8 Years Ago Today...!!!

Madeleine was placed in my arms. She was 8 months old and I was a first time Mommy. I remember on the flight over wondering if China was really going to give me a baby. It seemed so unreal to me. Until the moment I held her and she looked into my eyes. And wouldn't stop looking. It seemed like she was determined to memorize my face. And then she nodded her head once, like she was saying, OK, you'll do :) She was a beautiful baby who grew up into a lovely child and I am truly blessed beyond words.

Sea World

Maddie and Ava at the dolphin show.

Inside the obstacle course.

On the tea cups.

                                            Riding Oscar's seesaw.

One of My Happy Ladybugs!

Final Bow of the Season

The 2010-2011 Junior Youth Synchronized Ice Dancing Team!

Watching their competition.

Shining Stars.

1st Place!!!

My sister gave me this hair do.

Celebrating with fish tacos after the performance.

Flower Girls

Ava is crazy about flowers.

Maddie made this beautiful hat at DeeDee's birthday party.

Party!

 I took A out for ice cream. It took 2 scoops to get the smile back on her face after dropping big sis off at the birthday party.

 DeeDee (who's 9!!! today), Jessica and Maddie.

Maddie all dressed up. DeeDee's birthday party is a tea party theme. And even though it's raining, M insisted on wearing her new silver sandals!

One LOOOONG Weekend!

Anaheim, Saturday evening: Checking out the competition.

 And deciding she's not intimidated.

 Their "Cat in the Hat" routine.

 They were so good and had so much fun!

 Fast-forward two days. Ava's feeling much better but the flu hit Mama BAD.

 M's award dinner for being an "Awesome Reader."

 Then it's onto another performance. This was by invitation and came up almost at the last minute. Our coaches were a no-show!

Hair and make-up.

 Warming up on the ice.

The ride home.