our time

As you can tell, we have plenty to keep us busy.  So after that burst of blogging, I'm taking a break to work on other things!

Madison's birthday

We were honored to attend Madison's birthday party.  We met Madison's parents in Japan while we were all waiting to become parents (of humans.)  Now we live near them again.  We almost got to travel to China at the same time back in 2010.

At the party, we got to meet new friends, dogs, and a cat.  Jeff built Ariel a stuffed dragon while she napped on the couch.

The Birthday Girl, Ariel, and Jeff.

sunny day by the water

 Last weekend, we played a bit at a nearby park on the Potomac River.

 Ariel enjoyed running, skipping, swinging & flipping (between us), shoulder-riding, and piggy-back riding.

spring activities

 the carousel on the National Mall (by Smithsonian Castle)

She loved it - it went fast!

 An Easter package from Grandma Barb & Papa Rich.  She immediately fell in love with the big bunny.

 With our buddy Marika on a summer-like day.

 Taking a rest as we strolled through Old Town Alexandria.

 But at the wharf, she decided to help out.

 Swinging and using the Integrated Listening System (iLS) at occupational therapy.  Ariel has had a surge in language lately, and we think the iLS is helping.  Of course, it helps to wear a Park Falls, Wisconsin bear & moon shirt, too.

Buying a new Hello Kitty hat at Andrews BX.

field trip to Children's Museum

 Ariel's preschool went to the Children's Museum at the National Harbor in Maryland.  We played in a toy firetruck, and spent lots of time in the "cultures of the world" area.

 Ariel with a new friend in a tuk-tuk (the vehicle.)

 Ariel in the tuk-tuk with her classmate, Leo.

 Trying on a Japanese yukata (robe.)

Jellyfish.

DC Cherry Blossom Festival

 It was last month, in late March.  Blossoms had just started, but lots of people from many places were enjoying the festival.  We had beer with a couple from Long Island.  Ariel ran around in the grass with Jeff while I studied my "LabQ" (articles for continuing education.)

fun times with Grandma Alice

 In Batesville, we visited the Humane Society, where Mom helps take animals to and from their vet appointments.  This is the Sara Low Cat Room, where cats live in comfort until they find families.

 Garfield was very snuggly.  The next day, he went to a family.

 At Alice's house, Ariel often climbed into this cat condo.

Ariel's first (salon) haircut

 On March 26th, Ariel had her first real haircut in a salon.  We went to the Hair Loft in Batesville, where Sheila has been cutting my hair since I was 5.  Ariel felt more comfortable sitting in my lap, and Sheila went right to work.  Debra (on the right) is Sheila's niece, and they've worked together for years.  Debra entertained Ariel with a Hello Kitty toy and lollipop during the haircut.

Ariel was dubious at first, but once she caught sight of her beautiful self in the mirror, she realized it was "beauty time" and she calmed down.

Beautiful!

Happy Forever Family Day, Ariel!

Yesterday, we celebrated the day we met Ariel.  That was 3 years ago in Guangzhou, China.  We were nervous and rushed that day - flying in from Beijing in the morning, checking into our hotel (choosing between a luxurious small room and an older but more spacious apartment - we chose the room), filling out papers exactly right just before the big moment.

But all that rushed and nervous feeling went away when we met Ariel.  She seemed happy to meet us, and comfortable to be in our care.  She especially liked looking at and cuddling with Jeff.  She was only 13 pounds.  We had a short bath together, which she surprisingly enjoyed.  She had some moments of crying that week in the hotel.  She preferred to be on the go, rather than stuck in the room.  We often heard her friend, Haley, from down the hall shouting an exuberant "Hao la!" (pronounced how-lah) which loosely means "let's go, I'm ready for a change!"  Ariel agreed, and has proven herself to be an adventure girl ever since.

We love you so much, Ariel Hao Liang!

Here are a few recent pictures:

She was drawn to this store's merry-go-round.

And was very excited about the big, fast carousel on the National Mall.

She likes to give Mrs. Potato Head unconventional looks.  She completely assembled her this day while I turned my head.

Cuddling her bunny from Grandma Barb and Papa Rich.

a few photos from home and Arkansas

Nene & Ralph watching Mr. Dalal's house and the snow.

Some of Terence's dogs.  Due to dog-neglecting neighbors, several dogs  recently joined his family.  I forgot to photograph Terence and his mom, Sheila, but I did get Miss Pug and Miss Pie.

Ariel with Grandma Alice at the cabin

eating blackberries at Alice's house