Blessed beyond measure....

Happy - dance recital # 3

2015-05-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today was Reese's third dance recital...Whew it has been busy around our house.
But I cant believe another year has flew by...

Check out Dance Recital # 3

Dress Rehearsel

2015-05-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight's dress rehearsal for Reese's third dance recital.

Reese has two groups dances and one dance with her dad...

First dance is a ballet number to " Santa's Toy Shop

Her second number was a tap dance to " Ain't we got fun"

And her last dance with a Father / daughter dance to " My Girl"....

Bring on the recital we are ready.

Field Day... 2015

2015-05-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

It was a hot day in Ga today for field day... but Reese loved it.

Special friends made this day super special...

This year she got to run the 20, 50, 100 yard dash..

She won first place in all three races she competed in. She's fast...

This year's family vacation..... Day 1 and 2

2014-11-22T15:31:00.000-08:00

This year we saved our summer vacation until the fall and went to ..............Disney World.

It was awesome.

On our first day... we went to Hollywood Studios...the weather was iffy. It misted rain and was cold today.

There wasn't much to do in Hollywood Studios for Reese's size except shows, shops, and a few rides.
* The only ride we took was the Stars Wars ride. ( we did that 3 times. ) Reese loved the star ship. She even got to be the spy the empire was protecting in the third ride.) I wish I had a pic.

We ate at Hollywood and Vine with some Nick Jr characters.

This was a lot of fun and the food was great. I would eat there again.

( Ignore Reese's hair... it was misting rain and I had just taken it down to comb.... when Doc McStuffin dropped over )

Princess Sofia was so cute...

Reese couldn't wait until Handy Mandy came by ....

And we love Jake....

The kids also got to dance and sing. I don't think Reese ate much but she loved that diner.( Reese still wasn't feeling too good so I don't she would have eaten much anyway. )

Then we walked along the studio and checked out the street before it was lit for Christmas.

After a walk about, we watched a few shows...Beauty and the Beast, the Muppets, and of course the Frozen.

Reese just wouldn't be having fun unless she can have her face painted so we had to do that... the Ice Princess of course...And Minnie Mouse ears were a must in Disney right ? ( However we should have just bought the regular ones. These we uncomfortable and will probably never be worn again. )

The Frozen princess had to do a little Elsa posing ... Let it snow...

I guess I might as well join in too...

In between shows, we played in the snow at Oaken's Trading Post

Reese loved it but it was basically ice and hard to play with...

But she had to build an Olaf..she is Elsa of course.

Then at 6:00 the town totally transforms and is lit for Christmas. This was the best part of the day.... They really know how to do Christmas lights.

The lights and music were awesome but there were so many people it was unreal.

Day 2

We went to the Magic Kingdom.... and this was our favorite park.

Today the weather was muggy and warm but looking like rain at any time.

Cinderella's Castle was as spectacular as I imaged.... Reese loved the Magic Kingdom...( so did mommy... )

We rode Aladdins Magic Carpets...

We took a jungle cruise...

Climbed The Swiss Family Treehouse...

Took a ride down Splash Mountain...

I got drenched....

Rode some race cars...

Took a spin in the tea cups...

And flew with Dumbo...

Mark and Reese had to wait forever to ride Dumbo and the ride itself lasted at the most 2 minutes... it was a bit of a bummer.

We needed a little break so we took some time with the princesses...

We tried so hard to fast pass a visit with Elsa and Anna ... but that booked up too fast. We did however get to make an appointment with Rapunzel & Cinderella...

Princess Rapunzel was very sweet and took up time with Reese...

Even with a fast pass, we had to wait over 30 minutes...

Cinderella was so beautiful...

After a little princess time, we got back to the rides....

Next up ... the Dwarf mine train...

they fly by so fast, I couldn't get a picture.. but Reese loves roller coasters as much as her dad...

Then we were blessed on our way to the next ride, the line to see Queen Elsa and Princess Anna was only 40 minutes. Reese just had to see Elsa

An the wait turned out to be even quicker than 40 minutes... more like 25 to 30 minutes.

At last we made it inside the castle to met Queen Elsa

Someone was very excited to have her dream come true....she was so shocked to be in Queen Elsa's presents, she couldn't talk but she could hug, and hug, and hug.

Princess Anna was so nice. She took a lot of time up with Reese. It was so special I know she will never forget it.

