ballgames, haircuts, and winking

Brother in law Greg gave us some tickets to see the Redbirds play. Not just tickets, but a meal, as well as four chances to win 50 "redbird bucks" [for the gift shop or any food vendor in the park] Sam loved the game, Stella loved walking around the park and playing on the playground, and we loved being there with them. At the end of the eighth inning, they announced the winner of the bucks- Sam! How exciting! It took FOREVER to figure out what all to buy- and he ended up with a great deal of stuff. Thank you, Greg, for the great evening!

Stella's first haircut was this week- she sat so still ! It helped that her father was getting his cut at the same time- the stylist turned Stella's chair so she could watch him . Only a little off the back, and her bangs were evened out, but it really makes a difference. So cute!

Her Grandmother taught her to wink this week, and she is quite proud of herself- she has not perfected it yet, but just give her a little time!

Hope you all have a great week, and are as ready for school to start next week as we are!

Ball games, Big hair, and Bible School

Last week, we took baby Stella to Meme's to spend the night, and the three of us went to Memphis for a Redbird game. Sam had a great time, even though he did not catch a pop fly. We had a wonderful meal at Blue Fin, stayed in a swanky hotel room at the Westin, and felt , as Sam put it, "very posh"

Later that week, the four of us went to Grandmother Clark's house to spent a night . We each took turns driving the mule, which gave Stella a great big head of curls- how many Chinese girls have naturally curly hair, any way?! We looked at deer tracks, the soy bean fields, and some huge old trees- big fun, I can tell you. We are looking forward to going back out there.

This week was VBS at Saint Luke. The theme was "Crocodile Dock" - a bayou setting, complete with fireflies, possums, and turtles. We had fun in the craft room- when ever the time ran long, Meredith would entertain the children with a song-dance-drawing lesson that she made up on the spot. Talent obviously runs in my family, I say.

We only have a few weeks left before school gets back into swing, and I cannot believe it. This summer went by faster than most- but it could just be me.

I hope you are using the rest of your summer making some wonderful memories with your family. I know we are!

Happy Fourth of July!

Stella is wearing her patriotic shirt, and is ready for a parade. The sad part is that we do not have a parade anywhere near us. Guess we will just have to make our own!
Hope you all have great plans for this weekend- be safe, and God Bless America!

watermelon, anyone?

Sam bought Stella this outfit while we were in Guangzhou. How sweet is that? It was totally his idea, and I think it put a little tear in Meme and KK's eyes when it happened. God bless his sweet little heart!

We had Stella's christening Sunday, and had a nice brunch at the house after. Tony and Dana sang Steven Curtis Chapman's "Fingerprints Of God" for Stella, and it was beautiful.

The house was full of family and friends, and we all enjoyed the food Clark had cooked. Oh, have I mentioned that he is an amazing cook?

Now the house is quiet once more, with Sam and Stella getting in to a summer-time groove. We walk in the mornings, Stella takes a nap, I do a little scrapbooking, feed lunch to the children, and then Clark comes home from Summer School. Our afternoons are fun, with lots of family time. That is the one think I hate about the summer- you get so used to spending so much time together that it is hard to go back to school.

Sam's birthday lunch and Stella's christening

summer time

And we are having so much fun. Stella is standing on her own, trying to walk a little, and constantly making a bee line for the stairs. We are having a good time chasing her around the house, I can tell you. Her christening will be this sunday morning, at the early service. We are all looking forward to that, because ALL of my sisters and my brother are coming to town for it. Sam loves to have his family visit.
Sam and his friend Bob have been together every day since Sunday. Wonder if they will get tired of each other any time soon? They both seem to be having a great time playing baseball, going to the neighbor's house to get the baseballs that are hit over the fence, and starting all over again. I have to admit, it does not look like fun to me.