Beach Break

I'm a little behind with this post, but I couldn't let Eva's first trip to the beach or a great weekend, spent with dear friends, pass by....

While we were in China, we met and traveled with Pat and Chris, who were there to adopt their beautiful daughter Chloe.  We instantly hit it off and so enjoyed our two weeks together.  Before leaving China we agreed that this would not be the last time we saw one another. 

 

Ready to get out of the Michigan cold, Pat & Chris decided to fly down to Gulf Shores, Alabama to relax on the beach.  With the boys out of school for Easter break and only a 6 hour drive for us, it was the perfect opportunity to get our families together once again!

Unfortunately, David had to be out of town for work and was unable to make the trip with us.  Our family friend Dawn, who traveled with us to China and whom Eva now affectionately calls "Nana", was kind enough to travel with us. 

We had a great trip driving down to Gulf Shores and heard Eva say "beach" about 1,000,000 times along the way.  Poor thing, it was so late when we got there that her first glimpse of the beach wouldn't come until the next morning.

They were all so excited and couldn't wait to get down there.  At first Eva wasn't too sure about the sand and felt a little unsteady trying to walk in it.

However, it didn't take her long to get off of the blanket and begin exploring. 

The water was a little cold and the waves a bit strong.  A wave knocked her down and after that she was done with the water for the rest of the trip.  She much preferred to stay on dry land!

Of course the boys thought the waves were "rad" and the water condition just perfect for boogie boarding. They had a great time doing that together.

Chloe and Eva got along so well!  Chloe is 17 months old so they are exactly 17 months apart.

In China we took the "red" couch photo...well here's the condo couch photo...this time no one was crying! They are both "blankie" girls!!

We hated to say "good-bye" to our friends...so instead we said "see you later"!  We know we'll make our get togethers an annual event!!

Hugs & Kisses Chris, Pat & Chloe.  We miss you guys already!!

TEN Months!!

 On July 12, 2010 in Nanjing, China this is the face that greeted us our first morning together...

 Now, 10 months later, this is the smile that brightens EVERY DAY of our lives!!

Truly, every morning, our girl wakes up this happy.  I can think of nothing better to get my day going than to see this smile and hear her laughing.  Usually the first words out of her mouth are "eat" and then she asks where are Noah, Nicholas & Daddy.  Even though she knows the answer before she even asks it's become something of a game each day.
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Eva is really doing great.  On May 2nd I took her to second well visit with the pediatrician.  It had been exactly 9 months since our last visit and in that time Eva has grown 3 1/4 " to 33 3/4" tall.  She has also gained 5 lbs and now weights 24 lbs. 12 oz.  Still a little peanut, but growing steadily; with the rest of her development pretty much on track.  She got her last two immunizations and is now set until the age of four.  Glad to have that behind us, but she was a real trooper!!
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We are eagerly awaiting summer...only 11 1/2 days left of school!  It will be so nice to have the boys home with us all day, every day!!