Saturday bright and early we went to the annual China Reunion held by the agency I used when I adopted the girls. Every year on a Saturday in August they have an all day event. Its a great way to get caught up with friends we don't get to see very often. This year I ran into Angela and Joe. We met them when we were in China to adopt Ella. It was great great seeing them. Joe is doing great and so is Angela. We also ran into Tracy and Muriel, Michelle and Malia, Annette and Geneivive, Deb, Kristen, Lisa and Matt, Mary and her girls, and many other friends.
The tradition continued with the option to have a family photo taken. The one on the side on the blog was from last year. This year Elizabeth decided she didn't want to be in the picture. So its just me and Ella. That's ok because I don't have a new picture of just me and Ella so if this turns out, that will be in a frame soon. Elizabeth has a photo of me and her on her dresser so now I can do the same with Ella. Elizabeth wasn't in a photo taking mode but got into the swing of the things pretty quick.
We ran into Lily and Ping right away. They are Kate and Erics daughters. I met them on the trip to get Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Ping are from the same orphanage. Lily is her older sister. Lily loves Ella and Ella is falling in love with Lily too. The two of them hung with us for awhile yesterday. We really enjoy their company.
Downstairs we went to watch Wendy's wiggle Jiggle Jam. She is a kids performer and asks for volunteers throughout her whole show. This year Elizabeth said no, but as soon as the music started Elizabeth and Ella were right there. Ping was up there too. Lily took some pictures for me and we all enjoyed it.
From there it was lunch and running into more friends. Then back to the gym to play in the jumpy thing and do crafts. The girls made medals as well as ribbon dancing sticks. They also got tattoos and face / arm painting. We also participated in the Silent auction to benefit orphanages. We bid on and got two cool pillows with chinese characters on them. They make great floor pillows. Elizabeth is laying on one right now watching cartoons.
The end of the day came with the traditional Lion Dance. In the past Elizabeth was afraid because there is a loud drum that goes with the dancing. Two guys are in this really cool get up and they move like an animal. Not really a lion, but it was cool. They walked up and down stairs and Elizabeth was chasing along and enjoying the show. Ella was scared and didn't leave my side. At least not until she had to go help her sister. Elizabeth ran upstairs with all the kids and I tried to keep up but wasn't successful. Ella got out of my arms and said she had to get MeMe... so I was behind watching for both of them. As soon as Elizabeth was back with us, Ella was in my arms again. She had fallen asleep before the Lion Dance started so I was sure she would be crabby if we stayed. I was wrong. Glad to be wrong about that.
The girls were so good we stopped at Target to get some shopping done and then had McDonalds for supper. We relaxed at home that night because we were all super tired. While I was watering the lawn we did go outside and the girls played in the sprinkler and put on a fashion show. The fashion show was them walking down the sidewalk from the corner to our house. But, Elizabeth told me I had to look straight ahead and only look at them while they were passing by. I guess that is how its done in a fashion show... not sure how she knew that.
Sunday we took Dad to church and breakfast and then rested at home. We went to Skylar's birthday (another friend from China and the first trip). When we got home I mowed the lawn and the girls helped sweep and they played on the swingset. Nice night. Then we came in and finished up the Chinese from Friday and watched the Gymnastics. Thanks to Grandma Jo for calling. Elizabeth had said on Friday that she didn't want to do Gymnastics anymore so I was glad Grandma Jo called to talk about how fun it is and how much more Elizabeth can learn. She was glued to the set after that.
Our Friends Ping and Lily
Ping, Ella and Elizabeth helping out with the Show.
The Girls with their glasses... :-) actually this was also during the show and the helpers were all wearing sunglasses.
Ella and Lily. I can't wait to send this one to Lily. She is always very sweet to Ella.
Ella and Elizabeth looking over the unmanned Lion.
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