Henry's teddy bear

Henry was playing with his teddy bear by Harper the other night.  His advice to Harper was,"Don't pull his ears or tail or he will cry."  I love his imagination.  His little white teddy bear is still banished from sleeping in his bed with him because according to Henry the bear talks too much and keeps him awake.

Refrigerator Art

Luke Skywalker and Superman

A new game

Clint is teaching Pearl and Cal how to play chess.  They are hoping they can play with Grandpa Jimmie and their cousin Samuel.

Good bye baby teeth

Tonight Cal lost his 2nd baby tooth!  He pulled it out all by himself.  He's hoping the tooth fairy leaves him "ten hundred dollars."

Cal and the Beanstalk

Last Sunday Cal planted these bean seeds at Sunday School.  As we left, he told me his teacher said planting the seeds was like planting Jesus in your heart.  Then he said, "Yeah, but I'm going to plant them outside so I can climb up the beanstalk and get the golden goose!"  Hmm.....

Tummy Time

Sunday afternoon nap

Harper's a sweet little cuddler

Super Chefs

Under Clint's supervision (or lack there of)  the boys cut up an apple with a butter knife because they were "super chefs."  Of course we had to get a picture because they were just too cute.

Harper is three months old today

Hanging out on the couch before school

Sisters

School begins...

Yesterday was the first day of school for Pearl, Cal, and Henry.  They were all so excited.  This was a huge blessing, because I honestly had been dreading it.  Sending them to a new school, on a bus,  into the classrooms of teachers whom I don't know scared the pants off of me.   I now have new found respect for all of the parents over the last ten years that have trusted me with their darlings.

Once again I was able to see how God is so in control.  They all loved school.  They came home talking about nice teachers, seat belts on the bus,  new planners, new friends, how the toilets flush, ... our adventure continues.  God is good.

To China and Back

On the way

The North Pole (Cal was looking for Buddy the Elf)

ISME conference

Clint and Gareth giving their presentation at ISME conference
Clint presented "Recorder Hero" a couple of days later

Tiananmen Square

Cal absolutely loved China.  He told Mom that when he grew up he was going to marry a girl from  China!

Beijing Zoo

The Cube

The Bird's Nest-This was across from Clint's conference

The Great Wall

"Handsome boy"  Cal and one of his many new friends

Terracotta Soldiers at Xi' an

Relaxing at the hotel

Tiananmen square

Back home

An Unexpected Layover

When the flight from Tampa to Washington D.C. was late, Mom, Cal and Clint ended up missing their flight to Beijing.  Fortunately, they were able to spend the day and night with Clint's cousin Rick and his wife Den-Ney  who live in D.C.   They were so kind.  Clint, Cal, and Mom had a wonderful time taking in all of sights.

Cal and  Den-Ney

Cal and Rick

Visiting the Botanical Garden

Playing Inside

Well, unless you are in the pool, we have found that it is way too hot and humid to play outside down here.  Fortunately, Pearl and Henry have pretty big imaginations.  This week they created "Kids' World" out of chairs, tables, and a few blankets in our living room.  Their name tags are their "ID Cards" to enter.

Harper is trying out her new seat.

Fun with Grandpa Phil

While Clint, Cal, and Mom are in China, Dad has been with us in Land O Lakes.    Pearl, Henry, and Harper are enjoying their extra time with Grandpa.

Grandpa and Harper

Swimming 

Playing Candy Land after breakfast

Pearl, Harper, Cal, and Henry