Wheeler Family

Yes - We ARE still here!!!

2010-07-28T17:59:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-07-27T21:46:00.000-05:00

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!!!

2009-07-27T21:29:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-07-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

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.

2009-07-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-27T21:16:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-27T21:09:00.000-05:00

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.

2009-07-27T21:07:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-27T20:51:00.000-05:00

Enjoying a little dress-up time.

2009-07-27T20:27:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-07-27T20:25:00.000-05:00

The girls enjoying watching Ben play ball.

2009-06-11T07:27:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-05-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

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

2009-05-25T18:57:00.000-05:00

Another birthday gift, what a beautiful princess!!

2009-05-25T13:03:00.000-05:00

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

2009-05-25T13:02:00.001-05:00

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

2009-05-25T12:59:00.000-05:00

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.

2009-05-25T12:49:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-15T18:49:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-15T18:41:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-15T18:40:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-15T18:37:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-14T20:33:00.001-05:00

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.

2009-03-08T15:14:00.000-05:00

All for you Uncle Jimba!!!

2009-02-17T20:17:00.000-05:00

Yes - I know, it's still way too cold for a sundress. However, today was picture day at Kaili's school. So here is a sneak peak - at least at the outfit.

2009-02-17T19:59:00.001-05:00

Laura, Ceanna, and Kaili at Laura's birthday party at Pump It Up.

2009-02-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

We recently had the honor of having dinner with some our travelmates to China and their family. We always enjoy getting together - and so do the girls. This was the fashion show they put on for us!! Five princesses and one prince!!

2009-02-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

With the biggest snowfall of the season, okay the only snow we've had, Kaili and I decided to stay home today and have some fun!!! Our little angel had a blast making her own snow angel, shoveling snow, and just having some good ole fun in the snow!!

2009-02-03T21:07:00.000-05:00

Taking a break to wave to our neighbor who was moving his car - she thought he was leaving.

2009-02-03T21:04:00.000-05:00

My little helper -- she will clear snow off of sidewalks, driveways, and even grass!!!!

2009-01-22T14:36:00.001-05:00

Aunt Dee (aka Mama) havin' some fun the girls during the Steeler game Sunday night. GOOOO STEELERS!

2009-01-18T19:20:00.000-05:00

Grampa and his girls ready for the Steeler game. Let's go Steelers!!!!!

2009-01-12T14:13:00.002-05:00

Randy captured this moment with his cell phone.

2008-12-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

Grammi's Garden Girls -- (l-r) the Ladybug, the Flower, and the Butterfly.

2008-12-28T18:56:00.000-05:00

Kaili got a make-up set for Christmas. Sam, the make-up artist, fixed Kaili all up -- how beautiful!!

2008-12-28T18:50:00.000-05:00

The next Little Drummer Boy.

Santa knows his stuff!!!

2008-12-28T18:41:00.000-05:00

Kaili with the piano she told Santa she wanted. Ok -- so it wasn't a pink one -- but purple was her second choice. And yes -- that microphone REALLY works!!

2008-12-28T18:39:00.000-05:00

Mikah with his new Lightening McQueen talking and moving car.

2008-12-23T20:15:00.001-05:00

If you see this man tomorrow, Christmas Eve, be sure to wish Uncle Jimba (aka Fruit Cake) a very happy birthday. This is the last one before he goes over the hill!!! Have a wonderful birthday Uncle Jimba.

2008-12-23T20:00:00.001-05:00

For Samantha's birthday, we had a "Tea Party" at a local restaurant. Kaili quickly mastered the fine art of drinking tea!!!

2008-12-23T19:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Sweet 16th Birthday Samantha. We love you!!

2008-12-04T21:52:00.000-05:00

Someone is gettin' really excited about Christmas and Santa!!!

2008-12-04T21:48:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that Randy and I have been busy decorating this week -- well Randy has been REALLY busy!!! Here are the six trees we have up and decorated. We are considering adding one more - but we'll see....

Tree #1 - Kaili's room - yes it's pink . . .

