Oct 12, 2007 At the Apple Barn & Painting Pumpkins

We went to the Apple Barn to take pictures of the girls for Fall. Some pictures were taken at Hannah's house also. The girls painted pumpkins. They did a great job! I absolutely adore them!

October 20, 2007 Fall Color Tour in Pike County, IL

Hannah and her Mom decided to join us this year for the Fall Color Tour. The leaves were not turning, so it wasn't the best one I have gone to. I wasn't looking to buy anything, so that curbed my interest also. It was nice being outside, and Liana got to ride a pony all by herself. At first I was walking beside her to ensure she didn't fall. She was doing so well! Then the pony started getting skittish about me. The girl said it didn't like me, so I backed off and she rode by herself, with the girl leading the pony. Later I found out that the pony doesn't like anyone walking beside it. Oh well. Liana loved it. Liana, Hannah and I rode in a wagon pulled by a horse. That was fun.

September 14, 2007 American Girl Doll Store

After China Town we headed to Chicago to the American Girl Doll Store. Hannah loved the new doll, and I almost made it out of the store without buying anything. Then we did one more look through the store, and I bought the Just like Me doll that was suppose to be Chinese. I will give it to her for Christmas this year. I also got the Chinese outfit, and the Chinese pajama's. Oh my! It had been a long day and the girls were over tired. Even us older girls! Hannah and Liana were the stars of the place where ever we were. They were laughing and playing so hard with the dolls and the strollers, etc.

Chicago China Town with My Friend Hannah!

September 14, 2007

We took a road trip to Chicago to see China Town and the American Doll Store. It was an interesting trip, partly because Liana had just REALLY started the full pottying and only underwear. She did a fantastic job! China Town was very nice. You couldn't escape the Chicago feel though...there was road construction being done in town by city employees. It lost a little of it's ambiance. We had a great time!

September 1, 2007--2 year Anniversary of Liana's Referral

I am amazed it has been two years ago that I was given the news of my daughter. I excitedly waited by the door for the UPS truck to arrive. I happened to have gone in the other room for a minute, and almost missed it! The rang the bell, dropped off the package and ran! I do have a picture of the back of the truck down the street. The plan was to drive to Saint Louis and pick up the Referral Package; however, I was so shaky that was impossible. When Karolyn told me about Liana, I was so overwhelmed. She was real!!!

September 1, 2007--Saint Louis Zoo

Today Liana and I picked up our friends Hannah and Cheryl and headed to the Saint Louis Zoo to meet Josie, Mary, Todd and friends of theirs. It was a wonderful day for us. The weather was absolutely perfect! We were with great friends, and saw so many new and interesting things. I think the biggest hits was the train ride, the carousel, and the water fan!!!! There was fussing when we had to leave the train, as well as the carousel. The water fan had the largest smiles! The girls got along so well. After we left the zoo...thanks Mary and Todd...we went to the mall. Hannah and Liana were laughing so much when they were in a toy store jumping on the jumping things. I even have video clips of it; however, I still haven't figured out how to add it to the blog yet. It was a very long day for the girls. They slept on the ride home, luckily I didn't, since I was driving!

Family Day at Christian Camp Aug 26, 2007

Liana had fun in the water, although the pictures don't support that statement. She looks like she is having a horrible time! She almost got to go on a pontoon boat ride, but mechanical difficulty halted that plan. The alternate plan was swinging on the tractor tire swing with friends!

Friends 1st Birdthday Party Aug 25, 2007

Liana really enjoyed the cake, more specifically the icing!

Illinois State Fair 2007--Aug 17, 2007

Since I work several days at the fair, I usually am not thrilled to go back again. This year my Mom came to stay with Liana while I worked a Saturday at the Fair. Friday after I got off from work, we all headed to the fair. It was a first for Liana, and my Mom. She had never been before! We were only there a couple of hours, and many things were closing as we were trying to go to as much as possible. I took pictures of as many "fair" things as I could. One of Liana eating cotton candy, a corn dog...her first horse back ride! She got to see an alligator. I guy was trying to catch it's tail. She still talks about the alligator. She like it at first; however, she is starting to make up stories of it trying to bite her. Oh, I took a couple of pictures of Liana watching the bungee jumping I asked if she wanted to do it and she said "I just watch." Annslee is the champ on bungee jumping!