Insects & Fairies- Halloween Parties...

Sophie and Sage had two fun filled nights of Halloween celebrations. Here they are getting ready for our church Halloween Spooktacular Party- they have been talking about it all day. Thanks a bunch Kathy for helping me get them ready :)

Sage- pink butterfly, Sophie- Tinkerbell
Cutest little insect & fairy I've seen

click to enlarge

They had a ball. After a good warm dinner, they devoured their chocolate chip carmel apples. Wow, I'm just thrilled we made it home with the same color of costumes they came in. They enjoyed playing games and in-door trick or treating, just what they were waiting for. The best part was playing with friends, dancing, and showing off their costumes. They even got to meet some real firemen- smoke machine got turned up too high, oops. They had a funtastic time!

So happy to see Lyndsay & Danny

forever friends
Sage, Adyson, Sophie

Sage dancing with her dad
(my favorite picture of the night)

The next night was their big Halloween party at Little Gym. They enjoyed seeing all their teachers, making their own loot bag, fishing, sliding, bean bags toss, and more treats. Can you say- sugar high. Advice from their uncle (a dentist), once in a great while a bunch of candy won't hurt, it's better to get it done and over with then prolong it a little at a time, just be sure to brush real well!! I have made extra healthy meals lately, so they fill up on that instead of candy, it's helped :). Sophie & Sage were full of smiles at the gym... Zorro (Trevor) was a real gentleman and let the girls go first at all of the games, such a nice big brother.

Happy Halloween

Love Tinkerbell, Butterfly, & Zorro

Fun at the Farm

Three little pumpkins...

We came here with friends to take some family portraits. We couldn't leave without hanging out in the pumpkin patch. The kids had a blast searching for the perfect pumpkin, they found some just their size...

Trevor, Sage (brown), Sophie (pink), & good friend Adyson (white)

Cool Carousel Ride

Fervently waiting our turn

What happened? Our shirts were clean when we got here. Sophie left, Sage right

18 Years~ Porcelain Anniversary

Paul and I celebrated our 18 year anniversary. It seems like just yesterday we were carefree college students running around having fun while pursuing our education. Where has the time gone? Not everything has changed, we are still running around having fun (usually), just with a bigger clan :) On rare occasion, we get to sneak away, just the two of us...

After dropping Sophie & Sage off at pre-school, we started our day attending the temple (similar to the one we were married in). We were privileged to be the witness couple. There's no better way then this to start our celebration, so edifying. Grandma & Uncle Mike picked up the girls from pre-school and enjoyed them a short while until we were done, then we took them to lunch. Dashed home and made sure the house was ready and last minute preparations, then packed our bags for our romantic get away for two. Danny & Lyndsay so willingly came and took good care of our family while we were gone. The kids had a ball with them! Lyndsay even took the girls to Wheeler Farm while the boys were in school shhh they had a blast! Thanks so much, you guys are truly the best!

We stayed at the Anniversary Inn- first time. The room was exquisite "The Palace". We had a scrumptious dinner at The Roof- awesome views, tasty food, and desserts to die for. Paul dedicated an all time favorite song of mine from "Somewhere in Time" with the talented piano player. Breathtaking! Back at the room we enjoyed the cozy fireplace, patio with a view, large Jacuzzi tub in the room, and romantic movies. It was heavenly. We slept in and had breakfast in bed. I can't remember the last time I've slept in. OK, I could get used to this much pampering! Very relaxing, charming, & romantic. Thanks hon, for everything, I married my best friend and although we're not without challenges, you're still "it"!

It was nice coming home to our happy kids, I'm ready I think to get back in the swing of things. Thanks again Danny & Lyndsay!! And especially thanks to my sweetheart, what great memories. I'm looking forward to the next 18 years with you.

FFFF Fall Fun

We haven't been to the pumpkin patch yet, but we did go to Grandma's to pick out some BIG pumpkins they planted just for us (at least we like to think so:). Notice how Sophie & Sage went directly to the largest pumpkins to carry to the car (top left), almost as big as them and weighs three times as much. Then Sophie decided it makes a better stool. Thanks Grandma & Uncle Mike for the massive pumpkins!
Sophie & Sage had a festive time at home- dressing up and decorating our porch for Halloween. Do we have to carve them? Check out more Autumn pics on Lissa's Loving Lydia blog.
Sophie's in red, Sage in white, their choice.

