The Weekend

This Mother's Day weekend was spent with family and friends.

Saturday Loren and I got together with our "China Friends". Our plan was to go kite flying and cookout at a nearby park.
However the weather did not cooperate, so we went to Plan B.... Bring the food (of course) to Kristen and Richard's and the girls can play indoors.

After we ate Richard whispered..."go get the bags". So I started whispering too, not sure what we were talking about.

Well the bags were for Abigail! It was a mini baby shower!



These are just a FEW of the gifts! Notice the sweater!! Karyn found a sweater for Abigail. Ya know, the sweater I have been on the search for?


Disney outfits from the M Family.


Sweet Libby with her Mama Karyn. Love that smile.
Karyn bought Loren a bunch of gifts and wrapped them for her to open at intervals while on the flight to China! Karyn's boss (Yes! Her Boss!) did this for her daughter Tori when they traveled last May for Libby and she said it was a great idea!
Thanks so much Karyn.


The weather started to clear and the girls went outside to play.
Loren, Addyson and Tori.


Tori's trick!


Loren


Mia


Of course I had to include the M Family's Fur Babies!!
Guiness


and Lucas!


The weather became Sunny and fairly warm so we decided to go to the park for a couple of hours to fly kites, walk along the "rocky beach" and make S'mores!

Group Shot.
From left to right: Jordan's friend C, Jordan, Addyson, Tori, Libby, Loren and Mia.


Karyn collecting shells with Libby.


Loren searching for the perfect rock to throw into the water.


The Throw.


Taking a rest break waiting for the others to catch up.


It's always a good time when we get together. Looking forward to another kite flying expedition. Next time with better weather and with Abigail!

When I got home there was a box waiting for me!
Lisa sent these beautiful gifts for Loren and Abigail!

For Abigail


For Loren. She loved the cameras and is ready to bring them to China!

Lisa , Thank You so much! I love them all!!
Your kindness and support have helped me greatly during this long and sometimes torturous wait.
I am blessed to have met you (through blogging) and am honored to have you as my friend.
I hope we are able to meet ( in person!) someday.


Mother's Day was spent with family. We went to a favorite Chinese Restaurant for lunch and then back to my house to open gifts. The girls changed and played outside the rest of the afternoon.
Here are a few pics of the girls and Nick outside.

Loren


Kayla


Strawberry Picnic



Loren looks angry here, she really wasn't!


Nick just waiting for me to grab the very deflated basketball and THROW IT!!


On his way back to do it again!



My nieces,Stephanie and Jessica were my "kids" when I didn't have any. I was there for both of their births and was blessed to be able to be involved in their lives and watch them grow into beautiful, responsible and loving adults.
(Stephanie will be babysitting my girls when I return to work. Thank You very very much Steph.)
These girls always remember me on Mother's Day, each and every year.
The card that Stephanie gave me this year brought a few tears....

"What can I say to an aunt who's like a second mom - loving, caring, being there through the years. What can I say when there's no way to tell you how much you mean and how much you're loved - except to hope that in your heart you know."


....I know and I love you too.
Kayla, Stephanie and Jessica (my other girls)


Note:
I will see Jessica tomorrow. Jessica had to work this Mother's Day.
Welcome to the world of Nursing Jess!