fast they grow? The kids sure are charmed!
3/15/08 Added new pictures of Seph and Zury with their chickens. They are definitely growing fast and look more like chickens than chicks now.

house and she said, "Sure!" So, here they are... two little leghorn pullets and two little black australorps pullets. Wonder how fast they grow? The kids sure are charmed!
3/15/08 Added new pictures of Seph and Zury with their chickens. They are definitely growing fast and look more like chickens than chicks now.

The Blitch family from Springfied, MO, came to visit us today! Their son was in the care home in Addis with Binni, and came to the US 3 months before Binni did. The kids warmed up to each other pretty quickly, and we had a GREAT time! :)

quickly, and we had a GREAT time! :)

Something special happens at our house on Groundhog Day now... Binni celebrates his birthday! He turned 9 this year, and he LOVED having an American-style birthday. We kept it low key, with just a few friends coming over for cake and ice cream.

friends coming over for cake and ice cream.

The little girls went to bed early, but Seph, Binni, Zury, and I stayed up late to wait for 2008 to arrive. Seph kept asking about baby new year and Binni wanted to know all about the baby. I told him the baby flies across the sky at midnight and we have to try to shoot him down. He didn't believe me. LOL. Anyway, we took a trip down to Pittsburg and stopped to look at some Bison on the way, and while waiting for our chance to shoot down baby new year, the kids got to try real coconut. They didn't like it, but we had fun anyway.

the baby flies across the sky at midnight and we have to try to shoot him down. He didn't believe me. LOL. Anyway, we took a trip down to Pittsburg and stopped to look at some Bison on the way, and while waiting for our chance to shoot down baby new year, the kids got to try real coconut. They didn't like it, but we had fun anyway.

Santa was good to us this year! I got some lovely flowers from my parents on Christmas eve, then Santa delivered some awesomely overfull stockings and a ton of presents under the tree.

This year's Christmas play was called "Cooking Up Christmas" and Seph had a part as "Martha" while Binni was a wise man, Zury was a sheep, and Jiejie was an angel. Rain got up to sing 2 songs with her preschool-age classmate, Carter, but just smiled, pointed at mama, and said, "That's my mom!" LOL. Seph's friends Lyssa and Karima were also in the play.

preschool-age classmate, Carter, but just smiled, pointed at mama, and said, "That's my mom!" LOL. Seph's friends Lyssa and Karima were also in the play.

pictures of some of our current hedgie litters

I purchased the rights to these family photos from the photographer. I think they turned out nicely!

Since one of the best parts of Christmas is getting to see the kids' faces when they open their presents, we decided to celebrate an early Christmas while my parents were still here. Grandma and Grandpa helped the kids make bird houses earlier in the day, so those pictures are in here, too.

Grandpa helped the kids make bird houses earlier in the day, so those pictures are in here, too.

Our family tradition is to put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. I'm not sure whether the saying should be "many hands make light work" or "many hands make chaos" but we got it done and are happy with our lovely little tree.

and are happy with our lovely little tree.

Thanksgiving day was really, really cold this year but the kids were brave and we went on our traditional leaf walk to gather leaves for our table decoration. My parents arrived for dinner around 6:30 and we enjoyed great company and great food!

and we enjoyed great company and great food!

It was an extremely gorgeous autumn day (around 70 degrees out!) so we took advantage of it and raked all our leaves in a huge pile to play, before bagging them up.

Seph's class read a book called Sign of the Beaver and were assigned to build a log cabin, according to the description in the book. We were given the following information:
"He had helped to cut down the spruce trees and notch them. He had stood at one end of every log and raised it, one on top of the other, fitting the notched ends together as snugly as though they had grown that way. He had climbed the roof to fasten down the cedar splints with long poles, and dragged up pine boughs to cover them. "
"It had only one room. Before winter they would add a loft for him and his sister to sleep in. Inside there were shelves along one wall and a sturdy puncheon table with two stools. One of these days, his father promised, he would cut out a window and fasten oiled papers to let in the light. Someday the paper would be replaced with real glass. Against the wall was a chimney of smaller logs, daubed and lined with clay from the creek."

