Hello!

Please note two things, the fact that Eli was sent immediately to wash his feet an that I purchased a pair of size 12 shoes for him this week. Then note the queen in her fiefdom. 

I have a post ready I swear!!! I am the worst blogger ever. Work is making it challenging to post, so for now I am going to throw in a photo of my school supply shopper. Sidney was overjoyed that I let her come along and actually get the items out of the bins. I’m telling you it doesn’t take much to make a kid happy! So continue watching for me in blips and blurps and I promise to be back on more often! I have a longer post I’m working on about our five year anniversary of our forever family day. Stay tuned!!!

My Little Fire Cracker

My husband was grumbling as we went out the door to church this morning that we were running late. Much to his chagrin I couldn't find the right shoes. As quickly pulled into our parking spot Sidney said, "We can be late, because I'm fabulous." Real self-esteem issues. To think there was a time before we went to China that I was worried if she had no self-esteem her anomolies would make her a target for teasing. I'm so grateful I have such a bold girl. Now if we can channel she will run a Fortune 500 company. 

Getting ready for the 4th of July parade when I noticed she was clad with her own fashion statement.

Sunshine Day

Sidney asked me to share her picture.  After spending an hour in the basement yesterday for weather this was a cheerful reminder today is another day to be thankful for my house, our good health, and the few limbs down in our yard.

Cousins on a summer day....

It's so special that Sidney has a cousin from China. 10 year old AnDee has a spunky spirit that reminds me of an older Sidney. My heart was full after I heard that the oldest in the swing Ashtyn asked immediately when she showed up when Aunt Cara was coming.  Meanwhile, her sister Adysyn is hard to miss modeling a different piece of everyones jewlery at the cookout.

Pool Rats

One sunburn later, and we have returned from the public pool. I'm the mom lathering with SPF 70, , so as horrified to see Eli's skin. Meanwhile Sidney is prancing around with darker skin than yesterday despite slathering her in the same lotion. Asian skin is a magnet for the sun, but I take care of her skin the same way. I always think about our visit to China when I think of skin and the cultures belief that fair skin is somehow superior. If you're dark it's mean you were somehow inferior having worked in the field. I can't stand this kind of stigma. Totall bologna. 

Toothpaste and Line Test

Eli did an awesome job paddle boarding. 

A week ago Thursday...I am hunkered down in a cabin in northern Wisconsin, enjoying our third visit to this particular location. We get no cell reception! Apart from the many bugbites, it was great. Eli is always loaded with random information and informed me that tooth paste will help itching bites. In despiration, I tried it. It dried it out and gave much needed relief.  

Our first day it northern Wisconsin was cold!

Eli loved all the paddle boarding and kayaking. Had it not been for the life jacket I would not have allowed him to go out into the lake. There's no room for error in water. I'm a decent swimmer, so I am encouraging him this summer to work on real swimming and treading water. He had a negative situation with a life guard at the local pool once, and though he won't admit it, he's afraid. 

My poor baby had a mosquito bite on her eye in this picture, and on the same night her mother was also attacked in the same place!

Sidney was really into fishing this year. She told us the first day she wanted to catch a large mouth bass. Something about seeing them on Wild Kr*tz. 20 minutes later she caught one on her D*ra pole which looked like it was ready to snap like kindling.  

Open our eyes Tom!

Tom caught a similar fish. 
It was by Sidney's feet in the boat. I was bracing myself for her reaction. Instead she calmly observed while picking up a basket which was over half her height,"It sure is floppy." She loves the show Wild Kr*tz, so she was excited to see one in person. 

Back It Up

I meant to share this a long time ago! Sidney became involved in Girl Scout Daisies this year with me as the fearless leader of 11 girls. Our outing was the police station. Sidney loved when the officer let them push the buttons on the siren!