Little Ladybug's Journey: July 2014

4th of July Pictures

All American cutie

As many of you know, I have been taking pictures of Emily for the 4th of July since our first summer together. My how she has grown since that first year in the red, white, and blue tutu, and her bare little piggy toes!

Now she is my big girl of 7 and still willing to put on her red, white, and blue and pose for pictures for mommy!

The ballet poses were all her idea! Too funny! She really is my all American girl!

Such a big girl

Darling girl

Peace

Cutie Patootie

Pickin' Raspberries

YUMMY!!!

Thank you Nana for inviting us to pick berries this past Sunday. Your garden was incredible and the berries were HUGE!! YUMMY!!! We had a good time and can't get enough of them!

We love you Nana!

HUGE berries

Delicious

Help from JuJu

A FUN DAY!!

Father's Day 2014

Emily and Grandpa

We upheld our tradition with our dad, and Emily's grandpa. This was our fifth year of doing the zoo and then lunch at PF Chang's. I hope we keep this up until it is no longer a possibility. We had a great time as usual. Emily has grown so much since that first year when she was in her stroller the entire time. Now she carries the "map," and directs us to where we should go. She enjoys all of the animals so much and is a true zoo supporter!

She had fun with grandpa and grandma, as well as mommy and JuJu. What a lovely family day. Julyn and I celebrating and honoring our dad, and Emily honoring her grandpa! She really is the apple of his eye, and she loves him dearly! I love watching their relationship, and I just know that their closeness will remain forever!

It was not very hot that day, so the animals were out and we had good views of them all, especially the lions! We walked up to the lion cage just as they were doing a "zoo keeper talk." We got to see them let in the male, two females, and the three cubs, and watch them eat meat that had been placed strategically around for them to get. FASCINATING!! Those cubs are precious!!

A great day was had by all, and it was another one for the memory book! Love you dad/grandpa!

Having fun with the goats

Emily sits on this statue every time

Hi big guy

Isn't it facsinating these creatures run over 70mph

Reading Emily's card

True love!

Kindergarten Graduation June 12, 2014

My Kindergarten Graduate!

Emily was promoted to first grade and had her Kindergarten Graduation on June 12, 2014, at King's Way Christian School. What a year! I can't believe that the sweet darling little 3 1/2 year old I brought home from China 4 years ago, is now ready for first grade! Time flies so fast! What a big girl now!

She dresses up in her finest dress, which happened to be a new one in her closet! Before we headed out to the ceremony, I gave her the gift I had for her. It was a new diamond cross for her to wear that special night and for many special occasions to come, as well as church on Sundays.

She loved the cross, as well as her graduation Starbucks card. My girl does love her Starbucks! :-)

The ceremony was nice (a bit long...over an hour), but still lovely. The Kindergartners sang over ten songs they had learned about God, Jesus, and what they had learned in school.

Then each child had their name called by their teacher and got to shake hands with the principal for a photo op.

Emily had many friends and family attend and wish her well. Thank you to Grandpa, Grandma, Nana, JuJu, Titi, Belen, Grandma Judi, Auntie Heidi, Uncle Brian, Auntie Lisa, and Auntie Sherry for supporting and LOVING sweet Emily!

After the promotion, a whole group of us went out for dessert, and Emily chose to have a chocolate sundae and french fries! That's my girl!

It was a great evening! So proud of you Emily...Way to go!
Mommy

Yippee Starbucks

Reading her card...yes...reading

There's my baby!

Emily and JuJu

All ready to sing

Mommy and her girl!

Cutie!

Emily and Olivia

Cross from Mommy

Emily and the principal Mr. Jensen

Emily and her teacher Mrs. Fix

Such a big girl!!

Ballet Recital June 2014

My little Cheshire Cat

Riverside Performing Arts put on their version of Alice in Wonderland this spring. Emily's ballet class was the Cheshire cats, and had darling striped dresses including tails and ears!

As usual RPA put on a fantastic show, and the kiddos did a wonderful job of learning their dances all year so they could just shine at the recital.

Emily's teacher, Annie, was pregnant, and due any time the day of the recital. She surprised the girls, and at the beginning of their song, she came out in her Cheshire cat outfit. It was cute to see all of the girls' reactions to their very pregnant teacher dressed up like a cat!

It was very sweet to see how many friends and family came out to support Emily in her big dance on her big day! Thank you so much to you all! She ADORES each and every one of you, and she LOVES when "her family" comes to see her! It means a lot to her!

Love,
Kathy