Spring !

This year, spring has not only meant birthday parties but also opportunities to try some new things. Ric is playing on his first baseball team and Dominic ran in his first 5k. Both boys wanted to try these new adventures, but neither knew what they were getting in to. Ric decided he wanted to be a baseball player when he grew up because he loves singing 'Take me out to the ballgame' with my dad. Dominic decided to run a race with my DDIL, Lindsay, after running a few miles on a treadmill watching soccer with Jerry. Since D had no clue how long 3 miles really is, he led the pack for the first mile and then decided it was time to adjust his shoelaces :) . He ended up winning his age group, but not before he 'lost his lunch' so to speak.
My favorite picture of this group is the one with Ric at bb practice. I can't remember how old I was before I ever even saw a cow, so I think it is pretty cool that they are over there swatting flies during his practice!

This is my precious grandson, Henry, who spent a very long morning waiting for his mom, who sacrificially ran the whole race encouraging Dominic rather than fly by everyone to win.

Birthday Shopping

Rosie and Nellie both turned twelve recently and chose to go to the American Girl doll store in Atlanta for their birthdays. It is very likely that this will be the last time I will be able to enjoy this kind of wonderful fun with them - next year they will be teenagers! They were both SOoo excited. Of course, that meant some new clothes and a luncheon with their dolls. They each chose a new doll and an outfit and a few other goodies which will provide many, many hours of entertainment when they are sent up to bed at night.

For the record, Nellie chose Kanani, chiefly I think, because her hair goes dowm to her knees, and Rosie chose an Asian look alike.

Finally ! an update on Li Qiang

We have been waiting very anxiously, since we heard of his little encounter with a firecracker, for news of Li Qiang ( the children still pray nightly for Simon and 'the boy who doesn't have a name yet' :/ ). I was worried that his injuries were much more serious than we had been led to believe. This evening received pictures of him receiving the cake we sent to him. Look at that smile! It is nice to see that he no longer 'hates to smile for the camera'. You can see that he is missing part of one eyebrow and his hand looks red and swollen (in fact he is using his left hand to eat), but it is a relief to see that he seems to be recovering nicely. We are hoping that our paperwork will go to China any day now. That would mean travel in August I think. The most expensive and miserably hot time of the year. That's okay, we are used to it.