This is our version!

down the spruce trees and notch them. He had stood at one end of every log and raised it, one on top of the other, fitting the notched ends together as snugly as though they had grown that way. He had climbed the roof to fasten down the cedar splints with long poles, and dragged up pine boughs to cover them. "
"It had only one room. Before winter they would add a loft for him and his sister to sleep in. Inside there were shelves along one wall and a sturdy puncheon table with two stools. One of these days, his father promised, he would cut out a window and fasten oiled papers to let in the light. Someday the paper would be replaced with real glass. Against the wall was a chimney of smaller logs, daubed and lined with clay from the creek."

This is our version!

One of the local families created a hay bale maze and Halloween themed spook spot, and invited the local community to come and enjoy! Jiejie stayed by the fire with Mrs. Weatherbie to roast marshmallows while the rest of us bumbled our way through the hay maze, then came back to joint her. It was very spooky and a ton of fun!

marshmallows while the rest of us bumbled our way through the hay maze, then came back to joint her. It was very spooky and a ton of fun!

You know Halloween is coming when it's pumpkin carving time! I got two pumpkins this year and asked that the kids work in teams. They decided that the girls would do one and the boys would do the other. I helped do the cutting, but they did all the designing. Here is their hard work!

other. I helped do the cutting, but they did all the designing. Here is their hard work!

It's hard to believe it's been about a year since our last family portrait, but here we are again with our favorite photographer, the awesome Janalin Hood (who is due with her first wee one in a mere 3 weeks). I shot the shooter in these photos- Janalin worked hard to get the 5 kiddles smiling at the same time and I can't wait to see how hers turned out.

3 weeks). I shot the shooter in these photos- Janalin worked hard to get the 5 kiddles smiling at the same time and I can't wait to see how hers turned out.

On Friday evening, we attended the first annual Allen Fest, a Halloween celebration hosted by the local community college and food bank. Seph was at a slumber party so she didn't get to enjoy :( On Saturday, the kids got all dressed up in their official Halloween costumes for the 8th annual Shocktober fest! It was really crowded because the building it's usually in was destroyed in the flood so it had to be held in a much smaller building. The kids had a grand time.

Saturday, the kids got all dressed up in their official Halloween costumes for the 8th annual Shocktober fest! It was really crowded because the building it's usually in was destroyed in the flood so it had to be held in a much smaller building. The kids had a grand time.

Binni got to experience his first small town American parade today at Iola's Farm City Days Celebration. He was a bit confused, and annoyed at sitting in the sun for the 15 or so minutes that seemed an interminable amount of time, before the parade started. He kept asking, "This is Halloween?" We'd say, "No! Farm City Days Parade." But it didn't compute and a few moments later he'd ask again. But once it started... he decided he agrees with the statement that everybody loves a parade (especially the candy).

an interminable amount of time, before the parade started. He kept asking, "This is Halloween?" We'd say, "No! Farm City Days Parade." But it didn't compute and a few moments later he'd ask again. But once it started... he decided he agrees with the statement that everybody loves a parade (especially the candy).

After the wrestling clinic, we stopped off at the Cottonwood Gardens to meet their host of spookies. Rain was asleep in the van, but the rest of the kids were happy to mug for the camera.

Zury had signed up for the Allen County Kids Wrestling Club clinic, then Binni and Seph decided it sounded like fun, too. They had a great time!

Oh lordy, I made it to 40!! Here's a picture of my cake and of the beautiful flowers I received. Hopefully I'll enjoy good health and great experiences for the next 40+ years. :)

The kids thought our house didn't have enough Halloween-ness to it, so we made some little ghosts and set them to guarding our trees!

I finally tracked down the camera I loaned Zury while in Ethiopia and downloaded the pictures. So, this is Ethiopia from the eye view of a 7 year old. While some of the pictures are definitely askew, I was amazed at the beauty of some of them. He went close up with lots of things (like the coffee beans at the ceremony, or the street vendor's pens) where I, as an adult, would not have felt comfortable getting that close, and came up with some really cool shots. The baby in the early shots was at the KC airport- we talked to he and his mom while waiting for the plane. They were on their way to Albania to see his maternal grandparents. And of course, Zury loves babies!

