LIVING LIFE: February 2013

Monday, February 25, 2013

More CNY Pics...

Jason and Emily got a new camera for Christmas and I loved how their pictures turned out! Here are a few of my favourites. :)

Monday, February 18, 2013

We had a wonderful Family Day weekend -- perhaps the best weekend since we have been home! :)

We really didn't have any plans. But it turned out to be the weekend of unexpected, but very welcomed, visits.

On Friday evening, just as we were finishing dinner, we got a message from my cousin saying that they were in town for the weekend and that they would love to pop by for a visit. Half an hour later they arrived, with two of their girls, and we were able to spend time together catching up and shared with them our adventures in China. It was wonderful to have them meet Ailee for the first time and the girls, who are now in Grade 6, were good sports about playing with Maelyn.

On Saturday, Maelyn and I went to eat at the Mandarin with our bestest neighbours and it was so much fun to get out of the house and to not have to cook dinner!! Ailee and Daddy stayed at home, as Ailee is not yet able to sit for more than a few minutes at a time in her chair.

Yesterday, Maelyn's friend Brenda came for a playdate and we ended up having tea with her parents. Later that night, Paul and I talked about how nice it was to spend time with other adults. Since getting home from China, we really haven't done much visiting. The girls have gotten sick so often that we have spent much of our time at home on our own.

This morning, we had visitors that we were so happy to see -- friends who are a part of our China 'Ling' family. Lori, Dave, and their daughter Ella live about three hours from here, but they were visiting Dave's parents, who live relatively nearby. On the way home from Dave's parents, they took the time to stop by for a visit and we are so happy that they did! We love spending time together and Ella is such a cutie -- we missed them!

This afternoon, we headed to Stouffville to visit Paul's mom in the hospital. She had not yet met Ailee and it warmed my heart to see Paul introduce his mother to his newest daughter. He was such a proud Daddy! His mom is doing a lot better and although we were only there for about an hour, it was a very good visit. Both girls were quite open with Paul's mom and gave her big hugs and kisses when we left.

This kid is so darn cute -- love the pipe-cleaner glasses!! :)

We tried to get a good picture of the girls -- but Maelyn was being totally uncooperative...

Then she brought out the tears...

A part of a smile, after being bribed with chocolate...

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day!

Maelyn was excited for her Valentine's Day celebration at school. What could be better than dressing up in hearts, a skirt, and everything pink? :) When I dropped her off at school, she didn't even say goodbye because she was too busy jumping up and down with her friends.

After school, Maelyn was upset -- because she wanted to stay at school! They had a dance party for the whole school in the afternoon and Maelyn is really into dancing these days -- so she had a blast!! She danced so much that she fell asleep in the car on the way home!

For dinner, we had our traditional heart-shaped pizza and the kids loaded themselves up with sugar. Ailee has definitely discovered her love of treats!

Kabobs for dessert...

One of my favourite valentine's!!

Each of the girls made a card for Daddy...

Poor Maelyn couldn't find her sucker. Then, she discovered that it was in her hair -- and wasn't too happy about it!

Happy Valentine's Day! Love from,

Jan, Paul, Maelyn, and Ailee

Monday, February 11, 2013

Happy New Year!!

This weekend we celebrated the Year of the Snake with some wonderful friends. It was one of our first get together's since coming home with Ailee and it was wonderful to spend some time in the company of good friends. Maelyn loved having friends over to play with and Ailee was happy to tag along. :)