"Big Red" and play doh

Our, what seems like, perennial feathered friend, has returned once again! We call him "Big Red" He comes to visit us around this time of year, as well as summer. He's really big! This picture really doesn't give you a good representation of how big he truly is. The kids weren't quite as excited to see him this time as they were preoccupied by other things, but Dan managed to snap a few shots of him.
The other day, we made edible play doh. The kids LOVED it and played with it for almost three hours (with nibble time included!) They love play doh as it is, but have never played with the usual kind you buy in the stores for that long. I think it has to do with being something THEY made, as well as being edible. We used different things to "dress it up" such as dried cranberries, raisons and chocolate chips.
Here Sonja has her snake with it's tongue sticking out (her explaination)
Here's Max's. He ened up eating all of his play doh and then trying to swipe some of Sonja's!
If you want the recipe, here it is

1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup of honey (I used the thick creamy type Billy Bee, but you can use any kind)
1 cup of dried milk powder

Mix all ingredients until combined well. If it's still not thick enough, just add more milk powder a little at a time until it's the consistancy you like.

Have fun with it!!
That's all for now!

Until next time

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year!
Here's hoping that the coming year brings you all happiness and prosperity!

This past weekend, January 31st, we celebrated the New Year with our friends and adoption travel companions the R and F families. The R's daughter Sophie, who was adopted at the same time as Sonja, attends a Chinese school. The school puts on a New Year celebration for the families of those who attend the school and their guests. The F family's daughter Maiya doesn't attend the school but also had a part in the celebration too.

The above photo of daddy and the next few were actually taken by our budding photographer Sonja. I don't think they're too bad for a four year old!
Here Maxie mugs for our little photographer Sonja.
Max again strikes a pose for Sonja.
The show opened up with the children and lion dancers.



Then came the adult dancers. They were all beautiful, as was their dancing. Very graceful.

Another group of children dancing. They were so cute and did a great job.
A group of older children played a few songs on the violin. Sonja and Max both have toy violins and when they saw these children playing them they sat silently watching. After the first song, Sonja said "Mommy I want to play the violin like them" to which I told her she can if he wants. Looks like violin lessons in the future!
This little skit was so cute. They did a song about eating watermelon and wondering if they ate the seeds, if they would grow a watermelon in their tummy! In the center of the picture you can see Sophie.
A close up picture of Sophie in the skit.
Here the "non_Chinese families" did a skit. On the far left hand side you see Sophie, Barb and Shelby R and Maiya and Lisa F.
Here is a closer picture of them during the skit.
The kids gathered outside the auditorium for a group picture. from L to R is maiya F sitting on her cousin Sophie's lap, Sophie R sitting on Shelby R's lap, and Sonja and Max.
Sonja sitting on Matt R's lap. She just loves him!!
Shelby and Sophie R give each other a big hug
Shelby R and her Daddy Matt with Sonja sitting on his lap. She was stuck to him like glue!
Max taking a bite of the Chinese food offered. They had spring rolls, tofu, these yummy meatballs and some other things, along with a variety of sweets. They also had games to play for which you received tickets to collect and get prizes, along with a bounce house.
It was a great time. After the celebration we all went to the R's house and had pizza and the kids played. We had a great time and only wished we lived closer to our other travel families. We will see them again soon.

We hope you all have a happy New Year!

Until next time....

Martina McBride - In My Daughter's Eyes (LIVE)

If ever a song could describe my relationship with my daughter, THIS would be THE ONE!
I cry every time I hear it.
I hope you too will enjoy it!