Pia's 4!!!

 

It was all about pink, chocolate and butterflies this year for Pia's birthday.  Sophia had her first official birthday party with friends, games, crafts, and 2 exhausted parents.  Even though the kids declared my butterfly sandwiches "disgusting", I would declare it a success.  The smiles make it all worthwhile.  

 Happy Birthday Pretty Lady!

If Looks Could Kill

Someone takes lotion time with her little brother a bit too serious!

It's Picture Day!

Are you ready for some Football??

Football season has officially started and thankfully the drought has somewhat ended here in Shanghai.  In the past year, there have become more options for us to watch both NFL and college games, some even live.  Technology, Doug's best friend.  So, Doug is officially a happier person now and has a little buddy for all the games.  

Our stats man, Eric, can tell you who the Packers are playing in which week and what the scores of all the games have been to date.  He changes into his Packer uniform every day, helmet and all, and has games with himself and his imaginary teammates in our living room.  (The Packers always win of course, even though the Bears have come close a few times!)  He comes home from school on game days and his first question is "What was the score of the game?"  Even Sophia is asking about the Packers.  I think it is safe to say they have officially been brainwashed.  But Doug says he is ok with that since he was also brainwashed at a very early age.  We just need to work those Hokies in there a bit too...

Here are a few videos of the kids practicing their skills with Daddy.  Not sure if Doug is being completely fair here, but it has good entertainment value!

They Continue to Amaze Us

You know your child is spoiled when....

Yes, that is a "Babychino"

The Dark Side of Sugar

After 1 chocolate bunny, 4 chocolate eggs, 5 plastic eggs filled with skittles, and an entire sleeve of Pez, Sophia finally hit rock bottom.

The good news is that all of the candy is gone and there will be no encore performance.

Daddy's Little Girl

All too Familar

I pray every day that my children don't have my eyes. But just in case, at least I know she will look adorable!

Is there any more??

Sheer Determination

Face of Corning Life Sciences

Notice the pipet...Daddy was so proud. ;O)

Girls just want to have fun!

Must have been some party!

Happy 2nd Birthday Sophia!!

It is amazing how much difference a year can make. Sophia had a blast this year for her birthday celebrations and even let her big brother help her with her presents. We had a really great time celebrating with our family and our friend Brian, who was visiting from Chicago. And a special thanks to everyone who sent their birthday wishes. She truly felt like the special girl that she is.

Happy Birthday Sophia! We love you so much and are so thankful for that beautiful smile!

(Click on the picture of the cake to see more photos from her big day.)

Dora!!!!

Princess Pia

Let the Party Begin!

The birthday celebrations have officially begun. Sophia had her school birthday party today with her friends. After we sang happy birthday to her in Chinese, we introduced many of her classmates to their first cupcake. It was really interesting.... Even though we kept telling them it was dan gao (cake), it wasn't until we cut it into smaller slices of cake that they decided it was safe enough to try. Good thing they had Sophia showing them how it's done!

Sheng ri kuai le Sophia!

The big cupcake reveal

"I'll take THAT one."

"Zhu ni sheng ri kaui le" (Happy Birthday to you!)

"What?? You can't waste it!"

Rock and Roll Baby!

Creativity

Accessorize!

Happy Birthday Pia!!

Can you believe it? Pia is already 1! The year has absolutely flown by. She has grown up so much and is quickly turning into such a fun little girl. Pia is such a blessing to our family. Even Eric has started telling her he loves her totally un-prompted!! (Wonder how long that will last!) And there is nothing like her smile!

We had a great weekend of parties with lots of family in town to help us celebrate (thank you so much everyone for making the trip!!) Here are a few of our favorite pictures so far (I think Dena has the winner though..more to come soon).

Happy birthday pretty lady! We love you!

Dare Devil