8 of our 14 families were at our picnic this year. It is so much fun to see the girls grow. This year they warmed up quickly to one another and you could see some real bonding between them. Like us parents, the girls just seemed to pick-up right where they left things last year. It is so fun to watch them.!
Dallas could not make the trip with us this year due to work commitments. So the kids and I loaded up Rocket and hit the road. We made great time on the road and made it to Syracuse in time for lunch at Cracker Barrel (a must on a road trip!).
Tru checks for alligators.Our first group gathering would be dinner on Friday night. Several families gathered in the hotel lobby before dinner and the girls began visiting and playing together. Tru was right in the thick of things and had an especially strong attraction to Luci... Within minutes he told Luci, "You are my best friend."
We were soon on our way to dinner. The directions were a bit tricky and our five car caravan soon decided to rely on my GPS. It was an interesting ride but we finally arrived at the restaurant to find four other families waiting there for us. Hugs all around!!
Of course the cameras were soon out in full force. It is so funny to watch all of the kids. When they see a camera they instantly look toward it and smile.
The girls were in on the photography this year too.
Lin-Ley and Julia.
We rounded up most of the kids in the restaurant lobby:Back row: Tru, Quinn, Luci, May, Drew, Lin-Ley and Mackenzie
Front row: Mia S., Julia, Lily and Lana
By far, the biggest hit of the night, was this game. Luckily it was a "winner every time" game and each of the kids won a bouncy ball. EVERY one of our kids had a turn. It took approximately 35 minutes and there were other children who were not with out group who were determined to wait us out.All of the kids were very excited every time another child would finally win their ball. There were "oohs" and "aahs" galore. It was so funny and entertaining for us parents too.
In this photo Lin-Ley is third in line and Tru is next with his dollar in hand.
The next morning was our annual picnic. It was a very overcast day and there was an almost constant drizzle of rain. The beach was deserted. So... while the parents stayed under the pavilion and visited...
...the kids wasted no time getting busy in the volley ball court's sand pit. They stayed busy in that sand for close to 6 hours!
From time-to-time the kids would come back under the pavilion (mostly for snacks). Several of the girls began using the sidewalk chalk. I noticed Lin-Ley scraping the side of the chalk and to make a colorful powder on the cement.
Then... she discovered some stray ice cubes.
Soon the girls were making a sidewalk paste.
We had our traditional birthday cake for our Spicy Hunan Girls.What is wrong with this cake?
I bought the cake this year and was dissapointed instantly upon seeing it.
Notice that every word begins with a capital letter except the last word. Things like that drive me nuts!
Here are 8 of our China Princesses:Lily, Mackenzie, Hanna, Drew, Mia S., Quinn, May and Lin-Ley
Lin-Ley is the youngest of all 14 girls in our travel group.
Now with siblings:Tru, Lana, Lily, Mackenzie, Hanna, Drew, Mia S., Quinn, May, Lin-Ley and Luci
Since it was stilling raining we let the kids put on their swim suits and go back out to the sand. By this time they were asking to go to the beach and water but it was a little chilly for that.
Lin-Ley, Drew and Mackenzie. AKA The Three Musketeers.
Mia and Tru were pals while playing in the sand. They were working on a fort.
Just a few finished touches.
Now for the water to fill the moat.
Ta-Da.
The Three Musketeers strike a pose.
Some of us parents were finally convinced to take the kids to the water. The beach was still practically deserted. The water was cold!
The Bathing Beauties!Mackenzie, Drew, Lin-Ley, Lily and Luci
The kids only stayed in the water for around 20 minutes then they were ready to warm up. We went back to the pavilion and the kids changed clothes and some were soon wearing jackets.On to the hula hoops. Lily, Lin-Ley, Drew and Mia S. are joined by Dean in a hula contest.
Lily and Lin-Ley try multiple hoops.
Many of the girls had been working hard on a secret project. No parents were allowed within the vicinity of the sand pit. The girls would literally chase the parents away. After much digging and many trip for pails of water they were ready for the big reveal.Ta-Da!
After playing in the water, Tru and Lin-Ley had both told me they were done playing in the sand. So... 10 minutes later they were... in the sand.Jody: "Tru, don't get your good sandals wet!"
Tru: "I won't Mom."
Jody, "Tru!"
Jody: "Tru!"Tru: "I won't get dirty Mom. I promise!"
All in!
Mrs. Donna brought a pinata filled with candy. When the kids heard that they came running for the sand pit.While we waited for some friends to return from the restroom Donna had the kids playing a game of Simon Says. They were all participating to the fullest as candy was in their near future.
Mackenzie, Lin-Ley, Lakin, Lily, Quinn, Claire, Drew, Tru, Luci, May and Cadin
1-2-3 pull!
Candy, candy, candy!
5 minutes after we started our drive back to the hotel.
10 minutes later.
The party continued at the hotel pool. Tru was hanging out on the pool's steps until Dean offered to take him for a swim. Thanks Dean!
Attack Mr. Dean!
Lin-Ley was still trying to catch Dean.
At one point both Dean and Tru were out of the pool. Tru pushed on Dean and then Dean fell into the pool. Of course, Tru's reaction was, "Do it again!" Dean obliged and in this photo Tru is giggling as he pushed Dean into the pool again. Thanks again Dean!
Sunday morning. Time to load up Rocket and head back home. Can't wait to see some of the China Girls at Disney World!!!!!!