I was amazed at the beauty of some of them. He went close up with lots of things (like the coffee beans at the ceremony, or the street vendor's pens) where I, as an adult, would not have felt comfortable getting that close, and came up with some really cool shots. The baby in the early shots was at the KC airport- we talked to he and his mom while waiting for the plane. They were on their way to Albania to see his maternal grandparents. And of course, Zury loves babies!

It was a little hard to explain to Binni why I asked the kids to sleep in their clothes and rolled them out of bed at 2 am to "take hedgehogs to the airport." He kept asking if we were going to Washington DC to visit his friend, Eleni. Nope. But I do think he had a good time with the Krispy Kremes and the trip to Deanna Rose Park!

Washington DC to visit his friend, Eleni. Nope. But I do think he had a good time with the Krispy Kremes and the trip to Deanna Rose Park!

We had our last meal in Ethiopia at the Zebra Grill, which has great food and tons of ambiance. Then it was hurry to the hotel for a group picture and luggage, run to the airport, and bon voyage. The last photo is of Binni and Zury waiting for our luggage in Kansas City!

last photo is of Binni and Zury waiting for our luggage in Kansas City!

After shopping, it started to downpour. We returned to the Duke Bar to gather and decide what to do. The original agenda was to go out to the countryside and see the beauty outside the city. But the rain made that impossible. So, the drivers suggested an amusement place for the kids to get their energy out- excellent idea! After that, the rain let up some and we were able to go to the lion park.

rain made that impossible. So, the drivers suggested an amusement place for the kids to get their energy out- excellent idea! After that, the rain let up some and we were able to go to the lion park.

On our last morning, we clowned around the hotel some, then went shopping again. My highlight of the shopping trip was "the chicken man." I don't think I have ever seen chickens that docile, and I was fascinated enough that I was happy to give him some birr to take his picture!

fascinated enough that I was happy to give him some birr to take his picture!

Some of the little girls needed their braids redone, so we went with the moms to see how they do it. I asked about it and was told it would be very cheap to get it done. So I did. Cost me about $11 and 1-1/2 hours. One of the other moms took the boys for a coke and a snack to keep them from getting bored and one of the dads photo documented it for me (thanks Julie and Gary!!!). Wow. Two sets of hair extensions later, way cool. The most surprising part is that when the shower water falls on my scalp, it is so ticklish that I can't help but giggle and I am not usually a ticklish person. Too cool!

and 1-1/2 hours. One of the other moms took the boys for a coke and a snack to keep them from getting bored and one of the dads photo documented it for me (thanks Julie and Gary!!!). Wow. Two sets of hair extensions later, way cool. The most surprising part is that when the shower water falls on my scalp, it is so ticklish that I can't help but giggle and I am not usually a ticklish person. Too cool!

On Friday night, we attended a cultural dinner, complete with the most delicious food in the world, awesome coffee, incredible atmosphere, and the most amazing dancing I have ever seen!

We had all heard about "the Mercato" (one of the largest marketplaces in the world), and were excited to go see it. However, first we met in the bar for an orientation, and then the drivers told us that we would have to stay in the van, lock the windows, and don't take pictures of anyone other than from a distance. We stopped at the Hilton to confirm tickets and get coffee before we set off to the mercato. I must say it was VERY fascinating, but getting out would definitely have been intimidating with the press of people and knowing that pick pockets abound (and who knows what else). I took tons of pictures to capture the flavor of the place. I am sure you can buy anything in the world there.

that we would have to stay in the van, lock the windows, and don't take pictures of anyone other than from a distance. We stopped at the Hilton to confirm tickets and get coffee before we set off to the mercato. I must say it was VERY fascinating, but getting out would definitely have been intimidating with the press of people and knowing that pick pockets abound (and who knows what else). I took tons of pictures to capture the flavor of the place. I am sure you can buy anything in the world there.

This volume shows things around the hotel as well as our trip to go shopping at the market known as the Post Office (because it's apparently near the old post office). It was probably the most stressful shopping trip I have EVER experienced due to Binni running off all directions with other kids and trying to keep track of Zury and all this in tiny, crowded stalls. Thank goodness we got to go shopping again at the end of the trip.

stressful shopping trip I have EVER experienced due to Binni running off all directions with other kids and trying to keep track of Zury and all this in tiny, crowded stalls. Thank goodness we got to go shopping again at the end of the trip.

