FUN TIMES ON MOMMY'S BED!

The other day the light coming into my bedroom was so pretty and I decided it was a morning to practice my photography skills. I've taken two classes this year from a sweet friend who is an amazing photographer! Go check out her blog at: http://www.thelongroadtochina.com Her girls are such cuties, too! For 7 years, all I knew how to do with my camera was turn it on, set it to AUTO, and click the button. Boring!!!!!! But it was the only way I knew---until I found Lisa! Now it's manual setting all the way! It sure does make taking pictures more exciting.

I am by no means a pro at it, but I continue to learn and make improvements with my skills. And I would love to update my camera one day, too! I know that would definitely help. (maybe someone could hint to my sweet husband) Yes! A new camera would be a perfect added touch! Hehe!

It's not always easy to get this girl to let me take pictures, but when it includes a fun activity like playing on mommy and daddy's bed, well that makes it FUN! And you can usually count on seeing this expression. She thinks it is hilarious!

I never tire of looking at this sweet face.

I just love her short bob. I'm not sure if I will ever be ready to let her hair grow out. It's just so cute on her; at least while she's little and I know the time will come when she wants to have it long.

Gosh, I love her so.......

CELEBRATING THE BIG 18!!!!!!!

Yes, you heard right! My 2nd born is 18!!! We have such a fun day planned---she is off to get a pedicure and then we are headed out on a shopping spree! Yes, just what she requested, all complete with a special dinner!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY SWEET DAUGHTER! You are a true beauty in this momma's eyes! I love you to the moon and back!!!

PARTY TIME!

Lily woke up very excited today talking about her school party! She couldn't wait to get dressed and turn into a LADYBUG!

Is she not a precious one? Last year she totally was not into costumes, but that has not been the case this year. She LOVES to dress-up! (Disney World, here we come!)

I think she had a good time at her party. Of course, her favorite part was eating a yummy cupcake! I guess she loves them so because I don't give them to her very often. (I know, poor Lily) When she does get one, she gobbles it up, licking those fingers of every morsel of sugary cupcake!

Here she is with her friend, Marlee, and also one of her teachers, "Miss" Laura. School has been a wonderful social outlet for Lily this year and she has come out of her shell so much, especially with her teachers. She loves school!!!

Although I only send her three mornings a week, I have no doubt she would go everyday if this momma was for it. Nope........ not yet.

PUMPKIN FUN!

Lily and I met up with friends the other day at the Pumpkin Patch in town. These girls had so much fun being together and especially loved playing in the "corn" box (like a sandbox). Our day included a picnic lunch and lots & lots of picture taking. Of course I can't possibly put them all on here so I chose a few of my favorites to share of Lily, Bella, and Josie.

Three adorable princesses to steal your heart!

The weather was wonderful, plenty of sunshine, and even an occasional cool breeze. And oh my, it just did my heart BIG to watch these precious girls laugh and play!

I just had to get this one of Lily on the tractor, especially for her big brother! He loves tractors and I knew he would be crazy for this one!

I love how this one captured such child-like wonder as they looked in awe at a tiny caterpillar crawling on a leaf. Josie wanted to take it home with her, but thankfully her momma was successful in convincing her to let it stay in the Pumpkin Patch.

Take note of three different expressions---Lily is mesmerized with all the pumpkins, Josie is intent on holding Mr. Caterpillar on his leaf, and Bella, well she is embracing the JOY of life here!!!

We had so much fun and decided we should definitely get these precious girls together at least once a month! Happy Fall!

I'M STEPPING UP!!!

I am so excited! I have finally created my blog!!! And I'm so proud of myself because I actually googled and found a site that showed me how to decorate my blog with a background. Not bad, huh? For at least 6 or 7 years now, I have been a blog follower, but just never had one of my own and to be perfectly honest, I was just too intimidated to even start one. I'm just not a real technical go getter, but ever since we adopted from China, I have wanted to blog about our precious girl. I've always loved to scrapbook, but after having Lily in our family for nearly 2 years, I have yet to start her album. I'm still planning to do it, but this will be another way to journal about her life with a story and pictures. When she is able to read it one day I pray she will know without a doubt just how much she is loved by her family!