3 Years Together!!!

November 7, 2014 was the third anniversary of our Family Day.  The wonderful day that Gary and I met our amazing daughter, Natalie Wanhan, in the Jiangxi province of China. I knew from the very first moment I met her I would do anything for Natalie including giving my life for hers without hesitation. Since then I have seen this beautiful (inside and out) child touch the lives of so many others. Recently I was asked on a form to list at least one strength of my child. I could have written for hours, but I just wrote the first few words that came to mind: focused, detail oriented, curious, compassionate and wise. When I read the words back to myself I seemed like I was talking about someone in their 40s or 50s. Natalie Wanhan is an old soul. It is mind boggling how a four year old girl is changing the world through her deep love and compassion. In the last 12 months I have lost Gary and three other friends. All four of those people had life altering moments with Natalie prior to their deaths. She inspires so many others, including me, to be their best selves. I am so excited to see what the future holds with this phenomenal child in my life and on our planet. 

When I asked Natalie what she wanted to do to celebrate our 4th Family Day she said she wanted to climb Pinnacle Mountain.  In the picture below you can see the sign that says it is a 1 1/2 mile trip that is steep, rugged and strenuous.  I wasn’t anticipating going all the way to the top because I thought Natalie would tire out before then, but she surprised me (as she frequently does).  Once when I stopped for a rest Natalie said “Come on Mama, we can’t stop until we get to the top.”  

 

On top of our little corner of the world.

Words can not express how much I love this child.  I am the luckiest mama!

After our hike Natalie wanted to wear one of her Chinese dresses and have dinner at a Chinese restaurant.  Happy Family Day to my delightful Natalie Wanhan.

Springtime Fun

Katie and Louie enjoying a Springtime Walk

 All the girls in Natalie's class just got their costumes for the upcoming recital at the end of May.  Natalie is thrilled with hers.

At the beginning of April Natalie started swimming lessons.  Her teacher is very sweet and patient and Natalie is loving her classes.

Natalie with a couple of friends at school.  I love how her friend has her hand on Natalie's back. They are all such sweet girls.

A rare site: Natalie wearing jeans.  She wore them to the park and immediately changed back into a dress when we got home.

Natalie and the Easter Bunny

Easter Day

The Hunt is on...

Heading out for another trip to the Tunnel Park

Getting dollies ready for bed.  I asked Natalie about the blocks on top of each dolly.  She said that was their snack :)

Natalie lined my bottle collection up and was so proud of her work.  

Here's to hoping for a long spring and a delay of the hot summer days.

February and March Pics

Mommy and Natalie at the school Valentine Party

Natalie's Chicken Friend

Watching the Little Rock Marathon

St. Patrick's Day

Pinnacle Mountain State Park with Friends

Natalie's First Playdate at Our House

Making Lunches

Playing at the Tunnel Park with Friends

Riding the Carousel at the Zoo

Our First Spring Flowers

Natalie and I recently walked around our yard and picked our first bouquet of the season.  Natalie said they were her getting married flowers.  She is a bit obsessed about getting married... I think mainly because she thinks wedding dresses are pretty.  I told her she shouldn't get married until she is at least 30 :)

Japanese Quince and Chinese-American Beauty

As I was cleaning out my closet today I found an old skirt that I decided to make into an impromptu dress for Natalie.  Using a ribbon and a few safety pins Natalie was soon wearing her new princess dress.  Gary thought she looked so pretty that he did a quick photo shoot in front of our Japanese Quince.

Natalie and the Newfs On a Nature Walk

We're ready to Go!


Seriously, let's get going!


A view inside our clown car.  People can't believe we all fit.


Pinnacle Mountain in the distance


Family portrait


Natalie developed a fondness for runners when she watched the Marathon last month.  She still likes to cheer for them, give them applause and wave to them as she is doing in the picture below.


It was a beautiful spring day with a gorgeous blue sky


Katie and Louie enjoyed the cool morning walk.