Kailei-ism

Last night I asked Kailei if she was going to be a listener in Kindergarden. She honestly replied, "I'll think about it."

Kailei-ism

After being picked up from her first day of school, Kailei said the following:
"This was a super, duper big day. Tomorrow, I need a small day."

School Bells are Ringing

Today the girls started school. Keara is now in 3rd grade and Kailei started Kindergarten. They are both attending a new school and hopefully their we can stick around for a while. Both girls really liked their teachers and I think they enjoyed going off to school together.

Each year that I send my girls off to school I am always left with a lump in my throat. I worry about them having a good teacher. I worry about them making nice friends. I just worry. These two girls are my heart. Their pain is my pain. Their success is my happiness. I love them more than anything and pray that life continues to be good to them.

Time is flying by.

Chinese Heritage Camp

What can I say? It was great! This was our first year attending and certainly won't be our last. We loved it! Kailei and I were there Friday through Sunday and loved every minute.

The heritage camp was held in Denver which was very convenient for us. There were activities for both the parents and the kids which was awesome. The parents are put to work for a few hours but it was a pleasure to help out.

Kailei did crafts, sang songs, listened to stories, played in an Asian village, had field day, ate lots of good food and even performed a Chinese folk tale. Our friends the Wyman's, Trautman's, Peterson's and Merwin-Olk's were there which made it even more special.

What I loved most about this camp were the wonderful counselors. Most of the counselors are Asian and I absolutely love that Kailei was surrounded by such positive role models. These counselors volunteer their time (which just amazes me) and the kids LOVE them. They were all very sweet and I so appreciated the effort that they put forth throughout the camp.

I just can't wait until next year!

A Little Peace and Quiet

Well, since the kids were away the parents decided to play. Nothing too exciting but Zeb and I did enjoy some quality time together. We got to see a couple of movies, go out to dinner, go to the theatre and even played hookie from work and headed to Estes Park one day. While we miss the girls it is great to experience a clean house, enjoy uninterupped conversations, taste something besides a mcdonald's hamburger and sleep in.

Our lives are very hectic around here and while I know I married a great guy, I also know that I can take him for granted. How nice it was to be reminded of all the many reasons I married this guy. I think I'll keep him. :)

Camp Walsh

Well, the girls headed to Camp Walsh (Zeb's parent's house) for the week and just got back today. While we talked with them over the week, we weren't able to find out much until tonight. Apparently they had a great time. They baked, they sewed, they swam, they played, they crocheted, they gardened, they met new friends and I'm sure they ran their grandparents ragged.

Keara came back having sewed two sundresses and two bags for herself and Kailei. I was absolutely floored. She did a terrific job (so much so that I thought they had bought the dresses). She is now asking for a sewing machine and Santa just might have to provide. I have a lot of hemming this girl can do me if I play my cards right.

Kailei said she was a little too young for the sewing machine but apparently she played a lot outside as she has quite a few owies on her face from running into things.

We only had one homesick phone call and then they rallied and made it through. Keara said her worst was missing us but her best was having fun down there. Guess we can't ask for more.

We hope they didn't wear Grandpa and Grandma down to much. We know the girls had a great time and appreciate all the love, time and talent that their grandparents provide.

Going to Camp Walsh is a great opportunity for the kids and we love that they get to experience a slice of small town living while getting spoiled by their grandparents.

Thanks Merle and Phyllis! We look forward to seeing you soon.

2009 MWCC Annual Mother/Daughter Weekend

This past weekend we rounded up our daughters and headed to the mountains for our annual mwcc mother/daughter weekend. I must admit that it is often a highlight for me during the summer. This year we headed to Grand Lake. Of course, when I told Keara we were going to the mountains she stated, "Again? Can't we go to Paris or London for the mother/daughter weekend?" I'm thinking you know the answer I gave her.

Anyway, we headed up Friday night. We enjoyed our drive up there, stopped at a park for a short time and then continued on our way. The Merwin's and Rickett's were already there so together we grabbed some dinner and spent some time playing in the park. Everyone managed to arrive safely by 8pm or so.

On Saturday, we went into the town of Grand Lake. I really liked it. I've actually been there before but it was a while ago so I don't remember anything. The girls played in the park, we ate lunch outside and then walked down by the lake. Since most of the girls had their hearts set on swimming in the pool, we had to head back to the condo so we could beat any rain that might have been heading our way. The girls quickly put their swimming suits on and in no time we managed to dominate the pool. The girls loved it and enjoyed going between the hot tub and pool.

Later that night was the infamous "slumber party" where we dress up and do makeup, hair, tattoo's, nails and body glitter. The girls LOVE this part of the weekend and it is fun to see them so excited. Of course, getting them to bed afterwards is not easy but it is worth it.

Sunday morning saw some people leave and some of us decided to go to the park again. The weather was a little cool so we didn't stay too long and we wanted to beat the traffic home. The girls and I had lunch with the Rickett's and Trautman's and then headed out.

We missed having the Wyman's there this year but had a great time nonetheless. We decided we would probably head back to Grand Lake again next year (unless we win the lottery and can head to Paris).

Thanks moms and daughters. It was another wonderful memory for the books.