Sushi

OK you sushi eating people, Lucy got PLAY sushi for Christmas (yes, you read that right) and since I am sushi-challenged, she and I will be needing your assistance to figure out what the heck everything is. It is a really cool gift, though, and she has figured out how to velcro the little roll thingys together and then "cut" them using the knife. The chopsticks have velcro, too, so she is figuring out how to use them.

Pictures, pictures, pictures

OK, to start off, some more pictures of my new niece because she is SO STINKIN' CUTE:

Officially a family!

Out and about in Lanzhou

Bundled up - those hat and mittens used to be Lucy's.

A little smile

A bigger smile!

Lucy looking over one of the books Jenny gave her for Christmas. The next morning, she was "reading" it to me. She can also say the days of the week now in English and a few in Spanish. Harvard called today and said they have one spot still open for a 27-month-old.

Lucy with her bunny rabbit hat at the oncology patient Christmas party.

This about sums up how she felt about the big characters. Thanks, Jenny, for letting me snap such a hilarious photo! :)

I miss all of you who aren't here. As Lucy would say, "Hab a merry Riss-miss".

Lots of love
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Pictures - FINALLY

Well, Maria - here they are - the 2 pictures that you have been waiting for so patiently.

Here is a picture of me, Jenn and Andy (the original Trifecta) reunited in Orlando:


And, for the first time in any public forum (after being burned 3 times before by posting pictures of houses that we did not end up getting - here is our new home (as of 12/20) - although we probably won't actually start living there until mid-to-late January:



It's a bit small, but we should be able to fit all of our stuff into it.
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Okay, you caught me - here is a real picture of our new house:
It sits on just under an acre, with about 1/2 wooded. There is a medium-sized spring-fed pond in the side yard, and a creek running through the front yard. The ridgeline that you can see behind the house is the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Interior pictures coming soon.

Doug

Home-Owner at last

FINALLY -

We closed on our new house this morning, and immediately afterwards, we drove out there and re-keyed all of the locks (some of the sub-contractors looked a bit "shifty"). I took several pictures today, and, if I have time to download them tonight, I will post them tomorrow.

Now the real fun begins (moving, yardwork and decorating) - I am going to need to take a 2nd job just to get furniture.

Official change of address cards will come out as soon as we get a mailbox.

Doug

Gotcha

I had to wait until I got home, Jenny :)

ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL. It all looks so familiar.... the old hotel room at the JJ Sun hotel.... the sweaty baby dressed in at least three layers of clothes..... the baby food prunes. Hee hee hee. I am sure Jadyn will learn soon, like her cousin before her, that the chopsticks on the tables at the hotel are great for attempting to clear everything off the table with, and the chopstick wrapper makes a good teething toy :)

We are all just beside ourselves. She looks so healthy and beautiful. It is a very happy day in our house! I can't wait until January 21 when we go home to visit.

Made my weekend......

I am sitting here with a happy smile on my face, because I just got a call from Andy and Doug (who are in Orlando, with EVERYONE else, at ASH). Hearing their voices just absolutely made my day - my whole weekend! I miss you guys soooooooo much!

I have been promised pictures. It's the least you guys could do, you know, since I am sitting here at home with nothing else to do rather than update ye olde blog..... Charles and Cindy were talking on the phone with Brian at the same time, who is the other one not there, because Lisa is in labor about to deliver the twins. How exciting!

I am very tired (and I took Nyquil about 45 minutes ago), so I don't think this post makes a lot of sense. But I am very ahppy! And it's not just the Nyquil.

Doug, we will be in Gatlinburg on August 9, 10, 11.

Maria

P.S. Pictures. Don't forget! And tell Cindy or Jenny to bring me a bag, my ASPHO one is getting worn :)

Let the whining begin...

One day heat index, the next day freaking WIND CHILL...Ack.

L is on my lap, here is what she has to say...

n uy y z ./m b cv v

We are heading to Northpark to see the trains and Santa in a few. Have a good day!!