Tree #2 - the guestroom . . .

Tree #3 - the kitchen . . .

Tree #4 - the living room . . .

2008-12-04T21:45:00.001-05:00

Tree #5 -- the family tree in the basement . . .

Tree # 6 - sports tree in the sports-themed basement

2008-11-24T21:17:00.000-05:00

Today Kaili's school hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner/Lunch and invited parents to join them. I was lucky to be able to get away from work for a little while to join them. We had a great time!!!

2008-11-23T19:29:00.000-05:00

Just a couple good shots of the Bug in the leaves!!

2008-11-23T19:27:00.000-05:00

Havin' some fun cleaning up the leaves today.

2008-11-23T19:25:00.001-05:00

Grampa's wondering why he moved so close to a crazy little girl!!!

Kaili took this picture -- not too bad, huh??!!!

2008-11-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

Needless to say this was the only touchdown these two got to cheer about last week!!! There was tension in the house as the Chargers played the Steelers -- sorry guys -- my boys won!!!!!! GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-01T21:15:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed an absolutely beautiful day outside today - temps around 70. Kaili loves to help and really enjoys being outside - so today was the perfect fit for her.

2008-11-01T21:10:00.000-05:00

Introducing our very own little Princess -- right down to the shoes!!!!

2008-11-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

The back of her dress. And oh my gosh -- look how long her hair has gotten!!

2008-11-01T21:02:00.000-05:00

The Princess checking out all the goodies she got.

2008-10-25T09:59:00.000-05:00

Bring on the pizza and games!!!! We took Mikah and Kaili to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch one day during our recent vist to Tennessee. Needless to say - the two of them had a blast!!

2008-10-25T09:57:00.000-05:00

Kaili showing Mikah where to put his token for one of the games.

2008-10-25T09:56:00.000-05:00

Two tired little kiddos after hours of playing at Chuck E. Cheese!!

2008-10-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

Kaili helping Jeremy make breakfast. It's amazing what happens when you grow up -- you all of sudden know how to cook!!

2008-10-25T09:52:00.000-05:00

Two peas in a pod getting ready for bed!!

2008-10-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

Mikah with his scary monster face!!

2008-10-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Uncle Jimba, Seth, and Telba (aka Caleb), Kaili knows a few wrestling moves. Poor Mikah didn't have a chance against his Aunt Kaili.

2008-10-07T20:44:00.002-05:00

As of tonight, Kaili has graduated to a "big girl" bed. Yep, she has finally out-grown her toddler bed. We hadn't planned on getting bunk beds, but came across a pretty awesome deal in Richmond this past weekend. Sooo, now we are ready for sleep-overs (in a couple years) and for visits from nieces and nephews. As you can see in the second picture -- this is one HAPPY little girl now!!!! She not only has a Dora bed, but also a monkey bed -- what more could she want???!!!!

2008-10-07T20:39:00.000-05:00

During a recent visit/sleepover with Aunt Roxie and Uncle Jimba, Kaili and some of her friends (Aunt Roxie, Nanny, and Chelle) had fun decorating this Halloween cookie cake!!

2008-10-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

Just one of those priceless moments.

2008-10-07T20:31:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago, we got to have our nephew Ben over for the weekend. We had planned to go to a baseball game in Baltimore, but some bad weather kept us from going. So instead, we took Ben and Kaili to Roanoke for some shopping followed by lunch at Chuck E. Cheese. We all had a great time!!

2008-09-01T19:49:00.000-05:00

Don't ask -- I don't even have a clue -- maybe it was helping her go potty??!!!!

2008-08-31T20:59:00.000-05:00

A successful day at the lake for the Bug!!!

2008-08-31T20:58:00.000-05:00

Uncle Matt and Aunt Heather taking the girls around the lake.

2008-08-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

Only after Ben's pleading -- Uncle Randy throws him into the lake over and over and over - oh and over again.

2008-08-31T20:54:00.001-05:00

Time for just the girls to take a trip around the lake.

