Summer Review

I know it is the first week of November, but I wanted to post and journal our fun summer of 2006 on Jada's blog. I had a great time being Jada's mommy this summer and felt like a kid again as we played at the pool, summer festivals, parks, and even a carnival. I am sorry to say that summer is over. I thought today would be a great time to summarize June, July and August as we, Jada and I, celebrate 2 years together as Mother and Daughter TODAY. The actual date of our GOTCHA DAY was November 7, 2004. But, in my mind, it will always be on a Sunday. I like that because usually Jada and I stay home most of the day on Sundays and have just some one-on-one little family time. So, what are we doing today to celebrate GOTCHA DAY??? STAYING HOME and looking at pictures, dancing, reading and playing and "catching up."

Our 3 months of summer went by so fast! Everyday I asked Jada what she wanted to do, she would always say "swim" and she would go put on her swimsuit. We probably did go swimming 3-5 times a week but we did managed to fit in other fun summer activities as well.

The highlight for me this summer was seeing 3 other children from Dianbai. All of our children had came so far physically and emotionally. They have all changed so much and we were so proud of all of them. It was very special to be with the other families again as she shared such a bond together when we received our Dianbai children that day on November 7, 2004. And I certainly hope some of us can always get together every summer.

The last weekend of the summer we went to a carnival/fair where Jada rode her first Merry-Go-Round. We had so much fun, we went the next day as well. 

Jada's driving her first "car." And it is a girly-girl color. 

No summer would be complete without Strawberries and Ice Cream! 

Hey, BUCKETHEAD! Now, who do you think is under the bucket??!?!?! 

Swimming at our friend's pool! They had lots of great pool toys! 

Jada learned to put hold her breath and put her head underwater. She was "swimming." She would use her hands to move forward or backward while under water. 

Water-fun! 

One of the first time Jada went down the water slide at Merriam's City Pool! A couple of times she was backwards, on her tummy, legs up in the air, etc. But, she ALWAYS went back! 

Jada went the slide at our local city's pool early in the summer. It was a big hit and Jada did it again and again and again and again. Imagine that! 

Swimming beauties. Audrey, Jada, Molly and Sophie! 

Swimming with Madelyn! 

Swimming on a Dolphin with our friends! WOW! Even though, I never got pictures of this because I had to be in the water, Jada actually went off the diving board at this pool! I think she is a bit young for big diving boards in deep water but I am so glad she has no fear of water. 

The KC zoo has a new "Kids Zone." Jada did not hesitiate at all to climb to the top. 

Through the summer, we made several trips "back home" to be with Mom. We made lots of friends at the Care Center. Jada loved to tell and "be told" secrets. Here, our friend, Ms. Margaret, is telling Jada a little secret.  

In July, at 2 1/2 years old, we became a success in potty training. Washing our hands afterwards is very important as well! 

In July and August, we joined a Chinese Dance class. Jada was the youngest, still only 2 years old. Most of the girls are 4-5-6 years. We are trying to get a class started for 3 year olds soon.  

Jada bowling for the first time! 

Jada's HOT PINK bowling ball. I think the "lightest" bowling ball weighed 7 pounds. 

Our extended family--Jada, Kelsie and Kati.  

In August, we had a mini-reunion in Kansas Ctiy. We had 4 families together (out of 10) with children from Dianbai. These are the middle four children. A local KC family that traveled at the same time joined as well. They are the parents of the two boys on the far left and right. It was such fun to be together again and watch our children play. We are hoping to get together every summer! 

Pretty "Dianbai Girls" together for the first time since China! 

Is Andrew asking Jada to come and meet his duck???? Look at those big smiles!!!  

Jada is giving Andrew's duck a drink of water from her pink bucket in the pool. (This has to be one of my all-time favorite picture of pretend play.)  

These cute girls look like they are having some serious pool chat! 

Jada feeding the sheep at Deanna Rose's Feed. It is such a wonderful place.