DIY Party

Jia had her DIY birthday celebration today:

DIY favors: slime and beauty scrub
DIY treats: cupcakes and ice cream float bar
DIY selfies: photo prop station

Jia's party: 100% tween!

 

 

 

Sandcastle

A happy Willa in a not-that-cold lake, plus photo-averse Jia's poetic contribution to the evening.

Family Day

Eleven years ago today a little one-year-old named Jia was placed in our arms and our lives were never the same.

This weekend, we had our annual reunion with the families of the other girls (all also initially named Jia) who were adopted at the same time. Although they only see each other once a year, they get along like no time has passed at all. We are so glad they have each other, and that we have our Jia!

 

 

Jia is 12

Happy birthday to our savvy, determined, goofy, inventive, big-hearted new 12 year old!

Actual conversation:

Me: What do you want for your birthday?

Jia: A donation to Planned Parenthood.

Me: Ok, but you can get something for yourself too.

Jia: That's what I really want.

Me: That's great, but is there something else you would like?

Jia: A donation to St. Jude's. 

DONE. 

(We did surprise her with some personal presents too.) We are so proud of her!

Family Foraging

Family foraging for yummy wild mulberries: Awesome. Learning that a child ate a number of toxic unripe mulberries: Not awesome. (Thankfully no children were seriously harmed during this wholesome family activity.)

Movie Time!

Our first outdoor movie night - yippee!

Strawberry Picking

One of our favorite family traditions.