First Day of School

Where does the time go?

Surely, it is in over-drive and going to fast!

Today is a milestone-- Josie's first day of Kindergarten!

Oh boy was she excited!!

She is at the same school she's been at since-- well, since daycare.

So today, wasn't as traumatic as it is for some kids on their first

day of kindergarten-- not to mention traumatic for Mommy!

Wim dropped her and Clara Rose off at my office this morning.

so I could drop them off on their first day of school.

Josie with her new backpack (her new matching lunchbox is inside).

She is wearing her 'fancy' dress at her own choosing.

'Stylin' with a very Hip Hello Kitty set. 

Josie leading the way through the parking lot

toward the school. 

Walking down the hallway. 

Clara Rose showing off her

new lunch box of choice--

Lightening and Mater (that is the best I can do!) 

It definitely matches her flowing white and pink dress

that she wanted to wear today.

Inside Josie's room. 

Unpacking her school supplies

at her cubby. 

A picture with Mom and her little sis. 

Signing-in 

In Clara Rose's Pre-K Room 

She also had to sign-in. 

A quick peek inside Josie's room as I was leaving. 

She had a great first day!

Dragon Boat Races

This past weekend the girls and I joined their friend Grace and her mommy for

a fun day at a Dragon Boat Race and Fesitval.

We have a few of these events not too far from where we live and

the girls really enjoy going (as do we) so we all make an effort even if we

have to travel a bit to get there.

This particular venue is a great setting!

They have a wonderful make-up artist who does free face painting! 

Clara Rose was quick to pick out a ranibow butterfly.

Josie opted for something a little more subtle-- heart-2-heart on one cheek.

Grace chose a pink princess design. 

We enjoyed some of the entertainment.

This young girl played some lovely Chinese folk songs on a 

traditional instrument called a Hulusi and Bawu.

It is kind of like a mix between a flute and a clarinet and produces a very lovely melody. 

This gentleman is from the same Province as Josie, Guangdong Province.

He played traditional folk music from Guangdong.

Josie was definitely pleased when I told her this man was playing traditional music

from her province. She said that she liked it alot.

The instrument he played is call an erhu and it has an interesting and pleasant melody as well.  

Clara Rose and Grace up front watching one of the dance and music performances.

After watching several of the performances

we moved down to the RiverFront so we

could watch a few of the Dragon Boat Races

while eating some lunch. 

Josie was content watching the races while

eating her lunch. 

Clara Rose was more interested in

being her usual "Miss Funny-Pants" self. 

After lunch and waching a few races,

we wandered back to the performance area.

These young ladies are second generation Laotian.

Their families were very happy to watch them perform traditional

folk dances from Laos. 

Another Dance Troupe that had a variety of dances

and was lots of fun to watch. 

We all enjoyed the "baby" Lion Dance. 

 All too soon it was time for us to head home.

Each of the girls chose a pretty fan from one of the vendors.

On the way out we pass through a science center and the girls

were amazed by the dinosaur in the back that every so

often would move and roar.

After the Rain . . .

One week back from vacation was all it took

for the girls to come down with a lovely bought of Hand, Foot and Mouth virus.

To put it mildly-- It sucked!

Poor Josie, who has not really been ill since we adopted her over four year ago, really got slammed.

It was heart breaking.

Thankfully, Clara Rose didn't seem to be effected as severely.

After the rain-- metaphorically and actually--

Both girls were happy to be back to their fun-loving, silly selves.

Words cannot express how happy I was to see this

big gorgeous smile once again! 

While a good portion of our country is experiencing a drought this season,

our neck of the woods seems to be under a constant threat of rain and thunderstorms.

I wish I could send some of it to where it is needed!

Nothing like puddle jumping to lift one's spirits high! 

The girls and I went on a small hike at a nearby daycamp.

We found the outdoor theater and I was treated to

a short impromptu show. 

It was another weekend day threatened by rain showers.

After our hike, the sun came out and everyone got steamy.

Luckily we were able to cool off in a super fun way. 

Vacay Day 7: Being Fancy

On Friday Ye Ye treated us to a fun afternoon concert

being held at a lovely seaside mansion.

The girls decided they wanted to dress up and be

fancy for the day.

Super Cute!

Oh and let's not leave out any of the sass!

Completely FRESH!

Listening to a song about a catterpillar becoming a butterfly. . .

We were suppose to act like a butterfly.

Josie made her Kitty flip flops into a butterfly.

Oh yes-- that is totally a sassy gleam in her eye!

It was a fun concert.

After the concert, we walked the 'grounds' of the Mansion.

It was a beautiful-- very hot day.

We found a shady bamboo garden where

were able to cool off for a bit.

The girls off and exploring.

By the Bay.

By the bay with the mansion behind us.

How would you like to mow this backyard?

Everyone was feeling a bit too hot . . .

and sassy.

Ye Ye lightened everyone's spirits with

his silly ways.

Back on the Terrace of the Mansion.

Thanks Ye Ye!