Fun at daddy's work!

On our way- we're so excited to see dad, and maybe get a balloon!

Daddy's with a customer, but we had plenty to do. Pete took good care of us and gave us 2 BIG balloons each! Just what we wanted!

We helped him staple papers, then checked out the cars, he's a lot of fun!

Wayne got our attention quick when he gave us suckers, and Bruce kept us busy with some cool Honda puzzles. Thanks!

Dad's happy to see us

we're very happy to see dad too, so we take him to lunch :)

must have a lot of pepper in our delicious egg drop soup (Sage)

Sophie likes it too

Time to say good-bye. We'll come back soon.

Thanks for working so hard for us!

FFFF-Sweets for our Sweeties

There's not much better then the classic childhood treat- Root Beer Floats. Our girls love ice-cream! So, of course, they were in heaven with their first Root Beer Float last Monday night.
If you ask Sophie & Sage what they want for lunch, they instantly say "ice-cream". Whenever we go to a restaurant, they want to order ice-cream. Whenever we pass a restaurant, they ask for ice-cream. I told Sophie I should've named her Sophie ice-cream ----. (big grin on her face, I think she liked the idea).
At our one year home study, we were told how common it is for our adopted cuties to have a big sweet tooth, especially with older adoptions. They've had such a bland, ordinary diet in the orphanage (no complaints, it was pretty healthy, but no variety). So, no surprise they like sweets as much as they do. Of course, we limit it- but we all deserve to splurge every once in awhile. Some sweets for our sweethearts.
For those wondering what FFFF is, it's Lissa's (formerly Donna's) Fun Friday Family Foto challenge. Check out Loving Lydia's sweet tooth, and others.

I had to laugh, just now as I'm finishing this post, Sophie came in and asked for chocolate milk. I said "no hon, dinner's cooking. You can have a carrot or watermelon if you're real hungry". Her eyes got really big and she said--- "ice-cream?" What timing, funny girl.

First day of school

Sophie & Sage had a few butterflies getting ready for pre-school,

when we talked about it they said "no pre-school"

But they were brave and gave their best "I can do this" smile

Then their... O.K., enough pictures smile

They were happy to wear their new "Hello Kitty" backpacks

Hurry back mom & dad

First Day of School
Author Unknown

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside her
Down the school hall.

And as she took her place beside
The others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown
To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred by hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day

Oh how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places
That she couldn’t understand

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride
I knew she would no longer be
A baby by my side

But she must have her chance to live,
To work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
With friends and work and play,
She’s not a baby anymore --
She’s starting school today.

No tears this time, from them or mom until I read this poem, must've had something in my eye:). This day comes all too soon... especially when you've missed the first few years of their lives.

But I know it's time to share my little girls with others and let them learn and grow in areas besides home.

Their two months of pre-school in the summer and the orientation last week helped prepare them for this big day. Although they were apprehensive at first, they were brave and did very well! When we picked them up, after big hugs, they were thrilled to show us their watercolor name, the book made by themselves, listening to one of their favorite books "The Kissing Hand", and the treat at the end- Apples and Carmel Dip ("A" letter for the day). What a great first day! I'm sure they'll love pre-school. I like that it's only 2 hours a day, twice a week :).

A Big Thanks...

Just want to thank those who helped, played, chased, and enjoyed our kids while we were in Chicago. As hard as it is to leave your children, even for 5 days, it was so comforting knowing they were in great hands!

Danny & Lyndsay, second only to mom, dad, & brothers, in S & S eyes. Thanks for staying at our house to make it easiest on the girls. They love you guys! They add you in their prayers & talk about you daily. They are so excited to see you each week at church, and any time in between. We couldn't ask for better people for our girls to enjoy. You both are wonderful- a kid magnet. Our boys also enjoy your friendship. You always keep up on what's happening in their lives and make them feel important. I can't believe you cleaned our messy playroom Lyndsay, while we were gone, and Danny represented us while Nick needed a parent for swim team tryouts. You guys will be super parents, but for now, you're a part of our family :). We'll miss you much when you move. You'll have to come back after dental school, we can always use a good dentist!

