2 years ago today...........

Today July 30th is the two year anniversary of when Gary and I sat in a room at the civil affairs office in Guangzhou , China. Waiting for Malia to be placed in our arms. I remember sitting there feeling very overwhelmed and excited. Looking at everyone who came up the steps, hoping to get a glimpse of her.

We were ushered into a private room, then and as soon as we sat down, in walked Ms. Tang (the orphanage director) with Malia in her arms. I lost it, I could not help it, I just busted out crying. I couldn’t believe it, this was the day I dreamed about for over 20 years...... It was here....... I will never forget that feeling or that day as long as I live. Malia, you are a blessing to this family and my one true little miracle. I love you soooooooo much.

This was taken minuets after she was put in our arms.
You were such a sad little girl, for 5 days we could not get even the tiniest little smile out of you.
You were such a tiny little thing too, you were 24 months old but wore 12 month old clothing and weighed 18 lbs.

But after 5 days of holding, hugging, kissing and reasuring you, you started to smile....

And have not stopped since.




You willingness to act goofy amazes me. Sometimes you will do anything for a laugh.

Our Gettysburg Weekend

We just spent 5 wonderful days in one of my favorite places, Gettysburg. I love the history and old town feel, kinda like Willimasburg,Va.
( I have no idea why my words and pictures are so out of whack on this post)

We discovered that she REALLY likes to play in the sand. We played with these toys for two days then on the third day some man walked up, loaded all the sand toys into the wagon and left. Malia just stood there and stared at him then started to pout. I felt bad so we jumped in the golf cart (yes we had one) and went to the campground store. Luckly they had a little basket of beach toys.

went down by the pond to take some pictures, Here is an example of why you dont shoot pictures in harsh sun light! But I like them so I'm keeping them.








We went to the "Land of Little Horses" this time around. Not the greatest place in the world. Actually if you want my opinion it was a total waste of $14.00 for us and $13.00 for Malia. It had one of two mini horses and a donkey that roamed freely around (they were nice) and then they had stallions in round pen type areas that were there to be petted. Now let me repete these were STALLIONS !!! They should have had geldings or mare's in there, because this place is geared towards kids. And here is why................

See this "stud" bitting her knee? I noticed it right as I was snapping the picture (Malia never said a thing) and told Gary to get her down, NOW ! We tried to "pet" two other stallions and they both also nipped. I cant believe this place has not had a lawsuit yet.
They also have these toy tractors that the kids could ride around and ram the old donkey that had to be at least 30 years old and 3/4 blind. I felt so sorry for that thing. And yes, that little boy did ram the donkey and no one said a thing.


This were two little donkeys, they were both very nice.

Our weekend

We didn't do a lot this past weekend, we just relaxed while camping. In fact we were sooooooo relaxed that we did not want to come home yesterday. Usually we are ready to go home and get stuff done that needs done....You know, the stuff that was neglected because we were camping.

And of course we rented a golf cart.




And of course she didn't want to get off of it and pouted until we would take her for a ride. This is what her and I did all day.




We did a little of this.....


And a lot of this, that we scored at the campground store.


We visited the playground several times a day too.