Colorado Boxes, Bowling, and Hula Hoops!

Maliana ~

Monday we went to DQ after school with Audrey Ayi and then she helped us out by babysitting while we went to drop Daddy's jeep at the mechanic. While we were gone she helped you practice baseball, make a yarn doll, and played your beloved LPS games. Once Daddy and I got home and heard the two of you in one of your silly games...we were cracking up at the both of you. As I've said before, there's never a dull moment when Ayi is around.

loving on your Ayi

This week was also very special in that we received the packages from our friend Jo in Colorado! Two gigantic boxes, packed full of goodies and school clothes, arrived from all the way across the country. You were SO excited! She did such an amazing job of picking out the absolute perfect items for you too...it almost seemed like she has known you all your life! I think she did a better job than even I could have! Ha ha. Anyway...here are some pictures and a video of you thanking Jo. Once again ~ a big thank you 'shout out' to Jo! From the bottom of our hearts...you have no idea how much it means to us! It was such a special way to start our week.

so excited! what could be inside?!

such a sweet message from our sweet friend Jo

you tried so hard to read the card yourself, but then made
sure that I read it all to you before opening anything else

super hero mask!

you were so excited to get new silverware!
(and here I had no idea that you've
been in the market for new
silverware!?)

Squishy Baff (this stuff turns your bath water
into goo of some sort) ~ your face
says it all..."What?!?" Ha ha.

an explorer kit!

it fits!

loving your new glasses...kept saying you needed
to wear them to school in the morning

a guitar AND a monkey...this shirt was made for you!

this shirt has a detachable cape! so cool!

And here's the link for the Thank You Jo!! video...

Daddy put this on Facebook the next day with this caption:
Mali is going to school with her "cool" glasses thanks to her Aunt Jo Knob!! I didn't have the heart to tell her the package said "Nerd Glasses" You Rock Jo!!

Tuesday we did our annual photo shoot for family day with Brittany (from next door) at Innis Woods. It also just so happened to be the same day that we stepped off the plane from China and arrived back in the United States. FOUR years ago on that very day! Wow. On the one hand I can't believe it's been so long, and on the other hand, I can't remember a time when we weren't all a family. Below are just a couple "sneak peek" shots from our photo shoot...I can't wait to see the rest!

this just might be one of my favorite pictures of us

posted on Facebook:
4 years ago today we stepped off the plane from China and continued on the best adventure of our lives! Happy anniversary Buggabean! Daddy and I love you more than you can imagine! 

Wednesday I was greeted after school with big smiles and hugs. We took Abby for a walk at Hoover. It was a gorgeous and warm summer night spent in the outdoors with my two girls. I couldn't ask for any more!

Abby is such a patient dog!

using your new explorer binoculars from Auntie Jo!

hiking with a monkey on my back

heading home

Thursday we had a house-guest...Stacy came in town from Virginia! She was here for her twentieth high school reunion and we got to have her spend the night with us for one night (of course we wish it were more, but we'll take what we can get!) You were SO excited to see her, immediately warmed right up to her, and kept wanting to show her things or do things with her all evening. There's not much that warms my heart more than to see you appreciate and adore the same people in my life that mean so much to me. Very cool stuff.

you were so excited to get into your
jammies with Stacy

Friday night we took Uncle Blaize bowling. It was so good to see him again and even though you and I only lasted two games and had to go home to bed, Daddy took him to a late showing of a scary zombie movie. They love their zombies! You did, however, talk me into stopping at the gas station and letting you pick out some candy on the way home though...perhaps not the best decision of the evening but hey...#momoftheyear #youonlyliveonce...right??

with Uncle Blaize

our silly bowling team

yeah...ummm...don't even ask, ha.

On Saturday we had a spur of the moment visit with Mia and her family. It was really good to see this crew again and as always, you kids are very entertaining. We brought over some of the Squishy Baff that Jo had sent you...so that definitely ratcheted up the entertainment factor a good bit. You kids are so funny and Michelle and Fred are great sports. Good, good people right there, all the way around.

checking out the goo!

squishy baff!!

slimy!

I love this picture...you can actually see the
goo flying over Michelle's back!

a messy good time

Sunday morning Daddy went golfing so we had a 'girls only' relaxing time around the house and then ran some errands at Easton. We picked up a crate to (hopefully) help with litter training our new kitty, and then made a side trip to $5 and Below (of course). While outside the store and messing around with one of their displays, I discovered that you can hula hoop...and you're pretty good too! I had no idea! You go girl!

Check out the video of our Hula Hooping Sensation!

That afternoon Daddy got home and took you to Easton for a date while I got some stuff done around the house. You rode the trolley, got Jeni's ice cream, played games at KDB, and drove the remote control boats. A solidly good day for you little missy!!

Love,
Mama