He put me in the bucket!

Here is Vibram Cowboy Josh on his trip with about 20 other guys to Tiger Leaping Gorge.

I can just smell the fresh air.

They were gone for four days and had a blast even though they missed their wives and kids :).

There wasn't much wild life, but the mountains and water were amazing.

Near the spot the Tiger was said to have lept over the gorge.

This is where Josh received acupuncture on his hamstring before he left making it less painful to hike for 9 hours :).

And back at the ranch...

Last time Jing jing came over we made "Rainbow Cities..."

while Viv & Dassah caught up on their reading.

I was glad to have the camera with me on this particular date night. It was a delight to see the moving clouds roll by as the light breeze gently blew while we ate a cinnamon apple crepe.

a view of the old and new from where we were standing

I read about a technique to teach your child to spell his/her name before turning 3. Even though that's not my goal (or Hadassah's), I thought this activity looked like fun.

D & V both had a great time jumping on the letters as they said them. The only problem is that you're supposed to do this activity like three times a day everyday for a long time. One day was enough for us :).

Here's Caedmon in his friend's combat jeep being maneuvered by grandma!

CHALK!! One of Hadassah's favorite pass-times.

"cooking" being another

This was seriously Caedmon's sleeping position for an entire night; he didn't budge!

The Sunday Coloring Page

Here's for the title of this post. During a family night, prompted by a Family Life book, I asked everyone to put their most valuable possession in this bucket. Before I knew it, my prince charming swept me off my feet and put me in! Ha ha! What a stud.

The kids and I took about a 2 mile walk downtown and were rewarded with ice-cream and a stop at the track at dad's school.

I guess these English teachers have every Monday off and come to play soccer.

But today, getting pictures with the little, white foreigners was higher on the agenda.

Here is our count down until we leave for America- 39 days from today!

So all the kids were drawing while I walked Vivi down the long step and back. When I was on the far end I heard such a commotion I thought there might be a spider or rat or something. Upon our arrival we discovered Hadassah learned how to write an "H" and a "D" to Lily & Caedmon's absolute delight! They were shouting with joy about it. So sweet.

Hmm... DAD! what do we do with an old blue accordion tube? How about make people! Caedmon's of course is named "Uncle Phil."

Lil got her turn, now it's Cade's!

Nate's mom and I decided it was about time for Nate & Cade (Best Buddies) to get their hair cut but we didn't feel like taking the time and making the mess to do it ourselves. The solution: the barber across the road!

The boys had less complaints for these guys than they would have had for us!

It did take a while, but it was worth it.

All ready to go and play again!

Springtime Surprises

Lily & I had a special girls time last night! We take turns picking what to do a couple times a month. It was my turn, so I picked going to get our hair washed!

The lady asked if we also wanted a hair cut. I said no. Lily said yes!

Lily thought the whole experience was pretty cool. Especially because it was past bed time and it was dark outside. While she got her hair cut, I got a head massage.

Here's the result! (I was planning on trimming her hair myself. As Lily was sitting there she said, "Mom, I'm really glad I'm getting my haircut here. When you cut my hair it takes FOREVER!" Ha ha. It probably seems like it, but the guy cutting her hair cut and blow-dried and cut and blow-dried... for quite a while. I'm sure it was way more fun then sitting on the toilet being told to sit still a million times.)

Our total bill was 25 kuai. $3.80.

I got the camera out too late. I was coming out from the kitchen and saw Hadassah and Vivianna both running to me with a doll in one hand and a blankie in the other wanting me to wrap the dollies up. It was pretty cute. Here comes big sister to the rescue!

Since Hadassah has been sleeping on the tripple bunk with Lily and Caedmon, she hasn't been getting as much sleep at night, but totally rejects the idea of a nap in the crib. One day she was so wiped out, she fell SOUND asleep right before supper. Viv crawled right up on top of her and sat on her head and Hadassah didn't even move!

Here our our three "St. Patricks" in celebration of St. Patricks day. I was too tired to explain what a leprechaun is. I don't even think I know :)

For Wednesday gym class we usually head to the field... unless it's super cold out. This day it was super cold out. So we headed to the indoor play place instead! We were the only ones there all morning and all the kids had a blast.

Kind of hard to see, but this is the first time I've seen Hadassah draw something else besides scribbles. She drew a picture of herself on the "Ho-ti" (Horsey).

We really enjoyed our home fellowship group on this particular Sunday. We celebrated Vivi's Baby Dedication. Since Josh and I both chose to be baptized as adults, we feel dedicating our children to God is a fun and encouraging alternative.

Our friends agreed to encourage her and pray for her as she grows up. Josh and I are thankful to give her life to the Lord and to not hold on with a tight grip as if we were in control. We had a special time of fellowship and songs.

prayin' & playin'

Ok, that's enough. Time for a nap!

Smiley Girl

Here's Viv's anual t-shirt picture. So big girl.

Lily & Jing Jing during another fun play date

Lily was thrilled to finally figure out how to jump rope

Cade sort of gets it

And Hadassah... not so much yet. But jump ropes are fun for other things!

Our little polka dot

I heard Lily in the kitchen before anyone else got up. Here was what she found for us for breakfast! She even had 6 place settings full! (definitely not forgetting the twisty straws)

Rolled up the carpet during potty training.

I'm so glad the worst part is over! Dass is a trooper!

My final springtime surprise... flowers from my handsome. We could smell the bouquet throughout the whole house!