reminder...

I had a brief chance to chat with a friend yesterday. It had been a while since our paths had crossed. She told me of how a friend of hers had enjoyed reading our blog and the accounts of our 2 China girls and how they each came into our family. It was just what I needed to hear - that someone, somewhere might just open his or her heart to the idea of adoption as a way to grow a family...

"...orphans are easy to ignore, before you know their names.

They are easy to ignore, before you see their faces.

It is easy to pretend they're not real, before you hold them in your arms.

But once you do, everything changes."

Radical,
by David Platt

These words are so true, as I think back to our visit to Ally's orphanage 3 years ago. Little did we know at the time, that visit would be pivotal in our decision to adopt Alaina...

typing and swimming

Ally asked me tonight if I would let her type on the computer. "Sure", I said. She then said, "I want to type you a letter, Mommy. And I want my letter to say, 'I love you because you are so nice, but sometimes you are so mean." Hmmm -- guess that is pretty accurate!

Sara had a pool party for some of her friends that she has known (well, most of them) since elementary school. Since they don't all go to the same school anymore, they all had fun catching up, swimming and (of course) eating! It was the first time that NO parents brought kids to our house -- they all drove themselves!

Sleeping Princess Belle

3 Years with Ally!

Yesterday we celebrated with Zi and his family. 3 years ago, we met Ally in Xian for the first time! I well remember those hot days and one very sad little tiny girl! We love you Allyson Gracie QinRuiYun Harkness!

After a yummy lunch at Lin's Bistro, we came back to our house for a little time in the pool!

We had Ally's "Special Day" dinner tonight - she chose the menu: strawberries with powdered sugar, apples with caramel dip, brocolli with cheese, and green beans! We topped it all off with "brown monkey cake", designed by Lauren, Alaina and Ally.

Beach Week!

A few weeks ago, my side of the family got together for our annual beach trip to Folly Beach SC. Everyone enjoyed time together in the ocean and good food. Ally loved to play in the sand and dig. Alaina went in the ocean and rode waves with the big girls. Lauren and Sara enjoyed shopping in Charleston and laying on the beach.