Sewin' & Mowin'

Emily has been learning a lot this past week. She has wanted to help mow the lawn for the longest time, but we kept telling her she wasn't big enough. Well, now that dad has some health issues and can't ride the mower for awhile, she finally gets to help a little. Emily REALLY wanted to try mowing....so dad told her she could give it a try while he supervised (don't worry...the mower has a safety seat that automatically shuts the unit off if her bottom leaves the seat). She did a great job and is already looking forward to the next time.


Emily has also been asking me to teach her to sew, SO we pulled out the machine and let her go to work. She practiced just sewing straight lines and then I suggested she try making a simple lap quilt (handy since we have a friend with a quilt store!). We showed her the pattern she would be making and then let her choose the fabric...bright, fun colors of course! She caught on very quickly and had her blocks sewn together in no time. I can't wait to post pictures of her completed masterpiece.

Camp is Fun !!

We attended China Heritage Camp last weekend, and as usual, the girls had a GREAT time! They had sessions in Kung Fu, dancing, cooking, language, shadow puppets, crafts, music, and SO much more.....just a fun weekend immersed in Chinese culture. I worked in the lower camp, so wasn't able to get many photos of the girls, but *did* manage to sneak this one of Claire during a break. I think she was having a good time. LOL

Birthday Wishes

It's hard to believe that Allyson is 9 years old. Seems like just yesterday that she was being placed in my arms. Wow, the years have flown by, and that little baby is growing up so fast!
We told Allyson she could choose dinner on her birthday.....she chose El Lorito. Wonderful choice since we love the food. Only catch is that this restaurant is an hour from us! We worked it out though, so Allyson was able to enjoy her beloved rice (she only ordered rice and beans! LOL). For her cake, she chose a little puppy cupcake that she enjoyed ALL by herself! :-)
Her birthday party was an overnight slumber party at the Embassy Suites (thanks to a free night we won during a church event). The kids all had a great time swimming, and then we returned to the room where they had a makeup contest (w/o using a mirror), and decorated pillow cases, before painting their nails just before bedtime.

How Tall ?

The girls and I did a fun little height chart on the internet yesterday. Just a prediction of how tall they might be when they grow up. Here are the results:
Emily - 5' 4.5"
Allyson - 4' 11.5"
Claire - 5' 3"

So, it looks like Ally may be the more petite of the girls (which is how she appears currently as Claire is quickly catching up to her). I've told her this is a good thing though....just think of all the cute petite clothes she can buy! :-)

Happy 4th of July !!!

I've traveled to China 4 times, and Randy has been there many more times. Randy has also traveled to several other countries as well.
It's always fun to travel, but there is NOTHING like coming HOME to the USA. God has truly blessed America, and we are SO fortunate to live in such a wonderful country.
With all that being said.....just wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th!! Go out and celebrate with a sparkler or two! :-)

This is a pic we took of the fireworks celebration in Colorado during our vacation there last year.....hoping to get good pics this year as well.