After meeting Binni, we chose to travel with one of the other families to the orphanage where their twin boys, Tadesse and Gosaye had been residing. We drove through the city to the orphanage, where the children sang a goodbye song and they had a tremendous loaf of bread that was shared as part of a beautiful ceremony. The thing that struck me was the love and closeness of the children and their caretakers. There may not have been much materially, but they are rich in love.

the children sang a goodbye song and they had a tremendous loaf of bread that was shared as part of a beautiful ceremony. The thing that struck me was the love and closeness of the children and their caretakers. There may not have been much materially, but they are rich in love.

Here is the first installment of my Ethiopia pictures, from our journey to Binni. In this album, there are our obligatory in the airport starting out pictures, then our room at the Hotel de Leopol in Addis Ababa (and the view from the window), and then the thing we came for... meeting Binni!

Addis Ababa (and the view from the window), and then the thing we came for... meeting Binni!

We celebrated Seph's 9th birthday two days later, since mama and Zury won't be here on her birthday proper. :( She was disappointed that they didn't do the sombrero seranade for her (even though we did tell them that it was her birthday), but very happy with her nachos and her many birthday gifts from the family.

did tell them that it was her birthday), but very happy with her nachos and her many birthday gifts from the family.

Seph celebrated her upcoming 9th birthday with a really fun crafts party! We made party puffball necklaces, clothespin dolls, and bracelets. Then we Played "pin the tail on the unicorn" and broke a pinata. Poor Rain, she slept through the whole thing!

pinata. Poor Rain, she slept through the whole thing!

In honor of a lazy holiday weekend at home, here are pictures of our sweet abode. :)

We took Zury's friend, Dallin, with us on an adventure to Kansas City that included delivering hedgehogs to the airport, breakfast at Krispy Kreme Donuts and wandering around the university area in Kansas City (including spending quite a while perusing a small pet store). The kids especially loved watching how the donuts were made.

Kansas City (including spending quite a while perusing a small pet store). The kids especially loved watching how the donuts were made.

Seph decided to let mama put curlers in her hair. Here's how it turned out!

The kids were so excited for the first day of school! Jiejie is in kindergarten, Zury in 2nd, and Seph in 3rd. Rain starts 3 year old preschool as soon as they finish her IEP testing.

We were very pleased to meet Ting, the Tong family's newest member, who arrived just a few months ago, from China.

We finally got to bring our kitties home! The kids were so excited all morning as we ran to Kansas City to take hedgies to the airport, then waited seemingly forever to get new tires put on the van, then, finally... to Lawrence to get our boys. Vic is the black and white kitty and Biscuit is the white one. Biscuit seems a little more shy than Vic, to start with, so we're giving them some room to adjust and come to us when they want petted. The kids are delighted with their new friends!

then, finally... to Lawrence to get our boys. Vic is the black and white kitty and Biscuit is the white one. Biscuit seems a little more shy than Vic, to start with, so we're giving them some room to adjust and come to us when they want petted. The kids are delighted with their new friends!

I got some great pictures at Deanna Rose Park today. It was hot so we didn't stay long, hopefully it'll cool off and we'll get to go again soon!

Wow, what a full day! I took some pictures of our garden in the morning, then told the kids if they wanted an adventure, they needed their toys picked up before I got out of the shower. They did! We stopped at Sonic for drinks, then got some E-85 in the tank, and beelined to Lawrence where we had Chinese food at a restaurant called Jin Shan. I didn't take any pictures there, but wished I'd brought my camera in to get a shot of the little, purplish stir fried octopus on the buffet. After that, we stopped in at the Lawrence Humane Society to check on our kitties (we're waiting on a pair of older kitties who need to be medically cleared before they can come home), then it was off to pick blackberries! Yum! Then we came home where we were joine by Bayleigh, Lyssa, and Dallin who stayed over for a slumber party. As you can see, they had waaaaaay too much fun. The sleeping pictures were taken at 4:20 am, which is what time the last man standing (Zury) came up and fell asleep in my bed. Sigh! And would you believe it... we all got to church on time on Sunday morning!

stopped at Sonic for drinks, then got some E-85 in the tank, and beelined to Lawrence where we had Chinese food at a restaurant called Jin Shan. I didn't take any pictures there, but wished I'd brought my camera in to get a shot of the little, purplish stir fried octopus on the buffet. After that, we stopped in at the Lawrence Humane Society to check on our kitties (we're waiting on a pair of older kitties who need to be medically cleared before they can come home), then it was off to pick blackberries! Yum! Then we came home where we were joine by Bayleigh, Lyssa, and Dallin who stayed over for a slumber party. As you can see, they had waaaaaay too much fun. The sleeping pictures were taken at 4:20 am, which is what time the last man standing (Zury) came up and fell asleep in my bed. Sigh! And would you believe it... we all got to church on time on Sunday morning!

