Happily Ever After...

Tonight we went to a Donut Man concert with the girls. Now, I'm not saying he's old , but Justin and Ryan loved him when they were kids- that's all I'm sayin..... It is amazing, but after 20 years, I still remember the words to the songs! Our friends were also there with their girls- Aria's buddy is Madison, and they are kindred spirits. Gianna and Leah will be wonderful friends too, they are just too little to know it yet :) You can't tell by the picture, but Gianna really got her groove on. She was clapping and dancing with the best of them- look at Daddy's face enjoying his spunky girl! Our "backstage passes" got us an autographed donut and a picture with the Donut Man himself. Okay, so we didn't really have to get backstage passes, he was standing by the front door on our way out. But we really did get his autograph!

A huge THANK YOU to our favorite friends Tim and Mary for taking this video of our little waddle duck! We love you both!!

At our church, we have a wonderful alternative to Halloween. We celebrate men and women of the reformation period.The children can dress up, as someone from that period, or as something God made. It is great for them to learn about heroes of the faith in such a fun way! This year, we learned about John Wycliffe, and the lengths and trials he endured to translate the Bible into the english language. After a brief video, the kids go from room to room and have crafts and games and collect candy. Here are a few photos of the fun: Aria made a harp and she was so proud of her work! Gianna was happy to waddle around.... After Pastor Joel teased us for the amount of pictures we took of our little ducklings, we decided to ask him to pose with the cuties too! Time for sleepy little ducks to head home for bed!

Okay, not really. But when Aria woke up this morning, she told me it was, and we promptly went into the playroom for her to put my tiara on, hawaiian leis, and a beautiful pink poodle purse. I mean, who could truly celebrate without a pink poodle by their side? Once I was all set for the party, she quickly began "making" my cake in her kitchen. Who knew that cakes are microwaved these days? She ushered me into the princess castle, and sang "Happy Birfday dear Mommyyyy" at the top of her lungs, proud as she could be of the festivities. AND, if that doesn't melt your heart, this will: I got "just because" roses delivered to me FROM MY SON!!!! Aren't they beautiful?? So in a way, I guess she is right. With the gifts of my sweet husband and children, everyday is a reason to celebrate!

Here's the recap of our roller coaster week last week: Monday: Aria has a high fever, we go to the Dr, and she has double ear infections. That is the 8th this year, so we need to decide if tubes are a good option at this point. Greg left for a business trip in the afternoon. Tuesday: Aria is atill running a fever, so I have set the alarm to wake up and check her temp. At 3 AM she decided she was up for the day, and chatted until 5 AM in my bed. Cute, but leads to a loooonnnngggg day. Wednesday: Ryan's friend Jenn arrives from Baltimore. She is a terrific, Godly young girl, and a wonderful family friend. Justin comes home, so we have our house full, which I love. I get busy making yummy snacks and meals. Thursday: The big kids go golfing. I get a call at 1 PM that Justin hurt himself really badly when the golf cart pinned his foot against a curb. Lots of blood, and they are heading to the hospital. With Greg still gone, my sister rushes over to care for the girls while I h...

With all we had going on last month, I missed our 18 month 411, so I will combine the last few months of accomplishments for the amazing Gianna Christine HuiHua: ~Nini is not my name anymore. Oh no, we've moved on to more refined terms. Now,(drum roll please) I am "AHHHMEEEEE" You have to say it in a whiny voice to get the full effect. We are, however, getting closer and closer to Mommy, for which I am grateful. ~She can say 35 words and is putting words together for short senences. A few of my favorites: "Bless you Daddy", "Hi Boebee" (The dogs name is Bogey), and the best: "Want Sum?" She asks that when SHE wants something. It is a replacement for "Here you go" Too cute! ~ She is 22 lbs and 32 inches- a far cry from the 15 1/2 lb baby handed to me just 5 months ago! ~She will eat A-N-Y and every thing! This weekend, she ate fried green tomates at the Fall Apple Festival! She will try even spicy foods. A far cry from the 3 year old...