MJ

The inseparable six -- MJ is second from the right, between Katie and Bee

Please be in prayer for our dearest MJ. She is undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor, possibly cancerous. We love her and her family so much, and we love our God! He is sovereign over all, and we rest in his promises. He holds us all in His loving, merciful hands. Praises be to Him -- even in this storm.

Bowling!

Ruth's birthday wishes were simple: Popeye's chicken, bowling, and us. We were very happy to supply ourselves for the evening!

We love this family so much! They're just awesome.

Our bowling skills on the other hand are ... not so awesome. Katie might have a titanium hip, but it sure didn't kick in its super powers that evening. Eventually, she resorted to desperate measures.

Meet Joel, one of Emmy Xiang's devoted young men. She seems to have him wrapped around her little fingers, but as Katie so aptly quoted, It's "mutual, I'm sure."

I think we're probably all a little in love. :)

Dancing Under Heaven

Bee, the filmmaker, wrote and directed another movie recently, and, of course, we enjoyed a fun premier! Do you think they were excited?

Looks like it!

This specific event, we even had fancy cakes featuring the crests of the good guys and the bad guys in the film.

And, obviously, no major event in our little circle would be complete without dancing! A fun evening to celebrate (yet another) production! :)

Everyday-ness

We dabble in modern art. (Meet Bruce, by the way.)

We plant delicious herbs.

We hide during scary parts. Though a little scary, Tangled is officially Emmy's favorite.

We drink tea. Lots of it. In pretty cups.

We smile for impromptu photo shoots.

We get goofy, too.

Are we weird or what? (This is Phil.)

The End of a Season

After falling in love with Cross Country and Track at the local Christian school, the Bug and the Bee stepped out and began their running at the large public school in town.

That is, until the Bug decided to develop a cyst in her femur. That didn't stop her from showing her team spirit, though.

And she remained a faithful attendee of practices and meets, building relationships with her crazy friends!

They enjoyed some really fun events like a scavenger hunt ...

and the homecoming dance.

Since her surgery forced her to step out of running for a while, Katie was able to work on the track and field team as a manager. She absolutely thrived in that role, putting all her administration and coaching skills to work. And, to be honest, there's no way that team would have accomplished all they did without her!

And all that hard work payed of, 'cause she got lettered at the banquet -- a high honor for a non-runner! Way to go!

Gracie's 13th!

Our biological baby is growing up! Just look at that gorgeous young lady. And see that beautiful necklace she's wearing?

That was Mama and Daddy's gift to her: her first Sorrelli necklace, her first "real" jewelry! It's dainty and pastel -- perfect for the Pooch!

Katie and I found this beautiful note board at a thrift store, so we had fun collecting pictures, colored papers, and quotes to decorate it. Now it hangs in Gracie's room... but back to her party.

About a week after her birth date, Gracie invited a few of her young lady friends over for a DIY tea party. They prepared their own dainties, ate as Gracie opened gifts, and then repaired to the out of doors for dress up (of course).

A lovely table, don't you think?

Is there anything more beautiful than a mix-matched bouquet freshly picked from the gardens?

Ruth and Emmy look more and more like sisters the older they get... Two peas in a pod, those China-girls!

Gracie's party, though a thoroughly joyful occasion, was mingled with a little bit of sadness. Her dear friends Hannah and Elizabeth said goodbye, as they prepared to move a state away. We'll miss them so much, but can't wait to see them again! We love you, girls!

Aren't they a swell bunch?

Another Change!

The night of Pooch's birthday, Emmy Xiang experienced another big change. Not only is she now a seven year old, but she's lost her first tooth due to natural aging!

Last smile with (almost) all of her baby teeth.

After a few personal attempts, Emmy conceded that Daddy might do a better job.

So after lots of wiggling and twisting, out it popped!

She's not vain... just a excited!

I like this smile even more than before! :)