We celebrated Jiejie's 5th birthday with a trip to El Charro's, where she was so excited to wear the sombrero and get ice cream stuffed up her nose. Then we went home, she unwrapped her presents, and blew out the candles on her pink strawberry cake!

blew out the candles on her pink strawberry cake!

These pictures include shots of the kids enjoying their new wading pool, humongous mushrooms we found growing in our yard, and our garage sale.

We had an exciting fourth of July! First, we went to the Neosho River to take some portraits of the kids. We saw some guys fishing by the falls and they caught a 3' catfish while we were watching. The kids got excited about fishing, so I agreed to take them to quieter waters. We headed out to the state lake near Yates Center. The road to the main area was covered in water and we decided to park right there, rather than risk stalling the van in it. Thankfully, we didn't catch any fish, but had fun wading in the shallows and watching the water skimming bugs. It rained in the early evening so we didn't go to the big fireworks show. We contented ourselves by lighting off a gross of sparklers.

kids got excited about fishing, so I agreed to take them to quieter waters. We headed out to the state lake near Yates Center. The road to the main area was covered in water and we decided to park right there, rather than risk stalling the van in it. Thankfully, we didn't catch any fish, but had fun wading in the shallows and watching the water skimming bugs. It rained in the early evening so we didn't go to the big fireworks show. We contented ourselves by lighting off a gross of sparklers.

Zury was so enamored with this new t-shirt he got as a hand-me-down that he begged me to take some pictures to show it off!

We had a wonderful visit with Jiejie's foster mom from Beijing, Amy Pu! She also brought Elaine, a volunteer who works with Amazing Hands and had visited with her in 2005. Jiejie was so very delighted to see them, and so was I!

to see them, and so was I!

Seph and Zury went to summer camp for the first time this year, at Hidden Haven, near Thayer, KS. It was a lovely location and they had a fantastic time. They can't wait to go again next year!

Seph took these pictures on a class field trip to the Wichita zoo and at her friend Corey's overnight birthday party.

Rain celebrated her first birthday with us- her 3rd birthday- on June 14th! I had to take the pictures on my back-up camera since my good one is in the shop, and when I turned the camera off after taking about 20 pictures of Rain unwrapping her gifts, then turned it back on to take the cake pictures, the disk in it corrupted itself and I lost those first pictures. Waaaaah!!!! The new disk I put in worked fine, so thankfully we have these pictures of her blowing out the candles.

taking about 20 pictures of Rain unwrapping her gifts, then turned it back on to take the cake pictures, the disk in it corrupted itself and I lost those first pictures. Waaaaah!!!! The new disk I put in worked fine, so thankfully we have these pictures of her blowing out the candles.

The stage pictures were taken at the dress rehearsal and the backstage pictures were taken on the first night of the performance. Seph was running a fever on the first night of performance so she wasn't at her usual 100%, and Zury injured his fingers doing a handspring that same night- but both were excellent showpersons and finished out the night (and came back the next day, ready for more). I'm so proud of them!

wasn't at her usual 100%, and Zury injured his fingers doing a handspring that same night- but both were excellent showpersons and finished out the night (and came back the next day, ready for more). I'm so proud of them!

About 3 weeks ago, a little blue jay fell out of the tree in our front yard. It tried and it tried and it tried, but it couldn't get back in the tree. There are a lot of cats in our neighborhood, so we figured he didn't stand a chance after dark, and took him in to foster. He ate, well, voraciously, and talked near constantly. We loved watching him grow and talk, but were happy when he decided one of the times when we took him out, that it was time to fly away. We just wish he would go away, hahaha. We're trying to teach him to eat bugs on his own, with small amounts of supplement food. We want to see him flying happily with the other birds!

we figured he didn't stand a chance after dark, and took him in to foster. He ate, well, voraciously, and talked near constantly. We loved watching him grow and talk, but were happy when he decided one of the times when we took him out, that it was time to fly away. We just wish he would go away, hahaha. We're trying to teach him to eat bugs on his own, with small amounts of supplement food. We want to see him flying happily with the other birds!

