Alex's birthday party

To cap off the crazy weekend, we hosted Alex's birthday party at our house. 10 little girls generate an enormous amount of noise and take up more space than their size would lead you to think. Everyone survived, so it must have been a good time.
















Melissa got roped into staying and helping with the tie-dying experience.

Look at them go - a controlled mess.

Emma, Maddie, and Thira working hard.

Emma is proud of her effort.

Happy Maddie.

Thira looks very proper.

Dancing time - look out for Lily.

Pizza time!

Let the games begin.

Ellie wipes out.

Group shot in the basement.

Cake time.

Lily's Birthday Party

Our neighbors, Mel & Scott, hosted the birthday party for their daughter Maddie (also adopted from China) and Lily. Maddie turned 5 while Lily turned 2. It was a nice little neighborhood affair.





















Birthday cake.

Some crafting to entertain the kids.

Maddie had a toy kitty the kids loved to play with.

Lily and Hayes "play" (on Lily's terms, of course).

Felipe brings some Aguardiente for the crowd.

More play time.

Tracey, Lily, and Joe.

Cote and her girls.

Thira and Mahesh.

Time to open presents. Good thing Lily had Alex to help her out.

Post Thanksgiving

The Sheffler family stayed the night over before traveling back to Richmond. A few shots before they departed.





















Maddie and Mathew chill on the couch.

Margo bundles up.

Some music to entertain everyone at breakfast.

Lily and mom.

Thanksgiving

Turkey time, and I'm not just talking about Aunt Emily visiting. Thanksgiving festivities were in full swing. Emily & I started the day off with the local (but not small) Ashburn Turkey Trot. The Sheffler cousins arrived from Richmond in the afternoon to make it a day full of family and friends.

Geared up for the run.
















Alex prepares the name plates for Thanksgiving dinner.

Checking off her list.

Lily loves her books now.

Alex, Lily, and Maddie.

Time to feast.

Margo eats her turkey, then she takes a nap.

Henry and Matthew.

Lily gets into a game of peek-a-boo.

Matthew joins in the fun.

Family picture.

Lily Spin

Lily has discovered the joys of spinning one of the office chairs. We really need to get this girl a Sit-n-Spin.
















Let the spinning begin.

I think she likes it.

"Again"

The simple things in life.

Lily Birthday cake

The Yates joined us for Lily's birthday cake and singing extravaganza. Since this day, Lily has been attempting to sing "Happy Birthday to You", but it comes out as, "Day to You". Quite adorable.





















Preparing for the cake.

Everyone, but Lily, blows out the candles.

Family shot.

Lily chills.

Time for the annual UVA game (Go Hoos!). This year the opponent was Boston College. You might think we chose the Boston College because of Cote's connection to Boston - but the reality was the decision was based on the weekend that worked out best for us all. This year's outing was a bit light as Kerri was unable to join us with the Yates as Kerri was in the midst of a move to Colorado Springs. We sure missed Ms. Kerri.






















Lily getting her gear on.

Ry-Ry and Alex showing their school spirit.

Game time. Yes, this was a game in November.

Lily hanging out with the boys.

On Sunday, we walked around the campus to check out the sites.

Sure is pretty.

Alex and Lily pose in front of the rotunda.

All the girls this time.

Lily loved this rocking chair. She pitched a fit when we moved on.