Birthday Fun

Joe took time off work for my birthday and we had a terrific day biking along the creek to Minnehaha Falls, eating at Sea Salt, and playing at the Wabun splash pad!

 

Dramatic Readings

The girls and their cousin, Han, performed two dramatic readings for us! The plays were funny reworkings of "On Top of Spaghetti" and "Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater." The kids spent many Monday afternoons at Grandma and Grandpa Camp practicing their lines and making props. Bravo!

Playtime and more

Jia has been enjoying soccer so much this summer, and she scored her first goal! Yay Jia!

We have also been playing in the water on hot days:

We went to the beach:

Had lots of sleepovers:

 

 

And Willa lost another tooth!

 

Summertime Goodness

We've been enjoying summertime goodness! In the past couple of weeks, the girls and I have made pesto, pickles, rhubarb water, strawberry pie, and peach butter. They've been eating peach butter by the spoonful and there is only one jar left!

 

Pictures and Writings

We are finally putting art up in our office (which was destroyed by an ice dam waterfall this spring). It makes me so happy to have Willa's self-portrait over my desk!

Also for our office, we framed a painting that we won years ago at a silent auction to benefit the China AIDS Orphan Fund. I'm glad it's finally up!

We framed a piece of Jia's art for over her bed. It says, "I dream of flying." I love it!

We received these in the mail. I wonder who sent them? :-) (Click to enlarge.)

Travel Group Reunion

We always have a terrific time at our annual travel group reunion. The girls get along so well, just like sisters (who don't fight)!

Harry Potter Camp

The girls spent the week at Harry Potter camp. They had a great time selling their wares at Diagon Alley. Willa sold pets like Pygmy Puffs and Jia sold wands.

Rooting for their Quidditch teams!
 

Jia's team, the Hunting Howlers, won the Quidditch World Cup! I couldn't tell the teams apart or what they were doing, but I did enjoy the mascot in the video.

They both said Harry Potter camp was their most favorite camp ever!  

Jia Day!

Eight years ago today, a very scared little Jia was placed in our arms. Today, she is off to Harry Potter camp and then we are going to her favorite restaurant for dinner. Jia, you are such a treasure and we are so grateful to have the privilege of being your parents!

Jia's gift from China this year was a panda tea set. She loves it!

 

Meet Rosie and Lily!

We have some furry new family members! Meet Rosie and Lily. Their prior owners lost interest and we are excited to give them some good cuddles! Our house tally: 1 male and 9 females (us, plus the dog, cat, guinea pigs, and even the two fish are girls!)

 

Willa's piggy has a mohawk!

A Festive Fourth!

We had a terrific time celebrating Independence Day and having front row seats to watch fireworks from the balcony at my parents' condo, as usual!