Thursday, July 8, 2010

Summer Days

Came home from the pool with the girls and found this baby hawk inside our screened porch.
How it got there is a mystery.
Did a cat bring it home and decide it was too big?
Did the hawk fly thru the opening going after one of our cats who perch there?
Derek put on gloves and gently set it free.

Hard to believe this was 1 year ago...June 8, 2009
and here she is today...
Celebrating her 8th on the 8th!
A simple bday party at home in our backyard.
Water balloons, squirt guns, cake and icecream.
A hot June day.
The "most fun bday party ever" according to her friends.

A tear-jerker moment for mom as I remembered the
birthday pictures from last year in China...
as I waited for word of travel and to finally meet
my beautiful flower!
Looking at her today,
she still takes my breath away,
for who she is.

She worked hard at reading each card.
And was so thankful to each friend, giving hugs and thanks.
Not even any coaching from mom.
Each card was as important to her as the present attached to it.

Ava and Sydney...one of her bff's
And little E...getting ready to put on her new glasses...new prescription!
Divine. So glam. Ahhh, she can see again!
So cute.  I still smooch on her all day.
She is swimming under the water this summer.
Eyes open.
Fun to watch.
At the pool each and every day.

* * * * *
And now for the grand finale!
So, here's a video of Eliza having to use "words" to get my attention.
I told her I wouldn't answer her if she screamed or barked at me anymore.
I set up the camera on the table.
Turned my back and began making breakfast... 
Watch this!
Listen carefully, you can hear her repeating "how 'bout" too.

5 comments:

Reena said...

Hi,

Glad to see and hear everyone doing so well.

Summer is here-- the best time of year (IMHO!) and even better with sweet little girls to share it with.

Enjoy!
Reena

Tiffany said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE reading about your beautiful girls and seeing their photos... their beautiful smiles and Miss E's cuter than ever cheeks...

Once upon a time you sent Lily a picture of Miss E and you.... she had that out the other day and told me that was her special friend Eliza EEEEE EEEEEE.

I think about you all often and really enjoy your updates!

Unknown said...

GO ELIZA! What a great video of her in action! So glad to hear her voice... I miss her and hope that summer school is going well for both of your beautiful girls!

acceptance with joy said...

I don't think that is a baby hawk. It's a type of quail. My daughter is a bird lover and she's had all sorts of pet birds. This looks similar to her bobwhite. Probably this is a female. Very beautiful birds that run around and nest on the ground. Seldom fly.

Angela

the meaklims said...

Happy Birthday Ava! It looks like such a fun birthday and you are getting more beautiful by the day. I love how you read your birthday cards, that is so special! Any other little girl would simply through them to the side and go straight for the gift. You are a precious girl.

And Eliza, what can I say... everytime I see your beautiful happy smiling face, it makes me smile too. I'm glad you're such a happy loving girl and I can see why Mommy smooches your cheeks all day long. I'm so impressed that you can swim underwater with your eyes opened. I'm 33 and I can't even do that, and my 3 year old Lilah doesn't like water in her eyes at all. We could take some lessons from you! Love your new glasses, you are so beautiful.

Have a happy happy summer.
Love, Jill & Lilah xx