It's Official!

"...having proved to the satisfaction of the Director [of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services] that she is now a citizen of the United States of America," she received her Certificate of Citizenship in the mail today!

...and looked it over with great scrutiny

The richness of a Chinese heritage and the blessings of American freedoms....all wrapped up in one very cute little package!

Climbing to New Heights

Yes, unfortunately, Miss Lia is a natural climber...

...of barstools,

...kitchen chairs (with a little attitude),



...and desk chairs.

Since she can now reach the computer without assistance, maybe she'll consider starting her own blog.

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

Her giggles really brighten up an otherwise very dreary day.

PS Please excuse the piano practice going on in the background :)

Casual, Yet Sophisticated

There was something about her little outfit today that was just so cute. The understated T-shirt and jeans paired with the sequined purse and top-knot ponytail. Or maybe it was the spunky personality that is starting to fill up those size 6-12 month jeans.

As her shirt states: priceless.

Family S'more Night

Mmmmmm, good!

Tranquility Lost

After a very hectic day, Scott took the older kids to the park for Lauren's soccer practice while Lia and I stayed home. As I cleaned up the kitchen, Lia was playing happily with some toys and I enjoyed the closest thing to a moment of tranquility that I had experienced all day.

After a few minutes, I hear a muffled cry and look over to see a scene straight out of The Wizard of Oz. Somehow she had managed to manuever herself underneath the desk and all that was left of her was a paler version of the ruby red slippers.

I did rescue the child but since the camera was sitting right on top of the desk I thought it only appropriate to make the most of the opportunity.

I don't have many tranquil moments of late, but I sure do have some photogenic ones.

Some Days Are Better Than Others...

Today just doesn't happen to be one of those "better" days. Sigh................

To Swim Or Not To Swim, That Is The Question...

Today was round 2 in our attempt at swimming lessons for Alex. By the end of last summer, he was jumping in off the side of the pool and going underwater on his own, so I thought for sure he would make great strides with lessons this time. But at lesson number 1 last week, he proved me wrong. Apparently, he enjoys everything related to swimming except the part about the water.

So with a brand new pair of Lightning McQueen swim shorts waiting for him at home (you say bribery, I say behavior modification program), I had hoped for a successful lesson today.

Swimsuit on and ready to go

Goggles in place

Swim rings in hand

A quick warm up

A good luck kiss from sissy and we're ready to go

Or... maybe not

And it was all downhill from there

I wonder if Michael Phelps started out this way...

We Sure Do Miss You, Mr. Sunshine...

...and we hope you come back to visit us real soon!

Daddy's Littlest Girl

Lia has finally begun to see what all my other kids have realized about their parents: Daddy is the fun one. It has taken her longer than he would have liked to completely warm up to him but I doubt it will take her much longer to realize that she (like her sisters) has him totally wrapped around her little finger.

Here they are playing peek-a-boo with a toy under her sweater this weekend. The smiles were followed by hugs, kisses, and a lot of laughter...from both of them.

Lia's New Discovery....

...pockets!

Good thing she's wearing a onesie or we'd be having some serious plumber issues!