The kids had a great time getting dressed up for dance recital pictures, and playing with their friends while waiting their turns.

Zury was so happy that he got to go to El Charro and eat good Mexican food (and wear the sombrero and get ice cream stuffed in his face) on his birthday! We brought the presents along to unwrap, to prolong the fun!

prolong the fun!

Zury and his friends had a great time at his birthday party! We played with squirt guns, played "capture the duck" (defending with water bombs), the "your mama dresses funny" relay, pin the tail on the donkey, and a pinata, before finishing up with cake, ice cream, and presents for the birthday boy!

the donkey, and a pinata, before finishing up with cake, ice cream, and presents for the birthday boy!

I swore I was not going to cry, but wow, my heart swelled with pride for all that Jiejie has accomplished in the last two years, to get to preschool graduation- a new family, a new country, a new language, three surgeries... she is just one amazing girl. And what a smile! Rain and I were so happy to be there to cheer for her at graduation!

language, three surgeries... she is just one amazing girl. And what a smile! Rain and I were so happy to be there to cheer for her at graduation!

The kids and I (joined by Seph's friend, Lyssa) headed to the Kemper Arena in Kansas City on April 29th to help out with the Hedgehogworld.com booth and to see all the other wonderful and fascinating exhibits.

exhibits.

I'm putting pictures from several of Seph and Zury's games (including team portraits) in this folder.

All four kids enjoyed the art show held at Jefferson Elementary. There was fun for the whole family, and they sure loved the hula hoop contest...

Zury played his first soccer game on April Fool's Day! His team sure has bright shirts!

Jiejie and Rain got all dolled up in matching dresses and I couldn't resist taking pictures!

Today was our day to relax in the surf and at the pool. Seph, Zury, and I also took a walk on over to the aquarium, where we got to see a diver feed the fish and got to pet little sharks and rays!

On day four, we packed up the van and left San Antonio in the rain. About two hours later, we arrived at our condo in Corpus Christi and checked right in. Seph and Zury were quite delighted that we had to take the Burleson Street exit to get there. It definitely is right on the beach and even nicer than we imagined!

had to take the Burleson Street exit to get there. It definitely is right on the beach and even nicer than we imagined!

We started our spring break out by picking up grandma at the airport (and clowning for the camera in the van for a little bit to pass the time while waiting), then took a loooong drive to San Antonio (took an extra 2-1/2 hours due to road construction), and finally... enjoyed Texas shaped waffles, visited the Alamo, ate Tex-Mex food at Margerita's, shopped at the Mercado, and enjoyed the boat tour of the Riverwalk.

(took an extra 2-1/2 hours due to road construction), and finally... enjoyed Texas shaped waffles, visited the Alamo, ate Tex-Mex food at Margerita's, shopped at the Mercado, and enjoyed the boat tour of the Riverwalk.

We made it to the KC Marble Club Expo again this year and saw lots of neat stuff! Zury and Jiejie were especially thrilled because they won door prizes. I bought an art glass necklace that I picked from the selection that's in one of the photographs in here.

from the selection that's in one of the photographs in here.

I didn't want the whole month of February to go by without posting any pictures, so I thought I'd upload some of our goofing around the house shots, as well as some of some footprints in the snow that we found on our back porch one morning!

we found on our back porch one morning!

We had about 6" of snow and the kids had a great time playing inside and outside! Seph had her friends Corey and Lyssa over to play and they enjoyed the hedgehogs.

We got our first ice storm of the year in, starting January 12th. I took these pictures on the 13th and 14th. It doesn't look like a lot on the ground, but it froze solid and made a slippery mess of everything. And it was brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr cold!!

everything. And it was brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr cold!!

The kids and I (and our additional supermodel, Lyssa) were goofing around with the camera this morning and came out with these shots. =) We're looking forward to a great '07!

