Boo's Birthday

 

I can't believe she is already nine!  If I'm honest, I still look at her and see a 6 year old and when I really think about the number 9, it's shocking.  Where has the time gone?  We celebrated as a family but also with a friend sleepover party, her first one.  They were a delightful group of girls throughout the evening and it was quite possibly the first time we didn't have to constantly nag kids at a party to be quiet and go to sleep! 

 

This year Boo has really blossomed.  She seems much less shy around others and is even willingly participating in the church Christmas play.  That is a first.  She has not only agreed to try basketball this year but is actually enjoying herself!  She still loves her art class but has learned to relax and not expect perfection from herself.  She's always ready and willing to help out around the house and loves to sit and chat, about anything.  One precious friendship that has really blossomed this year is between her and a 95 year old lady named "Miss Ester".  Often while we worked in Ester's garden, Boo would go in to visit with her on her own.  As she is still quite a momma's girl, this step of independence was a real surprise to me.  We all love Miss Ester but Boo shares something special with her.

 

I could go on and on but I won't.  Happy birthday to my sweet, funny and beautiful baby girl!  I love you!

 

Halloween

We had a very different Halloween this year.  Instead of the typical dressing up and going to a church party for candy and games, the kids felt too old for all of that.  As long as I was willing to buy candy :), they wanted to stay home for family fun.  We ended up inviting our Chinese students over to join us for dinner and a movie and had a great time.  I'm not sure if this is our new tradition yet but it was nice to do something at home this year.  Oh and on the way back to the dorms that night, we did take the girls to a friend's home so they could try their hand at "trick-or-treating".  It's fun to experience and discuss the differences in our two cultures and since we're studying China right now in our History, it's very educational as well!

 

In preparation for Halloween fun, Aunt Susie sent out a box with yummies for the family and some fun, festive snacks for the kids to make and share with their friends.  What would we do without Aunt Susie!?!  She spoils us.