Dragon Boat Festival

We are members of a group of families with children from China. The group gets together often.

We got together earlier this week for the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, brought boats, shared a meal, and had play time. (The children were asked to make "dragon boats" any way they wanted--no need to be sea-worthy.)

Cherish was so excited. Here's hers--it's the one with the princesses, Dora, etc. taking a ride on the top of the boat:

Very creative:

 Friends:

 Girl talk:

Adoption Progress

Sunday, June 5: We submitted our "Medical Conditions Checklist" with CCAI and, in accordance with Hague requirements, we began our 12 hours (each) of international adoption parenting classes.

I cried so many tears of joy as God has now moved in Derek's heart to begin this part of the process. We continue to wait, pray, and seek God's plans for our family.

First Day of Swimming Lessons

Cherish's swimming lessons will consist of two children and one adult. It's good that Cherish has another child to inspire her and push her along. (The other girl has been taking lessons for a month.)

"Can you try moving your arms while swimming?"

Yep

"Blow big bubbles."

After practicing to swim for about 20 minutes,

they went to the outside pool to practice jumping in.

Cherish had a lot of fun on day one. She did not want to put her head under water (to swim or dive for rings), but she said she may try to put her head under water on day two. We shall see....

Summer is well underway!

We've been swimming for about two weeks now and greatly enjoying it. The water is already warm! (And, personally, I'm a bath-water kind of girl. Bring on the warmth, baby!)

 Coming out of the deep end. She's brave with those arm floaties.

 Races with daddy:

Cherish is comfortable in the water--now that I have replaced her lost arm floaties. She feels she knows how to swim. However, daddy and mommy know better. Swim lessons begin today.

Cousin Time

Well, we are empty-nesters right now...well, it feels like it.

We've been enjoying company for several days, and the leaving of relatives has left one heart in particular very sad. Thus, we are at the library right now filling a void by having Cherish play with other children. As I type, I am watching Cherish play with a new friend.

We were blessed to have my cousin, her daughter (Cierra), and my mom here for a visit. Cierra and Cherish hadn't seen each other in a year, and they made up for lost time. They enjoyed playing dolls, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, doing each other hair and nails, reading, and enjoying "slumber parties".

"Best Buddies for Life"

(as they were chanting their last night sleeping together):

 "Hair Salon" is serious business:

 Cierra is 11. Cherish is 4.

 Cherish just learned how to put rubber bands in.

 Cierra is SO PATIENT and KIND!!!!!

 WOW! Good job, Cherish! =)

We are counting down the days until we are together again--in July! Yay!