Chinese Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families

Each year I try and make time to send Kailei to this Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families.  It is just an extended weekend camp but is a great opportunity for Chinese children to learn and surround themselves by the amazing camp counselors.  I can't tell you how much the kids love their respective counselors and this mom loves having such positive role models for Kailei to be with.  Kailei is not the only camper as this was Keara's second year attending as well.  She was one of a few white kids this year but I was proud of her participation.  Adults participate at camp as well.  I cut watermelon for lunch and then attended a few classes of interest to me.  A few of the mom's from my mom's group also attended and their company makes it that much more enjoyable.  We will be back again next year I'm sure.  Maybe Dad will even have the chance to join us.  :)

Good-bye Taylor

We had to say good-bye to Taylor today.  She was a great cat and lived to be 17 years old.  Naturally we are very sad but we know she is joining Maya in heaven and will be in good company. 

Pool Fun

Khiem's Birthday

We celebrated my nephew Khiem's birthday today.  He is six now and will be going into first grade.  As usual, Lieu cooked up enough food to feed an army but it is delicious.  Grandpa and Grandma came up so we were excited to be able to spend time with them.  Everyone had a great time but no one more than Khiem (as seen by the picture).

The Best Father's Day Poem Ever!!! (by Keara Davison)

Dad

He's a
Daughter lover
Child hugger
Gold star carer
Love sharer
Loves to draw
Loves puppy paws
Fear blaster
Love master
Basketball player
Bad dream slayer
Loves books
An OK cook
Never lies
Sometimes wears ties
He loves me so
From head to toe

The Girls Visit New York

Immediately after I was done with school the girls and I took advantage of our airline miles and headed out to New York to visit family and see the sites.  We had such a fantastic time.  We stayed with my cousin Sharon and her family for the first half of the week and then stayed with my Aunt and Uncle the second half of the week.  They were all very gracious in opening their homes to us and we were grateful to be able to spend time with them.  Below are the highlights from our trip.

Day 1:  subway ride; Mars 2112 restaurant with Sharon and family
Day 2:  Botanical Gardens; dinner with my Uncle Brian and Nana hosted by Sharon
Day 3:  Alice's Tea Cup; American Girl store; Central Park; Hello Kitty Store; M&M store; Toys R Us store
Day 4:  Bronx zoo; dinner with Sharon's crew, Nana and Bernice; Broadway (Sister Act)
Day 5:  Visit with Aunt Patsy and Linda; Walter's; Carvel; park
Day 6:  Park; Big Apple Circus; Walter's; Carvel; catching fireflies
Day 7:  Jones Beach; pizza dinner

Kailei loved her first trip to the Big Apple and Keara enjoyed some of the new sights we experienced.  We had great weather, wore ourselves ragged visiting everyone, and loved every minute of it.  Can't wait to go back.

Kailei-ism's and a Keara-ism

As we walked past the center of the airport where you wait for people to come up the escalator Kailei said, "This is where you come to get adopted."  (flashback to when we brought her home and have seen some of her friends come to America)

Keara also made a funny on our way to NY.  She asked me, "What do you call people who live in New York?  New Yorkians?"

Kailei's First Tooth

Kailei lost her first real tooth today (we don't count the one that had to be pulled when she was two).  She was very excited.  I have to admit I was a little worried because it seemed all the other kids her age were losing teeth left and right and it didn't seem like Kailei would ever get rid of any.  Fortunately, it happened and the tooth fairy brought her a gold dollar. 

Kailei-ism's

In the toy store, getting excited: "I'm a little over-reactive!"

As I returned from an overnight trip to California, Kailei greeted me in the morning with, "Good morning my beloved...wanna smooch?"   (I'm thinking she is watching too much TV.)