Springtime

We've had some warm days and then more snowstorms. Such is Spring!

The girls have had fun regardless of the unpredictability!

Willa really enjoys the puddles!

Having fun in the snow making a snowlady, maple snow taffy, and an obstacle course!

 

Back to nice weather!

 

Winner!

Jia won a contest! She submitted a yogurt dip recipe for a healthy snack contest through our local schools and won a $200 shopping spree to Whole Foods! There was some publicity during our shopping trip and her recipe was served at the store all day, featured in Whole Foods flyers, and printed on the school lunch menus! 

Here is Jia in front of her samples.

Her recipe:

Holding her prize:

Shopping!

Jia was very excited that people were enjoying her recipe, and was happy to hear they had to keep restocking her sample cups! They gave an announcement over the loud speaker and Jia gave a little spiel about her recipe. Most of all, she was excited to spend $200! It was a great chance to try new foods. Such a fun experience!

Festival Practice

As we were leaving the Taiwanese Lunar New Year event we attended this year, a woman approached us and asked if the kids would be interested in doing a performance on behalf of the country of Taiwan at the Festival of Nations. The Festival is a huge event in the Twin Cities in May that celebrates numerous countries. We agreed, and have been practicing every weekend. Jia is also participating, even though she was adopted from China, as the theme this year is "Peace." :-)

It has been so wonderful to get to know the other girls and their moms. I love that all the kids are becoming friends. The moms have also been able to tell Willa all about Taiwan and being Hakka, and they chose a special Hakka fabric for the costume! 

Today, they had a rehearsal before the festival committee. 

They did a terrific job!

Student of the Month

We are proud of our Student of the Month! Jia's teacher said, "Jia is a creative, hard-working student who is always thinking. She asks inquisitive questions and participates well during all types of lessons. Jia always comes to school prepared to learn." 

Way to go, Jia!

St. Patrick's Day

We don't do much to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but a sneaky leprechaun left treats in the girls' shoes in the morning. I also tried a new recipe for our St. Patrick's Day dessert. It had the consistency of foam soap. Lemon-lime flavor.

Willa is combing her mustache!

It was tasty at first, but after eating it everyone turned into a burpy mess. We felt appropriately green!

Squatters

We have squatters in our office! Tests show no lead paint and no asbestos in the plaster, so this has become the girls' new favorite play area.

 
The interesting thing is that the water was pouring down the opposite wall, but this one was wet too, and we didn't even know it! And we found a plaster ceiling under the drywall one! Oh, the treasures this house brings. On the upside, we found hardwood under the carpet, so it's time for a remodel!

Rides Inside

We spent a cold day at the Mall of America along with the rest of the world. The kids were ONE SEAT AWAY from being stuck on a roller coaster for an hour (and the riders eventually had to crawl off of it). How lucky!