New pictures and an update on Gamma's blog

Last week, Michael stayed with Gamma and Papa. They stayed very busy. When Bill and I went to pick him up, we stayed a few days.

For pictures and and update check out:

http://dryanramblings.blogspot.com/

A special group of people....

Last Saturday, we drove about 2 hours to Lakota Ranch. It was a beautiful place. However, the reason we were there was much more special. We were attending a fundraiser for the Laila Rose Foundation. This foundation has been a blessing to us. They have helped us pay for Michael's cleft surgery and his speech therapy. Please take time to look at their website, read about what they do, and if you can support them.

We had a wonderful time at the fundraiser. We met the wonderful people who run and support the foundation. Everyone was so nice. We were also able to spend time with our friends the Harvers, whose son Levi is also from China. There was so much to do. They had sheep races, raffles, food, music, bull bingo, a fire truck, an ambulance, and so much more.  Michael especially liked the fire truck and the animals. We were standing there watching the bull bingo, aka waiting for the bull to do his business in a numbered square (you would think being from rural Alabama I would have heard of this before, but it was new to me), and Mark (one of the Laila Rose Foundation board members) asked Michael if he wanted to ride the bull. This was a 3,200 hundred pound bull. Without hesitation or evening looking at us to see if it was okay, he threw his cup down and ran toward the bull. He was so excited to ride a REAL bull like a REAL cowboy.

Michael had so much fun that the next day he asked if we could go back. Hopefully, we will be able to go again next year.

On Sunday, we celebrated Uncle Wo's (Joe's) birthday a little late. We had a cookout next door with Bill's dad, Joe, Joseph, Bill's sister, and her fiance. It was nice to have everyone together.

I may be on a hiatus for a couple of weeks. We do not have any major plans this week and Michael will be headed to see Gamma and Papa next Friday for a week. If I do not write more before then, have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Our little fireman

Filling a big hat

Ready to Roll

Stop, Drop, & Roll

Mommy & her little man

Watching the Sheep

Riding the bull.... Thank you Mark!

Uncle Wo, Wo Wo, and Michael

1st Swimming Lesson & 1st Fishie

Today, Michael had his first swimming lesson. He loved it and smiled the whole time. He loves the water and is fearless. He loves to jump into the pool whether it is from the side or a diving board, so it is a necessity that he learn to swim. He went right to Ms. Kelly and listened to her VERY well.

Since Michael was good all week for Mommy while Baba was out of town for work and since he listened to Ms. Kelly during swimming lessons, we promised him a special prize. After swimming, lessons we headed to the pet store and bought him his first fishie. It is a goldfish. Michael has named it "A-B-C-D Fish."

Day Out with Thomas

Michael loves Thomas the Train and all of his friends. Today, we were able to take him to Baltimore for a Day Out with Thomas. We rode the coach cars behind Thomas, met Sir Toppham Hat, and played and played. Afterwards, we had dinner with some friends who went to China at the same time we did in 2008. Here are some pictures from the day:

Just One of the Guys

I have come to the conclusion that I am meant to be just one of the guys. I have a wonderful husband and a loving 3 year old son who fill my heart with joy everyday. My father in-law (Big Bill), brother in-law (Joe), and 9 year old nephew (Joseph) live next door to me. We spend a lot of time with them. On Saturday, I spent a whole day with my nephew at Busch Gardens riding roller coasters and talking. It was just the two of us and it was a day that we both needed.

There was a time that I thought that I would not be the only girl in my house. However, God had bigger and much better plans. Now, my days are filled with trains, cars, trucks, dragons, dinosaurs, baseball, football, etc. Most of all they are filled with hugs, kisses, and a lot of love.

Yep! I am one of the guys, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Hall Guys

Miracles & Easter

Michael is from the province of Shanxi. You may have seen the following on the news, but I wanted to share it with you. Shanxi produces 2/3 of the coal that China uses. We have a soft spot in our heart for the people of China, especially the people of Shanxi. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending for most. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36157561/ns/world_news-asiapacific/

We all had a good Easter. The Easter Bunny left Michael a basket full of toys and some candy (Michael doesn't care for sweets, so it was Baba's favorites that our long eared friend left). Below are two pictures from Sunday. In the one outside, the sun was shining in Michael's eyes, but I still like the pic.

A New Beginning

I have kept a blog for a little over two years now that detailed our adoption of our son Michael and our time home with him. (http://www.michaelmakes3.blogspot.com/) My last post there was on December 31, 2009. I started thinking about it and decided it was time to start a new blog with a new direction. This blog will not only be about Michael and our adoption. It will include more about our daily lives, including our family, our friends, our thoughts, etc. It will be a way for everyone near and far to keep up with us.

When creating this blog, I was faced with giving it a title. I threw a few ideas around and ended up with the title "Roots, Branches, and Wings." The three following quotes sum the title up:

"Our family is like the branches of a tree.We may grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one. Each of us will always be a part of the other."

“Good parents give their children Roots and Wings. Roots to know where home is, Wings to fly away and exercise what's been taught them.”

"Family gives you roots, friends give you wings."

I hope to keep the blog updated more than our last. The posts may be short at times. They may include a picture, a quote, or just random thoughts. Hopefully, you will enjoy this small glimpse into our lives.