Dinner for Danny & Lyndsay at Texas Roadhouse

Grandma & Grandpa D. You traveled to China with us to get our girls. They will never forget this! Mom, you won them over with your coke when they would hardley go to anyone (great, they will forever love coke! :), you've been a big fan of theirs ever since. They also love their Grandpa D., he got the first good-night kiss from Sophie. They ask about you both each day and enjoy their time with you. Thanks for all the fun you had with them and the boys, mom, while we were away. You always plan fun things with your grandchildren. They all had a ball at the State Fair. Sophie & Sage probably gave you a work out, but glad the boys could help. Thanks for staying over and getting them all to church in the morning and enjoying your time with them. What a fun Grandma!

August '06 in China

Grandma B., Uncle Mike & Kathy. You were also a big help while we were away. Coming and getting Sophie & Sage the last night, having Nick ride over with them so they wouldn't be so scared riding away in a different car then their own (this freaks them out). Then, bringing Nick right back for his Basketball game. When we picked them up, they were so happy. Uncle Mike took them shopping and bought them some balls, dolls, and favorite toys (horses) while we were gone. They sing songs about Uncle Mike now. Kathy- wow, they liked you from the start, our whole family did. You are so fun and personal with each of our children. You also make each one feel special, just being around you. Thanks for playing with our girls and trying to wear them out~ good luck:).



Sophie and Sage are lucky to have such good friends & relatives, they are loved little girls. With all the fun they had, we're glad to hear they asked for us often and were so happy to see us when we returned, they counted down the days. We're very lucky to have our dear Sophie & Sage, and our awesome boys, Nick, Josh, & Trevor!

My boys stayed with friends house during school days while we were away, except Nick, he's so independant;). Thanks so much Kim for giving Josh his own bed whenever he stays with you. You guys are his second family, James is a great friend!

Cindy, thanks for making Trevor feel right at home. He was sooo excited to have a sleep over on a school night. He sure enjoys Nathaniel. You guys are awesome!

Last, but not least, thanks so much Brenda for helping out and taking the kids where they needed to be early Monday morning. I'm sure the girls enjoyed playing with Dallas in the pool.

Well, a lot of planning involved, but everything ran smoothly and it wouldn't have happened without all of your help!

Capturing their true self...FFFF

Loving Lydia's weekly challenge is to capture the personality, their true nature. Great job Lissa, you gotta see Lydia's cute post.

Well, Sophie and Sage aren't lacking in the personality department. They are exuberant and cheerful with a smile to melt your heart. They love to help out and are very proud of themselves with each new accomplishment. They are passionate about life and live it to it's fullest. They have learned to fend for themselves for a few years and can be strong willed, even cranky at times, but are usually happy and very compassionate towards others. Sophie is athletic, determined, loyal, and fun. Such a survivor. Sage is quick to smile. She's warm & cuddly and easy going. They are very playful, giggly and often on the go.

Such charm and charisma with a sense of humor that keeps us laughing. They take my breath away, or keep me out of breath, keeping up :).
They are loved immensely!
Here's a glimpse of their contagious giggles at Uncle Mikes B-day party! (Sage left, Sophie right)

Our First Braids...

Hmm, hmm... notice our hair?

Studious Girls

Sophie & Sage enjoy learning time each day, but mainly learn while having fun as we sing songs, read books, and talk about everything around us. They have done great learning a whole new language throughout the year. They are still working on articulating their words well, they often leave off the last sound, and have some twin language going on, but their English is getting better each day. We have seen (or heard) a big improvement lately! They are very excited and ready (we hope) to start pre-school next week.

Don't worry, I'm not teaching them cursive already (over achiever mom:). They found Trevor's cursive board and couldn't resist. I will definitely get one in manuscript since they like it so much. I love seeing their curious minds, they are very deep thinkers.