Ana Helps Get the Mail

She got to turn the key to the mailbox then carry the bag most of the way home. The cute shirt is from Katie. Scout has a matching one.

More Park Pictures

Meili running with her kite.















Eliah & Lincoln playing fetch with Maggie




















Winding the kite string.























Stephen and his first "child."

Flying Kites

The "Utah families" met for a picnic and kite flying last Saturday. Thanks, Steve & Debbie, for the kites!

Stephen & Debbie with Lincoln, Ana, and Maggie (the pooch).















Katie, Lincoln, and Ana.

















Ana and her Princess kite.























Striking a pose.

More from Meili's Party

Ana and Lincoln take on Mei's balloons.














Meili's "Katie/Dave Cake"


















Opening presents

Meili's a Teenager!

We have officially entered the scariest phase of parenting--the teenage years. Luckily, Meili is no ordinary girl, and we have high hopes that she'll continue to bless our family with her happy outlook, willing heart and sensitive nature. Here are some pictures from her eventful birthday weekend. (Yes, Ana and Meili have birthdays one day apart: March 8 & March 9!)

Meili's 13-balloon bouquet that she whittled down to about six as she gave them away to classmates.























Her favorite dinner of garlic roast, carrots & onions with asparagus and Yorkshire pudding.

















Celebrating with baby Scout.

"Happy Birthday to You" (video)

http://youtu.be/Y9G26OA3C2M

Ana Gets a "Katie Cake"

For years Katie and Dave have been making our kids' birthday cakes. This pink kitty is Ana's first, of course, and it was just perfect for her. Thank you, Katie!
 
 
 

Where Else But McDonald's!

Katie & her kids, Steve & Debbie, and our family met for a gourmet meal and structured play (ha ha!!). The kids had a blast.
 
 
 

"I Want to Push Mei Mei"

After School

Meili and Eliah enjoyed pushing Ana around on her new trike.

She's 3!

Here are a couple pictures of Ana with some gifts she got this morning: a new big-girl bike and a swing for her babies.

Friday Morning at the Laundromat

Ana & I spent some time in the local laundromat last Friday. She had so much fun putting quarters into the machine and pushing the carts all over the floor. She is such a good helper! (We have a heavy blanket that has to be washed in an industrial-sized machine.)
 
 
 

A Short Sample (video)

http://youtu.be/1j1RVR9FFKA

This is Meili playing during the very end of last night's performance. (They had turned the lights on.)

The Play's the Thing . . .

Meili and her friend Jessica are part of the orchestra in Mapleton Junior High's production of Romeo and Juliet. Katie and I attended the play last night and were totally impressed with the talents of everyone performing. There were sword fights, death scenes, even real kissing scenes--all in the exquisite language of William Shakespeare. Wish you all could have been there! These are pictures of the girls before the performance and of Meili during the 3-minute stretch, sporting her beret.