Jiejie was very excited to get out of her casts an into her new braces! She chose pretty purple ones with butterflies. We were so thrilled to see her feet again- she's been in casts for 3 months!!

We had a merry Christmas this year, with lots of love and presents! The kids were delighted that Santa left them lots of goodies in their stockings (and Santa enjoyed the gingerbread men the kids left out), and were delighted with all the gifts they received.

out), and were delighted with all the gifts they received.

Seph, Zury, and Jiejie participated in the Rivertree Christmas pageant, and looked great in their costumes!

These great pics were taken by Janalin Hood, of Hood Studios in Chanute, KS. She has quite a gift with the camera!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!! We had our first snow of the season, and it was sure a good one! The van was snowed in so we stayed home and the kids enjoyed the snow!

Santa Claus came to town! We grabbed Seph's friend, Lyssa, and headed to the town square for the candy cane hunt, then waited for about 30 minutes in line to see Santa. Even Rain was happy to see him!

The kids and I spent a lovely Thanksgiving Day together and were thankful for one another's company. It was the warmest day we'd had in a long time, so we didn't even need jackets (and Zury thought he didn't need a shirt). We raked leaves, went and collected pretty leaves from other peoples' yards (who had prettier leaves than us), and enjoyed our feast!

didn't need a shirt). We raked leaves, went and collected pretty leaves from other peoples' yards (who had prettier leaves than us), and enjoyed our feast!

These pictures are from our jiu jitsu school's first family night, with all ages together. It was wonderful to have us all together and working together as a family.

We took a trip to the KC zoo and had a great time getting pictures of the kids and the critters we saw!

The kids were soooo excited to carve their ooey gooey pumpkins, and then to get all dressed up for the Shocktober fest- and found lots of fun things to do!

Farm City Days was cold and wet this year (first time in 6 years), but we joined the brave souls at Classique to be on the float, in the parade!

Jiejie had phase 3 of her foot/leg surgery today! She was more anxious going in, but much happier coming out than she'd been on the previous surgeries/cast changes. Maybe it's those happy red casts she got?! =)

she got?! =)

The Dodge Durango said its goodbye =(

Bernie the Bear came home for a visit with Sepphie and got to see what life is like at our house! Bernie is a school project for her 2nd grade class and gets to visit all the students.

Here's what Lucy looked like for the fall homecoming dance! Everyone was so excited for the homecoming because Iola actually won!

We went to Stockton, MO on September 30th, to enjoy the Walnut Festival and the company of good friends, Becca & Tim (and their kids), Susan, and Kristi! The parade was 1-1/2 hours long and had some great floats and bands. And, the kids got loaded with candy!!

great floats and bands. And, the kids got loaded with candy!!

Jiejie had surgery at Children's Mercy, to help straighten her feet. She was not a happy camper when she first came out of anesthesia, but by day 2, was thrilled with the look of her pretty purple casts! We sure hope she heals quickly.

casts! We sure hope she heals quickly.

We celebrated Seph's 8th birthday party with a slumber party and makeovers! She had four friends over- Bailey, Karima, Lyssa, and Morgan- and Nicole came and helped with the hair and makeup. A great time was had by all!

time was had by all!

We had to get up early to ship hedgehogs on September 4th, and took advantage of the gorgeous day to go to Deanna Rose Park.

We wanted to try to get some shots for a possible senior picture for Lucy, so we went driving around and found some neat places around Iola and Yates Center to take some shots!

We all got cute cowboy boots to wear to a special church event today. The kids and I show them off!

We had our first outing with our new exchange student, Lucy (from Italy), and took her to the KC Zoo to feed the lorikeets!

We had a great evening, wandering around the fairgrounds, to see what there was to see. The kids were very impressed with the "huge curly fries" and "mountain of funnel cake." And, of course, we always love the baby barn!

always love the baby barn!

Thanks to an attempted intruder at our back door on Friday, we got a new door, courtesy of our awesome tooltime crew (THANK YOU Bill, Tim, and Becca!!!). Laura, the kids, and I, kept ourselves entertained while they worked ;)

entertained while they worked ;)

Our garden sure grew, and grew, and grew while we were gone, and then it rained a whole bunch after we got back and it grew and grew some more. Unfortunately, mostly weeds, so we had to get it together. Then we came home to relax!

together. Then we came home to relax!