My little first grader

2014-08-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yes you read it right... Reese is officially a 1st Grader.

She wasn't altogether happy about it though. All week she has kept telling us " I'm a little nervous "

But we found out yesterday who her new teacher will be and that a couple of her good friends are in the same class. ( Answer to prayer... thank you Lord )

She's growing up so fast... I can hardly believe it.

Mommy & Daddy are praying you have a great day.

Don't worry; it's going to be fun.

You're pawsitively awesome. And your mommy & daddy are so proud of you.

We're praying for a great year... or hey a pawsitively awesome year.

I know one thing for sure... I pawsitively love you.

And I know your dad does too.

Guys don't worry don't be scared... I'm praying you two have a great first day of first grade.

And thank you Lord for good friends to share these new exciting experiences with.

Our 5th Forever Family Day....

2014-07-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

Forever Family Day is a super special day for us.

It's the day in China we forever became a family. The Lord blessed us with this beautiful special baby girl and I cant image our lives without her.

Today we wanted to celebrate and make sure Reese knows how special today is and how special she is. We talked together and decided to spend the day at the aquarium with a special cousin.

These two have a special bond as friends and cousins. We are thankful for sweet KK.

We touched sting rays...

We saw strange coral....

and of course we saw fish or every shape, size, and color

we got to climb and crawl in crazy spaces...

together we went everywhere... like a blur we were on the move...

and of course we are at the age to pose for a couple of grownup shots...

but the dolphins were by far our favorite... the dolphins just loved the girls and kept swimming up to the glass and laying their heads against it to be touched.

it was incredible....

and the girls loved it...

it was like the dolphin wanted them two to come in and play... it was so special.

they kept coming back to the girls as long as we stood there.

the divers put on a super show and tried an underwater hug with the girls..

and awesome day was had by all...

5 years later.....

2014-07-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

It's hard to put into words how our lives have been blessed these past 5 years....

It was 5 years ago today we boarded a plane to Newark to begin our journey around the world ...a journey of a lifetime...a journey to our daughter. My first flight ever and the first of many for this one trip.

Some thought we were crazy ... some thought we were brave... I thought we were a little of both...God thought we were faithful. I really don't know what we were then but I know what we are now... blessed beyond measure.

Thank you Lord for seeing beyond our faults and failures and blessing us with our awesome daughter, Reese.

Reese sweetheart, you are so special. The beauty you see and the joy you express in the simple things humbles me. The enthusiasm you show each day in whatever you set out to do inspires me and the bravery you've shown so many times as you have faced a medical procedure or new situation leaves me in awe of you.

You have forever changed not only me and your Dad but so many others.

You are so loved sweet baby girl. Thank you Reese for loving us back.

The Road Taken...

2014-06-07T20:58:00.001-07:00

Tonight was Reese's second dance recital. The girls did great....

This year Reese had three dances...

A ballet number to " Always Believe in Me "

A tap number to " When I grow up "

And a Mother Daughter number to" A One in a Million "

You did great baby girl... You are one in a million.

We are so proud of you baby girl and we cant wait to see what next year brings...

Graduation Day....

2014-05-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here comes my little graduate now... this is the last time she will enter the Gym for Renaissance as a Kindergartener. Next time... she will be a 1st Grader.

She was so excited for graduation. I still cant believe her Kindergarten year is over. Where did this year go...

There she goes to get her 4th quarter award for all A's. She got all A's for the entire year. You go girl..

And here she goes again.. She got another award for doing so good this quarter.

There's my baby girl getting her certificate for completing Kindergarten. Ms. Lanham we love you and will never forgot what an awesome teacher you are.

Thanks for loving my baby girl so much and taking up all the extra time you did with her. It really made a big impact on her.

It seems like just yesterday we were taking a walk to Ms. Lanham's classroom for the first time and here we go for the last one.

What a difference a year makes. Reese was so scared that first day and she hated school for about three months. Now she loves school.

Ms. Lanham your the best. We prayed hard for Reese to get a great teacher and God really answered our prayers. We feel so blessed to have had you to instill in Reese a love of learning. She loves you so...

We are so proud of our little girl.. our future 1st Grader.

Sky Zone....A jumping paradise

2014-05-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Today we got to spend the afternoon with cousin KK at a neat place called Sky Zone. It was so much fun...

We love playing together. There is never a dull moment or a still one.

