Tru is 11 !

Our Tru is 11 years old today!

His choice - dinner at Outback.

His gift choice - The latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. We didn't hear much from him after this.

My, how our baby has grown. (Same sweet smile)

Happy Birthday Tru Tru! Hope all your dreams come true! xox

New Schools For Everyone - 9th (x2) and 5th

Everyone is off to a new school this year.

Lin-Ley began 9th grade. High School - how did that happen?

She is a proud member of the Cross Country team.

Tru is in 5th grade. Last day of elementary school.

While he is attending the same school, they have moved into a new building.

You can see construction taking place in the background of this photo as the painters put in a few finishing touches just before school begins. For the first time, since they were in preschool, both Lin-Ley and Tru are going to schools with air conditioning. Big Deal!!

Crosse's turn. After three weeks at football camp, he begins his freshman year at a new campus today. He checked in with his friend, Peter, last night as they got settled in their residential hall.

Here's to beginning high school and closing out elementary school.

9 Years of Tru Love!

Look at this chunky guy! That's our baby boy. And today is his Adoption Day! Yesterday was Gotcha Day - definitely two days to celebrate!!

Tru's Gotcha Day outing was to Outback for ribs. No doubt, he enjoyed them!

Some things never change. This is our first night (wee hours of the morning) home as Tru devoured his carrots and veggies. What a happy eater!

Happy Gotcha Day and Adoption Day Tru-Tru! We love you so!!

Tru's New Leg (#10)!

New Leg Day! #10 for Tru. A growing boy needs bigger, stronger, more advanced legs. Today, Tru received his first adult leg.

Bonus: With a new leg and new, bigger foot, a boy also needs new shoes.

There is the line-up. Baby Red Leg all the way up to New Leg.

Tru marveled over how small his first foot was. Love Baby Red Leg!

There he is. Very proud of his "adult" leg and his new hydraulic knee. Our Baby!
Go - Tru - Go!

Just for fun, here is a link to our post about Tru's first leg which includes a video of his first steps: Tru's Leg #1

Thank you to Ms. Angie and everyone at Dankmeyer!

Lin-Ley is 14!

 
 

Look at our Spicy China Baby! Our baby turned 14 today!!

For her birthday she got a trip to Louisiana (total coincidence) and in the middle of the Atlanta airport she received her "big" gift - a new (to her) iPhone.

Although she was expecting this gift, she was still very excited and pounced on it to make it her own.

First stop in Pride was to see Mama Shirley and Papa Bill. They were waiting with a cake.

Later, she tried Papa Cowboy's hat. To wrap up a long day, she and the boys spent some time in the pool, more time with her phone, Blue Bell ice cream (thanks to our favorite cousins and most gracious hosts - The Flottes) and much to my dismay, she and I became friends on social media today. *sigh* Don't forget the birthday whooping from Papa Bill. We love you Toots! Happy Birthday!!!

Crosse - Happy 1st and 15th

April brought cause for Crosse to celebrate and remember. He arrived in the U.S. last April and soon celebrated his 14th birthday. Since then, he has had many firsts. Just to list a few - he has:

wrestled alligators,

been up close and personal while feeding the cows,

rode his first 4-wheeler,

met the China Girls,

made many new friends while participating in school sports to include football, basketball and track,

learned to be a team player,

and survived (and quite enjoyed) his first blizzard. Just to name a few first.

For his birthday, Crosse had a friend over for the day. A serious game of badminton ensued. After burgers, hotdogs and birthday cake, they were off to see the Superman / Batman face-off.

Birthday weekend continued today as Crosse was treated to a shopping spree at the Asian market and a friend gave him some gifts from NASA. Thanks Jin!

Happy 1st and 15th Crosse!

Happy Birthday Mom - ASL Version

Me today: 

On this birthday, I was treated to a quiet day at home.  It was election day here in Maryland and schools were closed.  Well, county schools were closed.  Crosse still had school.  While Lin-Ley and Tru treated me to quiet time for my birthday nap and Dallas gave me a beautiful watch, Crosse sent me the following message as he and his friends were driving back from track practice this evening.  (Crosse is seated in the center.)  The video is a little dark (had to turn off the lights to see it), but the sentiment and their obvious planning and practice shine through.

Their message:
"Happy Birthday Mom, Happy Birthday Mom, Good Night."

13 Years of Loving Lin-Ley

13 years ago we held this chubby-cheeked baby girl for the first time. I still can't stop kissing those cheeks!

Look at this young group of new parents. What a crew! We were tired. We were hungry. We were homesick. However, we were happy! We had our baby girls and we made a lasting bond that still ties us today. Love you all!

 
Happy Gotcha Day to our unicorn, candy, puppy, candy, animal, candy, book loving Spicy China Girl. We love you soooooo much!! (More than candy!) xox