Our first Halloween

So October was another busy month. We had a couple Halloween events and then Halloween itself. So I have to admit that during the 2+ year wait, I went nuts buying Halloween costumes with the post Halloween discount. I thought I had picked up various sizes but it turns out that most were 2/3 so we decided to switch around for different events.

Well, we started with an event at a Richfield Nature Center with other children adopted from China. She dressed as Snow White.

Then we went to the Elm Creek Nature Reserve with the family (grandma, grandpa, uncle Jeff, and cousins Garrett and Aislinn). This one we also went with Snow White.

Next was the party at dance class. She was Minnie Mouse for this one.

Finally, Halloween. We started with a parade for the daycare center at my work. She looked adorable but she was a little overwhelmed by all of the people watching. Most workers at Best Buy look forward to the Halloween parade to see all of the little ones dressed up. She did smile and wave once she saw me. She was Belle (from Beauty and the Beast).

After work, we headed to the Minnesota Zoo with Jeff, Amy, Garrett and Aislinn for a members only event. It was pretty cool and they handed out some candy but also had other snacks and play items.

Last, we ended up trick or treating in Apple Valley near my brothers house. The first house she was a little confused but at the second house she turned around and gave me the biggest smile once she saw the candy. By the fourth or so house, she would leave one house and ask to be carried but once she saw the next house with lights on she would say "house" and "I walk" so I could set her down to go to the door. She carried the pumpkin around the whole night and no one could even look at it without her saying "mine". It was so cute to see her excited and enjoying this fun holiday. Now I just need to figure out how to smuggle out the candy since there is way too much. Malia on a sugar high is not a good thing. I hope everyone was able to enjoy their Halloween, I know we did!!!

Has it been 6 months already?

I can't believe it but today marks 6 months since we landed in the U.S. as a family. This time together has flow by and yet at times, it seems like just yesterday that I was waiting for my referral. I am excited to get into the holidays with Malia around to share it with but I also feel for those that are still waiting to be united with their child. I remember vividly how hard it was waiting during the holiday season. All I can say is hang in there and you will not believe your life once you are finally together.

As for Malia, she has just thrived here. Her English is constantly improving and we can have decent conversations about school, etc. She is loving dance and swimming. As for daycare, she is having a great time once there but we are working on some fears she has during drop off (needless to say we have been reading the "Momma come home" book a lot).

We have continued to live up life which means that we are usually running around. We celebrated the Moon Festival, play dates, Paint a Plate, MN Art Museum kids day, etc. She just today also played in the leaves and from her reaction, I don't think she has ever done this before. I am loving seeing everything new through her eyes and have therefore appreciated the season change more this year than ever before. I can't believe that I can love Malia more than I do already but each week or even day is another great surprise moment for us. Here is an assortment of pictures so you can see what we have been up to.

Baby Shower and Visit from Aunt Susie, Uncle Ryan (MoMo) and Cousin Jude:







Practicing my somersaults:





Paint your Plate Outing:





Swimming Lessons:







Playing with Cousin Garrett:







Art Institute with Cousins Garrett and Aislinn:

Swimming and Dance!

So Malia started swimming lessons and dance classes this week and did wonderful at both. OK I might be biased but I really do think that she did well. She loves water and swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's house so the swimming lessons were no worry at all. We are taking this class with two friends (Genevieve and Tess). As for dance class, she looked SO CUTE in her outfit. We got there early to pick up her dance shoes and we watched the class ahead of hers. She kept asking her "her turn". Once it was time, she took her dance bag and headed right into the class. She followed along pretty well (especially since we have been home only 5 months today). She did better at ballet and tap than the tumbling but we can try and practice some at home. She is the farthest in the line in the pictures. I can't believe it is almost mid September and I also can't believe that Malia has been home 5 months already. Time is flying but we are trying to enjoy all of these moments.