Jose and Mary's Visit July 2007

Mary and Jose came for a visit on Monday. They drove two hours to play with us. As you can see, Liana and Jose both enjoyed playing in the pool. Of course, they also like to swing.

Liana and Hannah Fishing

This was Liana's first fishing experience. She also had a first boating experience in a paddle boat. My pictures didn't turn out very well though.

The Return of the Fridge

This was taken after my other cousins' bride-to-be's shower.

Visiting Our Friends the Berbers June 2007

We visited Julie, Mario and Mari in June. As you can see, we had a great time. The picture of Liana and Mario towards the bottom is when they were exercising together. Liana loved the fish in the pond, which Mari built. Mario spent a long time with her by the fish pond.

Flower Girl in Cousins Wedding 2007

Liana was one of two flower girls in her cousins' wedding. She was beautiful and did a fantastic job, they all did. The wedding was beautiful and we all had a great time.

Henson Robinson Zoo May 2007

These were taken at the Zoo in Springfield, IL. We went with friends that have two younger little girls. I hate snakes, but to detour Liana from this fear, I encouraged (Yikes! I even touched the thing!) Liana to touch the snake. She had a great time there. I was surprised that she put one foot on the rock wall and didn't look back. She was at the time in no time.

You Crack Me Up

Liana started saying "You crack me up" a week or so ago. It always "cracks me up" when she says it. She says it and laughs, repeatedly.

Just a Swinging

Last year Liana didn't want to stay in the swing. This year I have a hard time getting her out of it.

Easter 2007

There are more pictures to be organized and posted between the last entry and this one; however, I wanted to add a couple of photos to the blog.

Playing in the Snow - Feb 2007

This wasn't the first time we were out in the snow; however, it was the first time we built a snowman. Actually two, although they were very basic. They ended up with a body and stick arms, and that was it. I think the snow started melting the very next day, very rapidly.

There were places where the snow was several feet deep, and places where it was only several inches deep. It was so cute to see her walk on the three feet snow and only go down a couple of inches into it. It was so funny when she was in snow only a few inches deep and she fell over to where her feet and hands were in the snow. She didn't know what to do. So cute!

Chinese New Year - 2007

We attended the fairly new Illinois FCC group as well as Life Link's Chinese New Year Party. It was great! I loved seeing Liana playing with the other little girls. We met some very nice, local people, which was fantastic. Liana had a great time!

Sun Glasses

Liana really enjoys wearing her sun glasses

Cutie Pie

Liana in a Dress

Liana in a dress next to her Dora pull out sofa. It must have been after church!

Christmas 2007

Liana had a good time at Christmas. She loved opening presents; however, it was also the time she started not wanting me to take pictures. Whenever I would attempt to take a picture, she would turn away or put her head down. She does alright now if I ask her if I could take her picture, sometimes!

Dec 2007

I am still practicing on how to post, even though it is pretty simple, I continue to mess it up! It makes me sad to realize that it is the last outfit we purchased in China that fits her.

Dec 2007

Christmas Party 2006

Baking Cookies

With all the talk on the CHI Singles yahoo group about family traditions, I was inspired to bake with my daughter Liana. Mary's blog post about her baking experience with her daughter also motivated me to get to it! I am not a baker, or a cook for that matter, so it was box cookies. Actually magic cookie bars (newer version of seven layer bars). It was so EASY out of the box! Liana helped me and it was terrific baking with her! I recently purchased a tower for her to stand on in the kitchen so she was higher up and could see what was going on. It worked out great for her to help me.
Today I also started filling out Christmas Cards with Liana's help. I set her up on her table in the Living Room with the tree lights on. I worked off the coffee table. I gave her some Christmas cards to color on so we could send Grandma and others a card from her, while I put the ones with our picture on it into envelops. That worked out great for a few cards anyway. We may try again tomorrow or Monday.
Last week Liana helped me put up the Christmas tree in the Living Room. That was fun.

2006 Christmas Card Picture

I had intended to go back and add posts about various stages of our time together since my last post; however, I am going to start now and work from there. I am going to add a picture that our friend Lori took of us at the Governors Mansion. It was decorated with numerous trees for Christmas. Liana wouldn't smile for any of them. She would look away and not want to get her picture taken AT ALL! I one of the pictures to order Christmas cards through Walgreens. It turned out very nice.