I love to jump. It is one of my favorite things to do.

This is so awesome...

As you can tell I lost one of my ponytail holders in the sea of blue & orange foam... well I will just have to let the other one go to and keep on jumping.

A girl cant let a thing like a lost ponytail holder keep her from having a blast...

Dodge ball anyone ???

Can I make a jumping basket...?

Maybe...

Nope .... but it was still fun to try.

This was a super awesome day. I believe I had a good time.

Arts & Craft Festival - Day Two

2014-04-27T14:19:00.002-07:00

We had a great time yesterday at the Arts & Craft Festival. Reese wanted to do so much we came back after church.

She loves horses. We didn't see them yesterday until we were leaving. I told her if we came back, we would definitely check out the horse ride.

My beautiful little horse girl... she loves horses so..

She wanted to do two things today... ride the horses and get her face painted. One wish down and one more to go...

She loved the swings so much she wanted to ride them again too. However, I don't think she enjoyed it quite as much as she did with her cousin KK.

Here's my beautiful baby girl prior to face painting.... She's growing up so fast. She looks so big here. I cant believe it.

My beautiful baby with a fancy mask painted on... She loved it. I believe this was the highlight of her day.

Arts & Craft Festival - Day One

2014-04-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the annual Spring Arts & Craft Festival. Reese's dance studio preformed again this year and she was old enough to join. Only four from her class were able to attend but they did great.

They were super cute. This is the first year that they have done tap. The song was from a Shirley Temple movie... " When I grow up ".

After we performed, we were free to enjoy the crafts and the activities the festival had to offer. Reese was off and running....

She loved the swings with her cousin KK....

Then it was off to the bungee jump....

My baby girl loves to jump.....

And flip....

She loves to go as high as she can go....

All the schools have the kids do art and display them for everyone to see. We had to find her art work from school...

I think her barn and animals is awesome.

It was an awesome day. We will have to come back tomorrow and do a few more activities.

Easter Day

2014-04-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

It was simply a glorious Easter Day today. Thank you God for the gift of Jesus and Jesus thank you for Easter.

We are so celebrating your resurrection on this beautiful Sunday morning...

My beautiful baby girl is growing up so fast. I cant believe how big and grown up she looks in this picture.

So elegant...

She wanted a polka dot dress and this was the only dress I could find. I got it months ago and I think she looks beautiful.

My beautiful little girl. She is trying so hard to smile like a grown up.

Don't grow up too fast sweet baby girl..

Happy Easter

Day of Egg Hunting & Fun

2014-04-19T21:15:00.003-07:00

This year we had another great time hunting Easter eggs. Reese loves anything that involves family and playing.

This year we went to an egg hunt at one of Reese's cousins church.

Thank you KK and Aunt Lisa for making today so special. It was so much fun.

We loved the baby chicks & bunnies.

The playground & blowups were super too.

But today's main event... the egg hunt was the high light.

We're ready now people.... when are we going to get to hunt eggs ?...

Ok Daddy, we can strike a pose or two for you if you want us too.

Alright.... let's go...

Thanks Mom & Dad this was a super day. I love Easter and I love you guys.

Happy Easter 2014

American bandstand

2014-03-15T08:25:00.001-07:00

Last night Reese was part of her school's yearly production. It was great to see all the little kids preform.

I know she's hard to see. We had awful seats to photograph from. She's the little one behind the little girl with the black shirt.

Reese is the one holding a blue musical note.

I wish this picture had come in clear. She was smiling and laughing at the dancers doing the hop.

Reese continues to amaze us. She loves being part of any activity in school. She loves school now and that makes us so happy.

My baby girl is growing up so fast.

She was super cute as a 50's girl. You rocked the poodle skirt baby girl.

You are so awesome baby girl and we love you so....

Little Dancer

2014-03-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

Our little dancer....

Really daddy do you have to photograph this....

Ah... let me think about what comes next....

I forgot what comes next....

She's practicing so hard for her upcoming recital.

You will do great baby girl. We can wait to see you shine.

The Wedding.....

2014-03-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

Congratulation Jonathan & Kaili. Your wedding was beautiful. You two are beautiful couple.

Presenting the happy bride & groom

No school....snow ..... again

2014-02-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

I can hear the "YEA's" coming from everywhere as the children cheer no school today.

This weather has been something this year. Ole man winter doesn't want to leave.

" Spring ".... is what this mama wants to hear filling the air.

