Josie's Big Birthday Bash

Josie asked for a specific party place because

she wanted to climb this mechanical rock wall

for her 6th Birthday.

Climb it she did!

Look at ther go! 

Many of her friends came to celebrate

her party-- including a two boys from her class. 

There was lots to do from fort building,

to giant doll-houses. . . 

Bouncy House . . .

mini-basketball,

ping-pong,

Wipeout on Xbox,

more fort building 

Soon it was time to line up and head to

the next party room. 

The big birthday cake featuring . . .

(at the request of the birthday girl who

did want to actually see the cake ahead of time)

Josie and Clara Rose in a heart

with

Sponge Bob, Patrick and Gary

Blowing out candles

(Clara Rose is totaly tired of Josie's birthday)

Next it was present time. 

Clara Rose got a little emotional and

received som much needed love from Daddy.

Josie was thrilled with all her presents. 

At the end of it all, Josie handed out party favors

to all her guests and thanked them for coming to her party. 

Relaxing at home in a new Birthday house-coat while

decorating her Birthday purse. 

It was good weekend and Josie had a lot of fun.

I think the best part for me was on the drive home after her big party--

Josie new Clara Rose was feeling sad that it wasn't her party--

Josie said to Clara Rose, "Clara Rose, do you know the best part of my birthday?"

"Having my little sister next to me all day!"

Clara Rose beamed the rest of the night while she played

with some of Josie's new toys.

Bye-Bye Five

Last Weekend was the momentous occasion of Josie turning 6-years old!

The birthday-girl her first morning as a 6-year old!

Josie opted to wait until the evening after dinner to open her presents.

We made a truckload of cupcakes and brought them to the

China Cares playgroup in the afternoon.

It was a fun afternoon and all of Josie's China Care friends

sang Happy Birthday to her. 

Josie with her China Care friend.

At the request of the birthday-girl, we had breakfast for dinner--

pile on the bacon!

Don't forget the ketchup! 

Next it was time for a few presents!

Josie was all smiles opening her gifts. 

Clara Rose was happy to get her Consolation

"Boo-hoo, it is your sister's birthday and not yours," present. 

Breakfast for dinne?

What better to follow that than a delicious doughnut cake?

After flying high from a sugary high . ..

everyone crashed for some cartoons. 

We See the Moon

For any parents through adoption who find it difficult to talk with your children about

adoption or who aren't sure how to begin discussions with your child(ren) so they know it is OK for them to ask questions and express their feelings, you may want to consider reviewing this book.

An elegant and evocative book for adopted children to open the birthparent and adoption dialog between parent and child.

Many adult adoptees have gone through life wanting to ask questions about their birthparents, but felt the thoughts they have might make their parents uncomfortable. Then, these questions have remained unasked and unanswered. "We See the Moon" opens the adoption dialog at an early age by allowing the questions in your child's heart to be asked and discussed, creating the foundation for conversations to come.

This is a story written from the child's perspective, asking the questions that dwell in their hearts about their birthparents...What do you look like? Where are you now? Do you think of me? It will help children use the moon as a private tool to connect with a family that is always with them in their hearts.

China Care Olympics

The girls had a fun event this past weekend with the University's China Care Program.

I think I have mentioned before that the China Care Program is a non-profit

organization that raises funds to pay for surgeries needed by orphans in China who will otherwise not likely recieve the surgery needed.

The organization is largely made up of college chapters who also provide mentors

to children adopted from China.

This weekend the Chapter we participate with held an

Olympic themed fundraiser.

Josie and Clara Rose with their friends Carly and Claire.

There were lots of games to play with small prizes. 

There were a few different shows throughout the afternoon. 

Clara Rose and her friend Grace giving it

their all in a leap frog race. 

A Lion Dance Performance. 

After the Lion Dance Show, the kids were invited

to get a closer look at some of

the Lion Costumes.

The "Baby Purple" Lion is a huge fave! 

Look at that cute baby Lion Dancer! 

Clara Rose was one thrilled little girl! 

It was a fun afternoon for everyone! 

The Busy Month of November

November is apparently a very busy month.

National Native American Heritage Month;

National Diabetes Awareness Month;

National Pancreatic Cancer Month; 

National Novel Writing Month- and many bloggers take on the task of writing a post every day.

Interestingly enough, the Department of Ed has also declared the month of November to be National Reading month-- I guess to complement all the writing that is suppose to occur.

November is also National Adoption Month and many bloggers who are part of adoption mosaic take on the task of blogging daily about adoption from their perspective.

I might do a little bit of blogging on adoption, but most likely not much.

I feel like there are already plenty of adoptive parents and agencies out there blogging about adoption.

I encourage folks to click on some of the adoptee blog links I have on the side bar and read what they have to say.

Since November is also National Reading Month, you may also want to try reading the book displayed above-- if you have not already read it.

Halloween Partys

The weekend before Halloween kept us on our toes!

The girls had some super fun Halloween parties and

we had to prep for Hurricane Sandy.

Clara Rose and Josie dressed in their Halloween best for

the YMCA Halloween party.

There were lots of games to play.

Fun crafts to make.

Many fun Halloween decorations.

We also had a fun time at our

Town's Halloween party.

They have a Halloween Egg hunt.

The girls and a couple friends checking out their eggs.

Josie found an egg with a ticket in it

and won this Halloween light wand.

There were some interesting creatures at the party!

Never Fear Wish Fairy, Bat Girl is on the job

keeping all of us safe!

Trick or Treat!

Trick or Treat!!!!

Happy Halloween!

One of the bestest holidays EVER!!

Just ask any child.

Especially either of these two.

Josie dressed as a wish fairy-- she put together her own costume with items she already owns--mostly by herself with just a little help from me.

Clara Rose has been talking about dressing as Bat Man since July!

Seriously, I have no idea where that came from.

She picked out her outfit from a store.

Today they had a fun Halloween Party at their school, but nothing quite compares

to going out door to door, at night, getting candy from all the neighbors. 

Josie in a Fairy pose.

Bat Girl!

Clara Rose is VERY serious about being Bat Girl!

The first house.

The second house.

The Third house-- Oh boy!

They are really in a groove now!

Running from door to door!

They even braved the houses with tombstones in the yard

and skeletons sitting on the front porch. 

Nothing was getting between Bat Girl

her candy . . . 

Or the Wish Fairy and her candy! 

It was a fun and satisfying night for both the Wish Fairy and Bat Girl.