China Reunion for Travel Group #131

This year Travel Group #131's reunion was held in Portland, Maine. It was hosted by Doug and Tammy Welsh at their home. The turnout was the biggest ever. Even Judy, Sean and Kiley from Singapore were able to attend. I so enjoy seeing all these six year old little Chinese girls holding hands, laughing and playing like they see each other every day.

These children have a very special bond. Hopefully, they will always allocate a time to celebrate the reason for that bond together.

I am looking forward to celebrating next year in Connecticut with them. I can't wait to meet the additions some of the families are expecting.
Hugs and kisses,

Emily Turns "6"

Emily 's second "6th" birthday party was celebrated at Gramma's and Grampa's with her annual pool party. We all had a great time. The kids enjoyed the pool and the adults enjoyed chatting with each other. Aunt Stacy made Em's birthday cake. It was in the shape of a butterfly, but was actually individual cupcakes; unique, like our Em:~)

There were presents galore. And Em loved every one of them. She certainly has lots of crafts to do. Gramma and Grampa gave her the most beautiful beauty salon chair. It is for her American Girl dolls.

Emily had a hot, very sunny day to celebrate her birthday. But the next day the entire eastern coast suffered extreme devastation from the effects of Hurricane Irene. The recovery will be long and arduous.

My happiest times are those spent with family, especially the children; all the children. Their smiles make me smile and I forget whatever worries I have. Thank God for bringing us all our children.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara and her BFF in 4th Grade Talent Show

OK, I know the Talent Show occurred in May, but you have to realize I am a very busy Nana. I had hoped the pictures would have come out better, but what you see is what we got. You can still see how much fun Kara and her BFF had dancing to a "Monster High Fright Song."

A few years ago Kara would never have gotten on the stage and performed. She has come such a long way. It has been lots of fun watching her personality develop. Kara is a beautiful preteen young lady who can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. I think Miss Kara will amaze herself and her family many times throughout her school years.

So that about covers Tamarac Elementary's Third Annual Talent Show. Another fun night for Nana and Papa.
Hugs and kisses,

Too Funny!

We have the pleasure of spending the entire day with our four wonders. The boys stayed overnight with us. The girls had an overnight with friends.

When Papa went to pick up the girls, he looked at Kara and said, "You have Nana hair." Her retort was, "No, I do not" with the voice that says "I would never have hair that bad." Should I be insulted because Kara is insinuating my hair is so bad she would never have Nana hair? Or should I be proud because no one can have "Nana hair" but Nana????

Comments are welcome.
Hugs and kisses,

Alex Turns "5"

We all had a great time at Alexander's fifth birthday party - both of them. The theme for his big party was baseball. As you can see, he had a Bouncy Bounce and a pinata. Candy flew everywhere and laughs were heard as the children bounced to their hearts' content.

Debbie rang the bell on The Baldwin's front lawn, but I think the party had already begun. This year Zack and Alex celebrated their birthdays in their new house. The picture in the lower left corner is the bird bath surrounded by Lazy Susans in their backyard. Many things in their home are very unique; making it feel like home.

Alex is a big boy now and is going to kindergarten in a few short weeks. It's hard to believe Nana and Papa will not be spending a day with our youngest grandchild. But it is time for our Alex to join the ranks of the other five and six year olds wearing backpacks and running to the school bus.

Happy "5th" birthday, Alex.
Hugs and kisses,

Note Left on Our Night Stand in Maine

This weekend we spent in Portland, Maine at Emily's China group reunion (that will be another page). Papa and I left our room to socialize with some of the Moms and Dads. We left their door ajar because we were going from Grandma's room to the Film's room all weekend. When we returned, Papa found a note on our night stand. He laughed that great laugh he has when something strikes him really funny. The frame on the left side of this picture is the note Kara left.

Of course, that night at dinner I had to share it with the rest of the family. Hence, Kara provided me with the note on the right side. It lists all the Monster High dolls Kara does not have. Since I am the one who lives with my computer, I hope to find a few of them for her.

All in all, we had a fun weekend!
Hugs and kisses,

So Beautiful to Me

I've had this picture for a while. I just love it. Kara looks so serene.

I have been taking closeup shots of all four kids. I just need to remember where they are on my computer.
Hugs and kisses,

The Decision is Yours!

I have downloaded my first blog and am in the process of putting it into book form for my four darlings. Each time my grandchildren have been brought to our house before their parent went to work, they referred to my hair as "Nana hair." I fully understand because when I first get up my hair is really not looking good at all. Each hair is going in a different direction.

OK, I will get to the point. My daughters want me to include a picture of me with "Nana hair" in my book. I leave the decision to my blog readers. Your comments will make my decision. All yays and nays must be entered in the comment section by August 23rd. My final decision is up to you:~)Oh, I forgot to mention, each person can only vote once.
Hugs and kisses,

PS - Anyone can vote, including me:~)

Our Trip to the Bronx Zoo with The Films'

I almost forgot to post this trip. The weekend we went to The American Girl Place our first stop was at the Bronx Zoo. It was really a lot of fun. The sun was shining and it was warm enough that we didn't need jackets. The girls kept us running from one exhibit on to the next. I learned something I find rather strange. Male flamingos are a bright shade of orange; not pink. There is a picture of them in my layout.

The hilight to our entire day was when the peacock spread his feathers. Such a sight to behold. And he just stood there in front of us like he was enjoying every bit of the attention.

From the zoo, we moved on to the Hilton for the night with Kara and Emily so wound up about the next day. We all had a wonderful time. I could say "another great memory," but I won't!!
Hugs and kisses,