8th Annual China Girl Reunion

Road trip! Last weekend was our 8th Annual China Girl Reunion in Upstate New York. Of the thirteen families we traveled with to China in 2003 we had seven China Girls in attendance this year.
Dallas could not make the trip this year due to a scheduling conflict at his office.  It was just mom and the kids.

Needing a break from driving we pulled into a rest area and I told the kids to run around and get some exercise. Lin-Ley took that quite literally and began doing jumping jacks.

And this is what Tru thought about that.
I know what you are thinking, and yes, Tru picks out all of his own accessories. Mardi Gras beads go with every outfit!

Once we f-i-n-a-l-l-y arrived in New York we had a short rest at the hotel before Friday Night Dinner. Here are the China Girls and siblings:
Claire, Maria, Mia, Tru, Julia, May, Lin-Ley, Lana, Quinn and Sara.

Tru and Maria really hit it off at dinner. Oh so cute! Tru has invited Maria to his birthday party in November.

May drew a picture of the girls entitled "Girls At Travel Reunion Group Dinner 2011".
She was very precise as her drawing reflects the actual wardrobe worn by each of the girls.

And another picture entitled "And The Little Ones Too" which included the siblings.
Again May was very precise. Check out Tru's right leg.

Excellent job May!!

As the girls are getting older now we (the parents) made sure we had more activities available for them. Nina brought along the paint and lots of paper. However the girls decided to paint the rocks instead.
We were really prepared with games and activities but the kids still most enjoyed playing in the sand. That was fine with us because the parents love to sit under the pavilion watching the kids bond together again like no time has passed. Love that!

Time to hit the beach.

Tru and his girl Maria.

Lin-Ley and Lily collecting shells.

We always celebrate the girls' collective birthdays with a big cake.

Good cake!

Time for pictures. These kids know the drill!

Here are all of the children in attendance:
Maria, Quinn, Claire, May, Julia, Lakin, Lily, Sara, Mia, Lin-Ley, Caden, Lana, & Tru.

Here are the Spicy Hunan Girls (lined up according to height):
Lin-Ley, Quinn, May, Julia, Lily, Mia, Sara

Family Photo.

After the grueling photo session the kids wanted more time at the park's expanded play area.

Lily and Lin-Ley.

Fearless Tru.

The big kids swung the little kids on a disc swing.


Once we cleaned up our pavilion most families came back to our hotel for a swimming and pizza party. Then it was time for good-byes.

At 6AM the next morning the kids were having their annual luggage cart ride as we prepared to leave.



Hugs to all of our China family. We can not wait to see you all again!