Party, Party , Party

I love all the holiday parties the kids have- it's so much fun to see them get dressed up. Of course Zoe wants to wear the same dress over and over- so here it is for your viewing pleasure:) The girls are looking forward to the holidays and I can't wait to spend time with them without all the hustle and bustle of everything else. I took the girls to the zoo this past weekend. The zoo used to do something at night but now is going green so it's in the daytime. They had such a great time. They also enjoyed playing with the boxes the gifts have come in!!

Thanksgiving and more

I have been so busy- I really have been bad about updating. We took the girls on Thanksgiving eve to see the balloons being displayed before the Macy's parade. I was actually supposed to meet up with some friends but it was so crowded we never were even able to see each other. Dave was really happy to be there with all the people and a screaming 3 year old- he couldn't have been anymore thrilled:) The girls did like to see the parade the next day on tv with all the balloons they saw. Needless to say I won't be taking them again until they are teens. All here is good, Thanksgiving is always a fun time of year for me, I get to see a lot of old friends and see how well we are aging. It's amazing I look like crap but feel like I'm in High school.

I know it has been a looong time!!

I have been busy and somewhat lazy! The girls are doing great- I know I shouldn't brag, but I have to just a little. Jordyn is doing so well in school I could cry. She is with an amazing teacher who is starting to get her out of her shell and into a comfort zone. There are only 15 children in the class, so that is huge for Jordyn. Last year at this time the teacher reported she would not even speak to her. ( I didn't really like the teacher and could not blame Jordyn :)

Zoe is doing nicely and loves her teachers. They do a lot of great stuff at her school as well. All she wants to do is dress up like a ballerina.
Here are some pics so I can catch up!!

Mohonk

Every year we go up to Mohonk Mountainhouse. This year we went with Amy, Darrin and Raenen. The girls had a blast even though Zoe slept most of the afternoon. I think this is one of the presttiest places. I love the lake and unfortunately, we were unable to go up the mountian but I promised Jordyn defiantely next year. She was disappointed, apparently she has not realized that her Mom is not the most physically fit person. That was not the reason we didn't go- between Zoe napping and the stroller it just wasn't going to work out. They have a brand new spa up there I have yet to check out but hopefully will get a chance to in the future. Then Jordyn can see what a lazy shit her Mom really is :)

County Fair

Every Fall they have a county fair here ( in the City). The girls went on rides, watched pig races (which was my favorite) , ate and did various other activities. Jordyn actually shocked me when she agreed to walk across a rope bridge. We were very proud of her, she has been showing so much more confidence lately and it is wonderful. So far the decision to switch schools was a good one.

Family Day 2008

We celebrated at the Zoo with Darrin, Amy and Raenen. All the girls had a blast even though it was insanely hot. I really feel like we have been a family for much longer than 2 years. Another highlight of the week for us has also been that Zoe is toilet trained. They told me at school to put her in underwear and so far so good! Although, I do find it easier to just put on a pull up. I'm not looking forward to long car rides or being out in public looking for bathrooms.

2 Amazing Years

It really does not seem like 2 years ago we were so lucky to have Zoe become an addition to our family. I can remember it so vividly. We went into the government building in Nanchang. Jordyn was so excited ( just like we were) to meet her new sister. The referral picture actually showed a baby with hair and pale. Well- I video taped the wrong child- thinking oh, she's so quiet and so sweet, aren't we lucky? Imagine our surprise when we were handed a screaming, shaved very dark baby. We were like- no, no the quiet one- over there. Zoe was crying and then all hell broke lose when Jordyn gave her the toy she picked out and it was thrown to the ground. Jordyn started crying and we went back as the happy family to our hotel room. Two years later, Zoe now cries when Jordyn has to leave for school in the morning. If there is a spat between the two of them and Jordyn gets disciplined, I hear, "Why are you bothering my sister?" I hope this keeps up until they're older- so Zoe can defend her sister. Zoe is so full of life and loves everything from school to her new pet fish. She gets so excited about everything. There are always cheers for something in our house weather it's Dora or some type of snack. We are so lucky to have this adorable, spirited child in our family. Here are some then and now pictures.

First days of school and our new addition

The first week has been great! Jordyn and Zoe both seem very happy. I had promised the girls a fish so please let me introduce...Violet.

Losing teeth

A few days ago at the beach club- Jordyn had a loose tooth. A few of my friends and I were relaxing with mimosas on the sand. ( I know- very responsible mother) Jordyn had gone to the bathroom and was carried back screaming and blood covering her mouth. Dave and I knew it was her tooth- so we didn't panic. Apparently, when she came out of the bathroom with a water bottle in her mouth a little boy ran into her ( by accident).She was a great sport about it and as soon as we cleaned her up she went out to run in some of the races they do at the club. Here are some new pictures of my cute, toothless little girl!!

Hoping for Michael Phelps!! or just across the pool

Here are some photos of Jordyn's last swim lesson. She had been doing so nicely but she really doesn't trust herself- so going into the deep end was a huge deal. She did it though- just on her own terms.

Chicago and back

I went to go visit Ileana,Chris and Sophie in Chicago a few days ago. I had the pleasure of meeting Ileana's friend Kim as well as other Chicago Mom's- all of whom adopted from China as well. They were all so nice and of course- now I want to move to Chicago, I love that city. Chris and Ileana go to their farmer's market and I was so inspired I started to visit one near our house as well. Sophie is adorable and the next time we see each other I'll bring the whole family.

Birthday Month

July is filled with my families birthdays as well as lots of friends. We had Jordyn's party and I have to say we were pretty disappointed. It was supposed to be a dance party and there was not much dancing. Jordyn was ok with it and seemed happy, she did say she wished there had been more dancing. On a other note- I had an awesome birthday!! It was a big one (21) My friends rock!!! A bunch of them took me to the Spice Market in the city on my big day and then the week continued at the Beer Gardens with a whole other bunch of friends. I have to say it is so nice to be surrounded by such awesome, fun people. Of course this celebration continues in Chicago this weekend with Ileana and some of her fun friends out there. Next year won't be quite as exciting. My mother also had a big birthday today- so Saturday evening we were invited to her house for a small intimate dinner- but we all had to bring the kids. We brought them ( with a bunch of DVD's which we were told we would not need- joke right?) My mom actually hired Giggles ( the clown) to come entertain our kids and do face painting- she does awesome face painting so we could eat in peace, how cool? Here are some of the recent celebrations!!