Life is Good

We have been home three weeks now and it seems like this has been our family forever. Things couldn't be sweeter. Life couldn't be better. The girls are having so much fun together and I feel so blessed each and every day. Ila is the best big sister and she is so grown up and I am so proud of her. She watches over her baby sister and takes such good care of her. Even if Ruby left a perfect bite imprint on her arm! Ouch!! And Ruby is adjusting better than I ever hoped. She walks around singing her ABC's and repeats most everything we say. Of course there are moments (which sometimes seems like hours) of competition and whining and the classic "SHE'S TOUCHING ME!" but that goes with the territory.

Scott is working out in California and we are packing up and going to visit for a whole month. That will give him a break from coming home on weekends and we can have dinner as a family every night (yeah!). Ila asks every day about going to Disneyland and meeting the princesses. She is also convinced that "Sparky" the seal at Como Zoo has moved to California to be with her sisters and she is going to visit them on the beach while we are there. She is SO excited!

Here's some highlights of our last few weeks...

Peace, Lani


Sisterly Love



Swimming at the pool





Going to the Mall of America




Bedtime Popcorn Party




Fun with Daddy




Going to feed the ducks at Grandma's house

Sisters!

Here's some pictures of Ila and Ruby playing on their new favorite toy! Plus, a look at Ruby's haircut. Enjoy!

Last Day in Taiwan

We've been home a week and a day now, and things are falling into place. We continue to adjust and learn about one another. Each day gets easier. Ruby is speaking alot of english and is doing really well. Ila always wants to sit by Ruby even if she sometimes says she "doesn't want a little sister". She is the first to help out if Ruby needs something. It's not easy keeping up with a 3 1/2 year old and a 2 year old, but when you hear them laugh together and see them play together it warms your heart. Some days it's like I'm in the middle of a tornado and I can't remember my own name...like the other day when I put my camera on the bumper of my car thinking "I'll remember to grab this before I go into the house" ...and of course didn't. Luckily I had already taken my trip photos off of it. So pictures of our first week home are a little scarce. They're probably laying in the ditch somewhere...

On our last day in Taiwan, we went to the National Palace Museum and the traditional Chinese gardens that surround it. These are some of my favorite pictures from the trip...especially of Ruby. She was getting more comfortable with us and smiling and laughing alot. Many people have mentioned that I "went alone" on this trip and I just want to say that even though Scott wasn't able to go along, my dad was there with me and was a huge help. It would have been extremely difficult without him. So I just want to thank my dad and let him know how much it means to me that he was there. Thanks Dad!