2008-08-31T20:25:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we went to celebrate Josh's 14th birthday. All the kids absolutely LOVED swimming and playing in the lake!!!

2008-07-21T20:14:00.000-05:00

Kaili's newest form of transportation. Now Mama and Baba can for a walk everyday and not worry about Kaili getting tired of walking. Okay Grammi and Grampa -- we are all ready for you all to join --

2008-07-21T20:13:00.000-05:00

Big Pandy -- stylin' and ready for our nightly walk -- and yes - he does have his seatbelt on!! Big Pandy is the newest member of Kaili's animal collection and hand made by Kaili at Build-a-Bear at the beach.

2008-07-21T20:06:00.001-05:00

Ok – I realize it’s been a while since I last posted – my apologies to all you faithful blog stalkers out there!!!!

Below are a series of pictures from our recent vacation to Myrtle Beach. Thank you Heather and Matthew for letting us take Josh with us – hopefully we didn’t corrupt too much!!!

2008-07-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you Baba for bringing me to the beach again this year!!!!

2008-07-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

Just for you Nanny --- Kaili knew you would be happy that we raced your favorite car!!!!

2008-07-21T19:54:00.000-05:00

Feelin' the need for some speed!!!!!!!!! We spent part of a day at the NASCAR Speedpark -- what a blast we all had. Kaili always wanted to go faster than we could. Here you can see Josh right behind us - just before.........

2008-07-21T19:53:00.001-05:00

Apparently Josh went to pass Kaili and me and someone else spun him out. Sorry buddy -- we were watchin' for you.

2008-07-21T19:09:00.001-05:00

Let the water battle begin!!!

2008-07-21T19:07:00.000-05:00

The future Nextel Cup winner!!!

2008-07-21T19:06:00.000-05:00

Yeah Josh -- you better be watchin' your back!!! You all decide who won this race!!

2008-07-21T19:03:00.000-05:00

Ok - so we weren't the best influence on Josh that week!!!

2008-07-21T19:01:00.000-05:00

Look Ma -- I can swim all by myself!!!!

2008-07-21T18:59:00.001-05:00

Josh and Kaili at their favorite place -- NASCAR Cafe!!! Nothin' but race cars all around!

2008-07-21T18:58:00.000-05:00

Kaili is all ready to do some shopping.

2008-07-21T18:57:00.000-05:00

Baba joining Kaili and Mama in the ocean.

2008-07-21T18:53:00.000-05:00

It took Josh only a few minutes and a couple waves to master the skim board!!

GOTCHA DAY

2008-06-11T09:58:00.001-05:00

It's been 2 amazing years since Kaili was placed in our arms. We have been truly blessed.

2008-06-04T19:04:00.000-05:00

Is this really Uncle Jimba????

2008-06-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

We found the perfect toy for a child that LOVES to play in water. What better than their own sink, for outside, that has a working faucet and endless possibilities with all the mess outside!!!!

2008-06-04T18:56:00.000-05:00

Playing in the backyard.

2008-06-04T18:55:00.000-05:00

Kaili and Mikah feeding Aunt Roxie's fish.

2008-05-06T20:20:00.000-05:00

Baba and Kaili taking a break after a long day!!

2008-05-06T20:18:00.000-05:00

This face pretty much sums up Kaili's day. I'd say she really enjoyed her birthday party!!!

2008-05-06T20:10:00.000-05:00

Where these girls came up with the idea they were lotioning their legs from a bubble machine I will never know -- but they were having a blast!!!

2008-05-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

Our very own "Monkey up in a tree"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-06T19:58:00.000-05:00

All the girls eating their ice cream sundaes. What a crew they are!!!!

2008-05-06T19:56:00.000-05:00

Kaili getting some help from some of her friends to open one of her gifts.

2008-05-06T19:54:00.001-05:00

We now have 2 new members of the family. Here are Lucy (orange) and Ethel (multi) Kaili's new fish. All this thanks to Aunt Roxie!!!

2008-05-06T19:49:00.000-05:00

Grammi made it in for a quick visit last week. This is just a little snuggle time with Grammi before bed one night.