Happy Birthday Dear Jiejie! Jiejie was sooo happy to finally turn four, and loved being the center of attention.

I went to tuck in the kids for bed, and Rain was having so much fun goofing off that I decided to grab the camera instead.

We had a wonderful time in China, but it sure felt good to get back to the US, where you can drink water out of a tap and brush your teeth without thinking about it. And hugs from family sure feel good! These are pictures from our day we stopped over at my parents' home in Baltimore, to get Seph and Zury

good! These are pictures from our day we stopped over at my parents' home in Baltimore, to get Seph and Zury

These are pictures we took while out and about, looking at the Pearl River on the edge of Shamian Island, in Guangzhou, China. I was really amazed by the old guy swimming out by the boats! We also had dinner at the Cow and Bridge (Thai Food) one day and at a Cantonese restaurant another day, with the Weaver family.

dinner at the Cow and Bridge (Thai Food) one day and at a Cantonese restaurant another day, with the Weaver family.

These are pictures from our hotel room, shopping on Shamian Island, and of the art things in and around the White Swan Hotel.

These pictures were taken at the Gaiyuan Temple (which the guide said is the 2nd biggest in Southern China, next to the Six Banyan Temple we visited in Guangzhou last year) and the nearby bonsai and rock garden, which was incredible! There are also some pictures I took around the hotel around the same day.

rock garden, which was incredible! There are also some pictures I took around the hotel around the same day.

These are more pictures of our stay in Wuhan as we tried to find things to do and not wilt too much from the 104 degree heat and full humidity.

These are the pictures we took on day two and three with Rain, and on the third day, we also got to visit the Wuhan Cultural Museum, which included a performance on the bells that are a replica of bells that are over 2400 years old!

bells that are over 2400 years old!

These pictures were taken at the White Rose Hotel in Wuhan, China, of our first day with our new daughter, Rain.

We took these pictures on the way to China. Our journey took us from Iola, KS to a layover in Atlanta, GA, to Baltimore, MD, to Newark, NJ, and finally to Beijing!

The first place we stopped in China was Amazing Hands, to visit the foster home where Jiejie had stayed after receiving her first surgery in Beijing and up until her adoption. They very kindly came and got us at the hotel and then let us spend the day, doing what they do. Jiejie was overwhelmed by the welcome and took an hour or so to warm up, and then really enjoyed herself. I was really grateful for the opportunity to glimpse what her life was like before she came to us.

and got us at the hotel and then let us spend the day, doing what they do. Jiejie was overwhelmed by the welcome and took an hour or so to warm up, and then really enjoyed herself. I was really grateful for the opportunity to glimpse what her life was like before she came to us.

Hi! I don't have time to upload them all as I'm in a little shop in Guangzhou that was kind enough to let me load some pictures so I can show of my gorgeous youngest daughters! Enjoy!

We had a visit with Cassie at The Wild Hair and got great new cuts! The kids were excited to show them off.

We took these pictures during stage rehearsal and back stage during both nights of the recital. The kids really enjoyed it and look forward to more dance next year.

We survived recital pictures, yaaaay!!! It ended up taking about 4 hours, but the kids seemed to find ways to entertain themselves, and we did get some great pictures. =)

We had some amazing clouds going on, so we drove around and tried to get some pictures that would do justice to how incredible they looked! Thankfully, nothing came of the rotations we saw in some areas!

areas!

Today was Zury's 6th birthday, on Memorial Day! We started the day with Johnny cakes for breakfast, opened presents, then Zury spent the day figuring out his new Game Boy! We had dinner at China Palace, then cake and ice cream. What a day, and what a happy boy!

Palace, then cake and ice cream. What a day, and what a happy boy!

We got out to our garden plot today and made HUGE progress! Lance roto tilled it, and the kids and I pulled out weeds and planted, then Lance watered. We sure hope it turns out nice!

We signed up for a community garden plot! The first picture is the kids at our plot, the rest are around the garden area. We have high hopes to grow some great stuff this year! The last two pictures are of the flowers and balloon that Seph's daycare sent as a "get well" surprise.

are of the flowers and balloon that Seph's daycare sent as a "get well" surprise.