But here's my precious snow baby and she loves the snow.

Come on ya'll let's play....

Thanks for the party...

2014-02-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you Helena for inviting me. I'm one happy kitty cat.

Christmas Morning...

2013-12-25T05:14:00.000-08:00

We decorated early this year and paired down our decoration. I loved it. Super simple but beautiful all lit up at night.

This year Reese only asked for a couple of things.... Princess Twilight Sparkle and her castle, a sewing machine, and a couple of games for her WII.

Then she kept adding to her list ... a TV

Princess Celestia....

Well I dont think she was too disappointed when those items didnt appear...

She told us multiple times... this was the best Christmas ever...

She got a few surprises... like a necklace to go with her newly pierced ears and earrings.

Some racing attachments for the new racing game. Look out Uncle Dwayne we are going to be practicing so we can
smoke you next time we play..

Dont worry too much... we need lots and lots of practice.

Now I'm going to learn to sew and teach you how Mama.

Twilight's princess car arrived but hey where is Princess Twilight...

And finally the last present under the tree... is Princess Twilight Sparkle. YEAH

Huh....

Ok Dad, one last smile. Then it's time to play. ( It's a pretty smile but a bit fake dont you think? )

Oh but first... my stocking...

Hey this stocking is full of neat stuff.

Whew.... all the presents are opened and the poor tree look bare again.

Oh well... it's off to start playing with all these new toys. Let the playing begin.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Well she did it....

2013-11-30T06:22:00.000-08:00

Reese has been wanting her ears pierced for about a year now. But each time we go to get them done...she backs out.

I told her when she was ready we would do it. So today when we were going in the mall to do a bit of shopping, she told us ... " mama I want my ears pierced."

Ok... after we grab a bite to eat we will go see if their are two ladies working the counter and can do it.

She did super. She did get a bit upset as we filled out a ton of paperwork and heard the lady in Claires explain the procedure. But I asked Reese if I could hold her in my lap and we were set.

It was so fast and simple, she turned around to me and said.." mama it didnt hurt and I didnt cry." I was one happy mama about that too. I was about to cry myself just thinking about it all.

They are beautiful baby girl...just like you.

She was so excited and proud of herself.

We've lost two teeth but gained two earrings... I believe that's a good swap.

She did it and is so proud. We're proud of you too baby girl. You are super brave. You go girl...

The Movie Star...

2013-10-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone.

It was a great evening in our area. The rain held off and the temp was pretty warm for a late October evening. And I know of one Movie star that sure was glad...

We don't do a whole lot of treat or treating. We just let baby girl dress up and go visiting family and special friends. And hey... if they give us a little candy it twice the fun.

This year Reese couldn't decide what she wanted to dress up as...

First it was Cinderella... no Jasmine... no better yet a bride... and finally she saw this dress and decide she wanted to be a Movie star.

That worked out great for me...because we already had the gloves and dress-up jewelry...

Plus the dress came with the fur wrap.

I think my baby girl is the prettiest movie star around....

Reese loved the dress but I believe glamming up was more than she bargained for... at each house we lost an accessory.

I told her beauty has it price...

After we visited all our stops....we went home to give out candy .

Reese loves this part too. This year we gave out candy, spider rings, and God loves you tracks.

Next year we are going to have to come up with a better plan to shield Reese from the big kids and their scary costumes. She definitely didn't like the scary characters.

Dress up and candy .. what more could you ask for? It was a great night.

Fall break

2013-10-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well it's fall break time and what's a girl to do with all this time on her hands?

She's going to play............

It's like this mama... we need to get outside and enjoy this beautiful day. I have chalk and plenty of ideas. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Now dad... I know it's getting late but it's never to early to start driving lessons.

Whew.... this has been a awesome day of fun. I wonder what the rest of fall break will bring......

Pinky pie says let's have a party......

2013-10-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today is my baby girls birthday....

And Pinky Pie says let's party...

I can hardly believe she's 6 years old.

She's growing up so fast. It seems like I blinked and now she's six. Time is flying...

Reese has changed so much but she's still in love with the My Little Ponies.

Thank you all for coming to my party... now lets go play.

Fall festival...

2013-10-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

We got to meet back up with our old dance class and perform at the Fall Festival.

It was a lot of fun but it was super hot today. Where is the cool fall weather?

It was super hot but it was also super fun too.