Yes - We ARE still here!!!

Yes - I know it’s been a LLLLOOOONNNGGGG time since you all have heard from me. There have been soo many times I had such good intentions of posting - but either I never got to it or life got in the way. Let me see if I can do a quick summary of the past year.

Kaili has grown by leaps and bounds. Last August she started Jr. K and after the first day she had her backpack packed and ready to go to Kindergarten!!! Well that time has finally come. She will start in less than 3 weeks! WOW - where has the time gone??? It seems like just yesterday we were getting home from China and settling in - however, that was 4 years ago - again - really hard to believe. She has had a VERY successful year in Jr. K - even teaching me a little - like Pluto being a celestial body. I just hope she doesn’t get bored in Kindergarten. Not only does she look forward to starting Kindergarten, and riding to school with Mommy, but she will also start gymnastics just a week and a half after school starts. So, this fall looks like it will be a busy one for us - with some many new things for us.

Jeremy adn Rose moved back to the area last fall. Its been great having both grandsons closer. Yes, I said grandsonS. Mikah got a little brother last September. So, we have really enjoyed have both Mikah and Ethan closer. Not to mention Aunt KK has enjoyed having a play buddy.

As for Garrett, he is still in the area and doing well. He continues to enjoy cooking and running the kitchen of a local restaurant. He, too, had an exciting event over the past winter. He became engaged to a lovely young lady. As of right now, he and Amanda have set a wedding date in May 2011. We look forward to all the excitement that goes with planning that event!!!

That is a pretty quick summary of the past year. I will do my best to do better as we begin a new chapter in Kaili’s life. I will get some pictures posted soon - promise!!!!! However, a little someone is wanting some computer time, so I must go and set an example of sharing!!

About a week and half ago, Kaili and I went for some haircuts. Kaili wanted her hair short - pointing about chin-level. Needless to say, we weren't quite ready for that drastic of a haircut, nor were we sure she fully understood that once it was cut - there was no glueing it or taping it (her two favorite hobbies) back. So, we went with getting about 5 inches cut off. In the end - everyone was happy. But now she looks even older - not sure I like that too much!!!

The end of June we took our much needed, long anticipated vacation to Myrtle Beach. This year we got to take Nanny and Pawpaw's motor home. As you can see - Kaili absolutely loved that trip. She amazed us with really coming out of her shell during the week. One night she sang karaoke at the pool - in front of at least 100 people. Of course, I'm sure a lot of those that stopped to listen were amazed to hear a four year-old sing Kid Rock's All Summer Long word for word. If I can ever figure out how to download it - I will post it.

Thank you Nanny and Pawpaw for letting us borrow the RV - we had a blast!!

Kaili and I trying to build a stream off of the river that was flowing into the ocean. If she wasn't in the ocean she had somebody helping building and dig through the sand.

Do you think she really likes the beach???!!

The two beach girls not wanting to ever leave the beach - but unfortunately, all vacations must come to an end.

We spent a day in Charleston, SC. While there we visited the South Carolina Aquarium. Kaili took a break to learning all the tricks of being a fisherman.

The trip home - one of the many advantages of a motor home.

Enjoying a little dress-up time.

The end of May we went and watch Ben play baseball. What a great game!! Needless to say - they won and not without Ben adding to the score!! Way to go Ben - you did a great job!

The girls enjoying watching Ben play ball.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 3 years since God placed this precious child in our arms and in our lives. We have cherished every moment and enjoyed watching her grow into such a beautiful little girl.

Well, today was crazy hair day at Kaili's school. What more can be said her - oh yeah, except - she did it all herself!!!

Another birthday gift, what a beautiful princess!!

Silly boys - don't you know Jeeps are for girls!!!

Even Ben took the jeep for a trip around the yard. (And he thought nobody got a picture!! - Sorry Ben)

Ok - so I haven't updated like I should have - sorry. Kaili celebrated her 4th birthday three weeks ago. Here are a some pictures of just a few of the things she received. We had a wonderful time with all our family and are so glad everyone came and celebrated with Kaili.

Just some of the many gifts Kaili got for her birthday.

Happy Birthday Rebecca!!! We hope you had a wonderful day - we have a great time spending the day with you all!!!

And the race is on - who can find the eggs first!!

Hey - wait for me!!! Leah trying to catch up the with girls to find some Easter eggs.

Busted - Grampa helping find the eggs -- ahhhhhhh!!!!

The next all girls band with Kaili and Leah on drums and Rebecca on the cymbals!!!

Mikah brought his parents in to visit a few weeks ago. While they were here, he and Kaili enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt at our church. They had a blast. To see more pictures from their time here, you can visit their blog - Rose captured some really good moments.